Open G tuning changes the way your guitar is tuned, which in turn changes the chord shapes you’ll use. This post contains all you need to know about this lush alternative guitar tuning. 🎸
Open G tuning is a fantastic way to unlock a whole new world of sounds on your guitar.
You can play bluesy licks and shimmery folk progressions or just go nuts with a slide – it’ll add some serious mojo to your playing.
From open G tuning notes to open G tuning chord shapes; let’s dive in and see what open G is all about! 🙌
What is Open G Tuning?
Yes, standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) is the bread and butter of modern guitar music, but it can get a bit stale after a while if you’re looking to play something fresh.
Open G tuning is when you change the tuning of your guitar strings to create a G major chord when you strum all the strings open.
Open G tuning, also known as Spanish Tuning, is a popular open tuning in blues and folk music due to its rich sound and ease of playing certain chords.
How Do You Tune Your Guitar to Open G Tuning?
Tuning your guitar to open G is a simple and easy process. As we just learned, the goal is to tune all the open strings to the notes that make up a G major chord, which are G – B – D.
This results in the open G tuning of D – G – D – G – B – D.
Here are the steps to tune your guitar to an open G chord followed by an illustration of the open G tuning notes compared to standard tuning notes:
- Tune the 6th string (low E) down a tone (whole step) to D.
- Next, it's the A string. Tune it down a tone (whole step) to G.
- The D, G, and B strings stay the same as in standard tuning.
- Finally, tune the 1st string (high E) down a whole step to D.
Open G Tuning Notes Vs. Standard Tuning Notes
Pro Tip
Tuning down strings loosens tension, so go slowly and retune a couple of times to ensure accuracy. There are many free tuning apps available or you can use a clip-on electronic tuner.
Open G Tuning Chords
The beauty of open G tuning is that you can form many chord shapes with simple finger positions.
Let’s have a look at the easiest open G tuning major and minor chord shapes to get you started, which are some of the fastest to memorize.
Open G Tuning Major Chords
- G Major: This is the open G chord you get by strumming all the open strings, so no fingers are needed! FYI, mute the 6th string to play the G as the root: X-0-0-0-0-0 🕺
- A Major: Barre your 1st finger across strings 5-1 on the 2nd fret to form an A major chord in open G tuning: X-2-2-2-2-2
Repeat the process and move this movable barre chord shape anywhere on the fretboard to play a major chord in open G tuning.
Take a look below.👇
Open G Tuning Minor Chord Shapes
To play a minor chord in open G tuning, you lower the major third of the major chord shape by a semitone (half step) to create the minor quality.
This results in the following intervals: root, minor third, and perfect fifth.
To play Am in open G tuning, position your fingers on the fretboard as follows: X-2-2-2-1-X.
This chord shape can be moved up and down the fretboard to create other minor chords (except for the low Gm chord shown below) while maintaining the same finger positions relative to the new root note.
Set your peepers on the chord chart below.👇
Understanding the theory behind chord construction in alternate tunings like open G can greatly expand your musical vocabulary and offer new creative possibilities on the guitar.
Is your basic music theory dodgy? Check out my beginner-friendly book Easy Peasy Guitar Music Theory: for Beginners to brush up.
Open G Tuning Songs
Open G tuning has been a secret weapon for many guitar legends. For instance, Keith Richards of Rolling Stones is famous for loving open G tuning.
He often removed the 6th string and tuned his 5-string guitar to G–D–G–B–D for that signature Stones sound. Now that’s style!
Open G guitar tuning brings a unique flavor to songs, making them instantly recognizable. Here are a few classic songs that use open G tuning:
“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones: This classic rock hit features Keith Richards’ iconic riff played in open G tuning, contributing to its raw and energetic vibe.
“When The Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin: Jimmy Page’s haunting slide guitar work in open G adds a haunting, atmospheric quality to this blues-rock masterpiece.
“Crossroad Blues” by Robert Johnson: In this blues standard, Robert Johnson’s timeless acoustic guitar playing in open G tuning creates an airy backdrop for his soulful vocals and evocative lyrics.
“Little Green” by Joni Mitchell: Joni Mitchell’s gorgeously delicate fingerpicking in open G tuning provides the perfect accompaniment to her poignant storytelling.
“Death Letter” by The White Stripes: Jack White’s gritty guitar work in G major tuning drives the energy of this blues-rock track.
“Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes: The infectious groove of this cover version is enhanced by the use of open G tuning.
“Daughter” by Pearl Jam: Eddie Vedder’s growly vocals soar over the dynamic guitar work in open G tuning, adding depth to this alt rock classic.
Summing it Up
As you have fun messing around with open G tuning, remember that experimentation is key.
Whether you’re strumming along to classic rock hits or crafting your own compositions, open G tuning offers a canvas for your creativity to flourish.
So, pick up your guitar, explore the depths of open G Tuning, and let your musical journey unfold with every chord and riff you play.
