The Double G Standard tuning offers a subtle yet impactful variation on traditional guitar tuning. While maintaining the familiar low E, A, D, G, and high E strings, it uniquely tunes the 2nd string (normally B) down by four semitones to G. This creates a powerful and resonant doubling of the G note on adjacent strings (G3 and G3), offering new harmonic possibilities and a distinctive voice.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately imparts a richer, more drone-like quality, particularly when strumming across the middle strings. The unison Gs on the 3rd and 2nd strings create a thick, full sound, ideal for open string rhythms, blues licks, and folk melodies where a resonant G is desired. It can lend itself well to a raw, rootsy sound, making open G chords particularly robust. Players accustomed to standard tuning will find most fretboard shapes still accessible, but the altered B string will require minor adjustments and offers opportunities for fresh voicings.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), the primary change is on the 2nd string, which moves from B3 down to G3. The resulting open string notes are E2-A2-D3-G3-G3-E4.

• String 6 (Low E): E2 (Unison with Standard)
• String 5 (A): A2 (Unison with Standard)
• String 4 (D): D3 (Unison with Standard)
• String 3 (G): G3 (Unison with Standard)
• String 2 (B to G): G3 (Down 4 semitones from Standard B3)
• String 1 (High E): E4 (Unison with Standard)

The presence of two adjacent G notes (G3 and G3) creates a powerful unison effect. This configuration naturally emphasizes the key of G and makes open G chords exceptionally full and resonant. A full G Major chord can be easily voiced as G-B-D-G-G-G (using string 6 at 3rd fret, string 5 at 2nd fret, string 4 open, string 3 open, string 2 open, string 1 at 3rd fret). Other chords will need minor adjustments; for example, a standard C major (X32010) will now include a G on the 2nd string instead of a C, resulting in a C-E-G-G-C-E voicing, which is still a C major but with a distinct tonal color. This tuning is excellent for exploring drone-based music and achieving a fat, rich sound on the G string.

How to Tune

To achieve the Double G Standard tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3 to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. This means lowering the pitch of the B string to G. As this involves a movement of 4 semitones, it is at the upper limit for standard gauge strings where caution is advised.
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Note on String Gauge: When tuning a string down by 4 semitones or more, as is the case for String 2, while generally manageable with standard string gauges, you may notice a decrease in string tension. For optimal playability and to maintain suitable tension, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 2nd string if you plan to use this tuning frequently. Tuning movements exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones often suggest a different gauge string for best results.

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: A2 (A)

String 4: D3 (D)

String 3: G3 (G)

String 2: G3 (G)

String 1: E4 (High E)