Open G Guitar Tuning

Open G guitar tuning is D-G-D-G-B-D from the 6th string to the 1st. Unlike Drop D, several strings change pitch — the open strings ring as a G major chord, which is why slide players and blues guitarists love it.

Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string on some guitars and uses five-string Open G (G-D-G-B-D). This tuner uses the full six-string D-G-D-G-B-D layout most resources teach.

From standard tuning: lower the 6th string to D, keep the 5th at G, lower the 4th to D, keep the 3rd at G, keep the 2nd at B, and lower the 1st to D. The fretboard above highlights each target — use 🔊 to hear each note, then Tap to tune with the microphone.

Because multiple strings move, tune in passes: get the low strings close, then revisit the top strings as tension shifts across the neck. Open G is sensitive to small errors — if an open strum does not sound like a clean G chord, recheck the D and G strings first.

• 6th → D, 5th → G (unchanged), 4th → D, 3rd → G (unchanged), 2nd → B (unchanged), 1st → D.
• Strum open when finished — you should hear a clear G major chord.
• Slide players often raise action slightly; tuning accurately matters more with a slide.

Open G makes barre chords and slide licks easier — the open strings reinforce the key of G. It appears in blues, country, and rock from Muddy Waters to The Rolling Stones.

It is a different intent than Drop D or DADGAD: Open G is chordal and resonant, not primarily about low-end riff weight. Choose Open G when you want open-position harmony and slide-friendly intervals.