Open G Tuning: Blues & Slide Guitar Guide

What is Open G Tuning?

Open G tuning (DGDGBD) tunes the open strings to form a G major chord. This iconic tuning is the backbone of blues, slide guitar, and classic rock. It’s called “open” because strumming all strings creates a complete chord without fretting any notes.

String Notes (6th to 1st)

• 6th String (Thickest): D2 (73.42 Hz)
• 5th String: G2 (98.00 Hz)
• 4th String: D3 (146.83 Hz)
• 3rd String: G3 (196.00 Hz)
• 2nd String: B3 (246.94 Hz)
• 1st String (Thinnest): D4 (293.66 Hz)

Why Use Open G?

Open G tuning enables:

1. Slide Guitar Mastery — Slide a single finger up the neck to change chords
2. Bottleneck Technique — Using a glass or metal slide for smooth pitch changes
3. Blues Authenticity — The traditional tuning of blues legends
4. Open Chord Sound — Rich, resonant chords from open strings
5. Fingerstyle Possibilities — Bass on 6th string with melody on higher strings

Legendary Open G Players

Blues Masters

• Muddy Waters — “Rollin’ Stone,” “Hoochie Coochie Man”
• Son House — Slide guitar pioneer
• Howlin’ Wolf — Raw, powerful blues guitar
• John Lee Hooker — Rhythmic blues mastery

Rock Icons

• Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) — “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Brown Sugar”
• Ry Cooder — Master slide guitarist
• Bonnie Raitt — Blues-rock slide guitar
• Robert Johnson — Delta blues legend

How to Tune to Open G

Using Guitar Tuner Ultra

1. Visit the Guitar Tuner app
2. Select “Guitar”
3. Choose “Open G” tuning preset
4. Tune each string to match (D, G, D, G, B, D)

Tuning Steps

Starting from standard tuning (EADGBE):

1. 6th String: E → D (lower 2 semitones)
2. 5th String: A → G (lower 2 semitones)
3. 4th String: D → D (no change)
4. 3rd String: G → G (no change)
5. 2nd String: B → B (no change)
6. 1st String: E → D (lower 2 semitones)

By Octave Matching

1. Tune 6th string (D) to match 4th string open (D) — two octaves lower
2. Tune 5th string (G) to match 3rd string open (G) — one octave lower
3. Tune 2nd string stays B
4. Tune 1st string (D) to match 4th string open (D) — one octave higher

The Open G Chord

When all strings are open in G tuning, you have a G major chord (G, B, D):

• 6th & 4th Strings: D
• 5th & 3rd Strings: G
• 2nd String: B
• 1st String: D

This is the foundation for slide guitar—move any finger up the fretboard to change keys!

Slide Guitar Basics

Technique

1. Use a Slide — Metal or glass slide, worn on one finger
2. Approach from Below — Slide up to the target note
3. Match Pitch — Ear training is crucial
4. Control Pressure — Light pressure for clean tone
5. Mute Adjacent Strings — Use other fingers to control ring

Common Slide Positions

Open G Chord Shapes

Open Strings (G Major)

• Diagram: D(6) G(5) D(4) G(3) B(2) D(1)
• Sound: Rich, open, resonant

Simple One-Finger Slides

• Move a single finger up the 3rd or 4th string to change melody
• Keep other strings open for backing
• Creates classic blues sound

Two-String Chords

• 6th & 4th strings form bass intervals (D-D, D-A, D-B)
• 5th & 3rd strings form melodic intervals (G-G, G-D, G-B)

Famous Open G Riffs

“Brown Sugar” (Rolling Stones)

• Uses primarily the 6th and 4th strings
• Simple slide from open to 2nd fret
• Instantly recognizable

“Rollin’ Stone” (Muddy Waters)

• Classic blues riff with rhythmic strumming
• Emphasis on open G chord
• Simple but powerful

“Love in Vain” (Robert Johnson / White Stripes)

• Fingerstyle with slide
• Moving bass line
• Emotional depth

Open G vs Standard Tuning

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1: Basic Slide (Week 1)

• Open string to 2nd fret (G to A)
• Repeat on each string
• Focus on smooth, controlled movement
• No pitch bending, just sliding

Exercise 2: Blues Riff (Week 2)

• Play open G (all strings)
• Slide 6th string up to 5th fret (A)
• Return to open
• Add rhythmic variation

Exercise 3: Fingerstyle (Week 3)

• 6th string baseline (D, moving up)
• Treble strings play melody
• Combine open and slid notes
• Emulate Delta blues style

Hybrid Approach

Many players tune to Open G for specific songs then retune. This works because:

1. Moderate Tension Change — Not as extreme as some tunings
2. Quick Switching — Takes 1-2 minutes per retuning
3. Versatility — Play multiple styles in one session
4. Neck Safety — Not stressful on the guitar

Tuning Stability

Open G has lower tension on the 6th string:

• Check Tuning Frequently — More often than standard tuning
• Use Heavier Strings — .056 or .060 gauge on 6th string helps
• Give Strings Time — New strings take longer to stabilize
• Watch Temperature — Changes affect lower strings more

Resources

• Learn resonator guitar techniques — natural fit for Open G
• Explore blues scales and theory
• Check slide guitar reviews
• See Delta blues guide

Pro Tip: Open G is perfect for fingerstyle players. Unlike electric slide guitar, fingerstyle emphasizes clean tone and musical expression over raw power.

Historical Note: Open G emerged from Delta blues in the early 20th century. Musicians like Son House pioneered techniques that directly inspired modern slide guitar. Learning in Open G connects you to musical history!