Verbal Description

This well-known tuning, affectionately named "Open G", has been a staple for many legendary musicians. As described, it was famously used by Gregg Allman for his song "Come and Go Blues". Rock icon Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is a prominent advocate, employing Open G in classics like "Start Me Up", "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'", and "Brown Sugar". Even Pearl Jam has embraced this tuning for songs such as "Daughter". Its widespread adoption highlights its versatility and unique sonic character, making it a go-to for blues, rock, and folk.

Technical Analysis

Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) transforms the standard guitar into an instrument where the open strings themselves form a rich G Major chord. Specifically, the notes present across the six strings (from low to high) are D2, G2, D3, G3, B3, D4. When viewed in relation to a G root, the intervals are: 5th, Root, 5th, Root, Major 3rd, 5th. This structure provides a full, resonant sound, enabling slide guitar and simplified blues playing. The doubling of the root (G) and fifth (D) across multiple octaves creates a powerful harmonic foundation.

A significant advantage of Open G is the ease of playing major chords; a single finger or a slide barred across any fret will instantly produce a major chord corresponding to that fret (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret yields an A Major chord, 5th fret yields a C Major). Beyond simple major chords, this tuning also facilitates the creation of various voicings. Minor chords can often be achieved by subtly altering a single note, particularly on the B string, while dominant 7th chords and suspended chords are also within reach with relatively simple finger positions. This makes Open G a powerful and expressive tuning for creative chord voicings, melodic accompaniment, and powerful riff creation.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open G

To achieve the Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) from standard EADGBE, follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D.

For tunings that involve movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to consider a different gauge string to ensure optimal performance and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings. However, for this Open G tuning, all strings are adjusted within a safe range, making it suitable for standard string gauges.

6th String: D2
5th String: G2
4th String: D3
3rd String: G3
2nd String: B3
1st String: D4