Open G tuning at a glance
Open G tuning makes a G major chord when you strum all six open strings. From standard tuning, lower strings 6, 5 and 1 one whole step. Strings 4, 3 and 2 stay at D3, G3 and B3. Choose Open G in the tuner; Open G variation is a different preset.
How it soundsStrum the open strings and you get a ringing G major chord. Simple barre shapes and shared open notes make Open G great for blues, slide guitar, and rolling rock rhythms.
Your target notes
- Changed from standard
- 3 of 6 strings
- Lowest note
- D2
- Tuner preset
- Open G
Open G tuning notes
From string 6 (thickest) to string 1 (thinnest): D2 · G2 · D3 · G3 · B3 · D4.
Highlighted strings differ from standard tuning (E2 · A2 · D3 · G3 · B3 · E4).
| String | Note | From standard |
|---|---|---|
| 6Thickest | D2 | Down a whole step from E2 |
| 5 | G2 | Down a whole step from A2 |
| 4 | D3 | Same as standard |
| 3 | G3 | Same as standard |
| 2 | B3 | Same as standard |
| 1Thinnest | D4 | Down a whole step from E4 |
How to tune your guitar to Open G
Use the tuner above and allow microphone access when prompted. Pluck a string and adjust its peg until the tuner shows that string’s target note in the center.
- The tuner above starts in Open G. If you change it, choose this preset again in All tunings.
- Lower string 6 from E2 to D2, string 5 from A2 to G2, and string 1 from E4 to D4.
- Check all six strings against D2, G2, D3, G3, B3 and D4, then gently strum and recheck.
Tuning tipPluck one string at a time and let it ring. Make small peg adjustments while watching the tuner. Follow the string to its own peg before turning it, and recheck the strings after every pass.
Playing in Open G
A straight barre across the strings moves the open major-chord shape up the neck. Standard chord shapes may change because three strings have changed pitch. To return to standard, select Standard first, then raise strings 6, 5 and 1 one whole step and recheck all six strings.
Songs in Open G
These recordings are useful starting points; check each song’s arrangement for capo or string setup details.
- Start Me Up — The Rolling Stones Tuning source
- Brown Sugar — The Rolling Stones Tuning source
- Honky Tonk Women — The Rolling Stones Tuning source
Did you know?
Keith Richards often uses a five-string version of Open G, G–D–G–B–D, leaving off the sixth string. This guide and the tuner above keep all six strings. Read the story
