Target notes
D2 - G2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - D4
Low to high
Open G Tuning target notes
6D25G24D33G32B31D4
Open Open G Tuning Tuner The full tuner opens with this tuning already selected.
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Guitar Tuning Guide
Open G Tuning Guide and Online Guitar Tuner
Tune guitar to Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D), follow the exact changes from standard tuning, and open a preset microphone tuner.
What Is Open G Tuning?
The open strings form a G major chord with doubled G and D notes.
Open G Tuning uses D2 - G2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - D4 from the lowest sixth string to the highest first string.
Change from standard
Lower the sixth string from E to D, the fifth from A to G, and the first from E to D; D, G, and B remain standard.
Sound and feel
The open strings form a G major chord with doubled G and D notes.
Common uses
Blues, rock, slide guitar, folk, roots music, droning riffs, and movable major-chord shapes.
How to Tune a Guitar to Open G Tuning
Make small adjustments, let each string settle, and repeat the complete guitar after the neck tension changes.
- 1
Start near standard tuning
Check that the current string pitches are known before making larger changes.
- 2
Follow the target sequence
Lower the sixth string from E to D, the fifth from A to G, and the first from E to D; D, G, and B remain standard. The final low-to-high targets are D2 - G2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - D4.
- 3
Use the microphone tuner
Open the preset tuner, play one string at a time, and move the cents reading toward zero.
- 4
Recheck every string
Retuning changes total neck tension. Repeat the sequence until earlier strings no longer drift.
What Open G Tuning Is Used For
Blues, rock, slide guitar, folk, roots music, droning riffs, and movable major-chord shapes.
Major chords with one finger
Barre across the strings to move the open G major relationship up the neck.
Slide and blues
The strings align around a major chord, making parallel slide positions musically useful.
Five-string Keith Richards setup
Some players remove or avoid the lowest D string and use G-D-G-B-D on the upper five.
Open-string riffs
Alternate between fretted shapes and ringing G or D drones for a broad, resonant rhythm sound.
Open G Tuning vs. Standard Guitar Tuning
The same guitar can use either setup, but open strings, tension, chord shapes, and usable drones change.
| Open G Tuning | Standard tuning | |
|---|---|---|
| Open strings | D2 - G2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - D4 | E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4 |
| How to change | Lower the sixth string from E to D, the fifth from A to G, and the first from E to D; D, G, and B remain standard. | No retuning required |
| Character | The open strings form a G major chord with doubled G and D notes. | Balanced and familiar across most styles |
| Best for | Blues, rock, slide guitar, folk, roots music, droning riffs, and movable major-chord shapes. | General chords, scales, lessons, and repertoire |
After a large tuning change, check string tension, fret buzz, intonation, and whether a different string gauge would suit a permanent setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in Open G Tuning?
From the lowest string to the highest, use D2 - G2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - D4.
How do I change from standard tuning?
Lower the sixth string from E to D, the fifth from A to G, and the first from E to D; D, G, and B remain standard.
What is Open G Tuning best for?
Blues, rock, slide guitar, folk, roots music, droning riffs, and movable major-chord shapes.
Do I need different guitar strings?
Occasional moderate retuning usually works with an existing set. Permanent low or high tunings may need a different gauge and a setup for stable tension, action, and intonation.
Should I tune up or down to the target?
Approach the final note from slightly below when possible. This helps the string settle around the tuning-post tension instead of immediately slipping flat.
Can I use the tuner on a phone?
Yes. Open the preset tuner, allow microphone access, keep the phone near the guitar, and play one clear open string at a time.
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