Open G Tuning

Creates a G major chord when strummed open. Perfect for blues, slide guitar, and Rolling Stones-style rock.

intermediateOpen TuningBlues • Rock

String Configuration

1(High E)
D4
293.66 Hz
2(String 2)
B3
246.94 Hz
3(String 3)
G3
196.00 Hz
4(String 4)
D3
146.83 Hz
5(String 5)
G2
98.00 Hz
6(Low E)
D2
73.42 Hz

Why Use This Tuning?

  • •Beautiful open chord sound
  • •Perfect for slide guitar
  • •Unique chord voicings
  • •Great for blues and folk
  • •Inspiring for songwriting

Keep in Mind

  • •Requires learning new chord shapes
  • •Higher string tension on some strings
  • •Limited range compared to standard
  • •Can be hard on fingers initially

How to Tune Your Guitar

1

Tune the low E string (6th string) down to D

E2 → D2 (down 2 semitones)

2

Tune the A string (5th string) down to G

A2 → G2 (down 2 semitones)

3

Keep the D string (4th string) at D

D3 → D3 (up 0 semitones)

4

Keep the G string (3rd string) at G

G3 → G3 (up 0 semitones)

5

Keep the B string (2nd string) at B

B3 → B3 (up 0 semitones)

6

Tune the high E string (1st string) down to D

E4 → D4 (down 2 semitones)

Essential Chord Shapes

G Major

beginner
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Open strummed - the foundation of this tuning

C Major

intermediate
555555

Barre chord at 5th fret

D Major

intermediate
777777

Full barre at 7th fret

Am

beginner
220000

Simple two-finger chord

Famous Artists & Songs

The Rolling Stones

  • • "Start Me Up"
  • • "Brown Sugar"
  • • "Honky Tonk Women"

Keith Richards

  • • "Wild Horses"
  • • "Angie"
  • • "Beast of Burden"

Robert Johnson

  • • "Cross Road Blues"
  • • "Sweet Home Chicago"
  • • "Me and the Devil Blues"

Practice Exercises

Open Chord Exploration

intermediateChord vocabulary and voicings

Discover the unique chord voicings available in Open G

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice the open G chord
  2. 2.Learn basic barre chord shapes
  3. 3.Experiment with partial chords
  4. 4.Practice chord progressions
  5. 5.Work on fingerpicking patterns

Slide Guitar Basics

advancedSlide guitar technique

Introduction to slide guitar technique in Open G

Steps:

  1. 1.Learn proper slide positioning
  2. 2.Practice intonation with slide
  3. 3.Work on vibrato and sustain
  4. 4.Practice blues scales with slide
  5. 5.Learn classic slide licks

Related Tunings

Related Tunings

Open D Tuning

Creates a D major chord when strummed open. Perfect for slide guitar, blues, and folk music with a bright, ringing tone.

DADGAD Tuning

A modal tuning that creates rich, droning sounds perfect for Celtic, folk, and ambient music. Neither major nor minor.

Explore More Guitar Tunings

Discover new sounds and expand your playing with alternative tunings from around the world.

Browse All Tunings →Practice Exercises