John,

When I was teaching my son to play guitar, he wanted to experiment with open tunings. I wouldn't let him.

I told him after he actually learned to play guitar in standard tuning, then he could learn to "cheat". I'm happy to say he never learned to "cheat".

I can appreciate the things these guys do in open tuning. But I always wonder, can you actually play guitar?

Bob

PS. Some stringed instruments are MEANT to be open tuned. Banjo, dobro and dulcimer. These don't count.