Originally Posted by: Itsmesillycould you explain why using open tuning makes it so all you have to do its barre to play chords?

http://www.guitartricks.com/search.php?input=open+tuning

Essentially, you tune the strings to sound only notes that form a major chord (1st, major 3rd, 5th scale degrees), then by simply barring your index finger all the way across any given fret makes it possible to play any and all 12 major chords.