The DADGAD tuning is covered in my other hub Guitar in DADGAD tuning, and there is some video to show you what can be achieved - even if you don't play guitar yet, you might enjoy the music.

The first seven chords are the chords in the harmonised scale of D, which is all you need for most folk, pop and rock songs. The chord name is subject to discussion, but 99% accurate I think. After that you could explore some weird and wonderful chords - use the shapes I've written out, but move them up and down the neck in a spirit of playful exploration. I find red wine helps with this.

The DADGAD tuning is especially effective for Irish/Celtic/Breton music and for solo singer-guitarists can give you a really full and interesting sound with very little effort.

Important tip: Do try picking or playing arpeggios through these chords rather than just strumming. Also harmonics at frets 5, 7, 12 will sound terrific.

Changing just one string (string 3 from G to F sharp) puts you in open D tuning. Of course, the chord shapes will be different.

This tuning is great for songwriting. Many really original sounding chords are there to be discovered, and the open string ring will really bring out the best in an acoustic guitar.

The power of tunings is everywhere on the early Joni Mitchell albums. Hejira is one of my favourites.

I'll put in a link to a Joni Mitchell fan site, which has a very comprehensive selection of her songs with lyrics and chord changes. It's a work of art really, and essential as a source for songwriters and acoustic guitar players.

This is one example of a song that sounds great in the Open D tuning ( D A D Fsharp A D) - using barre shapes on frets 0, 5, 7,with some E7 shapes hammered on. it's very easy to play, but the sound is full and will bring out the tone from most acoustics. Probably played on a dreadnought Martin.