Tuning Analysis: Russian 6-String Gmaj

This distinctive tuning, known as the Russian 6-String Gmaj and famously associated with the legendary Bulat Okudzhava, transforms your guitar into a deeply resonant instrument. It's perfectly suited for traditional Russian folk music, heartfelt singer-songwriter compositions, and intricate fingerpicking styles, providing an immediate, full-bodied G Major chord when all strings are strummed open.

Verbal Description

Imagine a tuning that instantly greets you with a rich, ringing G Major chord, ready to accompany your voice or weave expressive soundscapes. The Russian 6-String Gmaj delivers exactly this, fostering a soulful, often melancholic, yet profoundly resonant tone characteristic of Russian ballads. The adjustments in string tension can impart a distinct warmth and extended sustain to your guitar, making it feel fresh and inspiring for both rhythmic strumming and melodic exploration. This open tuning significantly simplifies many common chord shapes, making it incredibly intuitive for slide guitar techniques or for easily transposing songs with a capo while maintaining familiar fingerings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings in this tuning are configured as D2-G2-B2-G3-B3-D4, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. When strummed openly, these notes collectively form a comprehensive G Major chord (G-B-D), with the lowest D acting as a powerful pedal tone, enriching the harmonic foundation. The arrangement intelligently places multiple octaves of G, B, and D across the fretboard, providing a lush and full sound. The specific intervals between adjacent strings are:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (G2): A Perfect 4th
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (B2): A Major 3rd
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (G3): A Minor 6th (or an octave plus a Major 3rd)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): A Major 3rd
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (D4): A Minor 3rd

This unique structure makes playing common chords highly accessible. As noted, a G Major chord is readily available by strumming the open strings. A C Major chord can be easily formed by barring all strings at the 5th fret, and a D Major chord by barring at the 7th fret. This characteristic makes the tuning exceptionally well-suited for slide guitar playing, where simple barres can effortlessly produce full chords. The proximity of G and B notes on the middle strings (G3, B3) also facilitates expressive melodic lines and arpeggios.

How to Tune

To convert your guitar from standard E Standard tuning to the Russian 6-String Gmaj tuning, please follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones. This moves the note from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones. This moves the note from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones. This moves the note from D3 to B2.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains at G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. This moves the note from E4 to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: The required string movements for this tuning involve lowering several strings by 2 or 3 semitones. These adjustments are generally within a safe and comfortable range for standard guitar strings. However, always be attentive to your guitar's neck tension and the feel of the strings. For tunings that demand more extreme shifts (exceeding 4 semitones up or down), it is often advisable to consider a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability, prevent string breakage, and maintain the integrity of your instrument. For the Russian 6-String Gmaj, the changes are moderate, but careful tuning is always recommended.

String 6: D2

String 5: G2

String 4: B2

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: D4