The Open G 12-string tuning, as provided by its specific note configuration and string movements, defines a unique Open G setup for a 6-string guitar. While the name suggests a 12-string instrument, the practical application described here is for a standard 6-string guitar, achieving a rich and resonant sound that echoes the depth and drone often associated with 12-string guitars.

Technical Analysis:

• Tuning Structure: From the lowest to highest string, the tuning is G2-G2-D3-G3-B3-D4. This arrangement means that when all open strings are strummed, a full G Major chord is produced.
• Unique Voicing (Doubled Low G): A standout characteristic of this tuning is the unison tuning of both the 6th (low E string, standard) and 5th (A string, standard) to G2. This creates an incredibly powerful and harmonically dense low end, providing an exceptional drone and sustain. This dual low G is particularly effective for blues, folk, and rock, adding a rich foundation to the sound.
• Standard Open G Core: The 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings are tuned to D3-G3-B3-D4, which forms the standard core of many popular Open G tunings (DGBD). This makes many existing Open G chord shapes, scales, and licks readily adaptable to this configuration.

Verbal Observations & Chords:

This tuning offers an incredibly full-bodied and resonant sound, particularly in the lower registers, thanks to the doubled low G. It's an excellent choice for rhythmic playing, providing a solid sonic bed, and is especially well-suited for slide guitar, where a single bar across the frets effortlessly yields a perfect major chord. The inherent openness of the tuning means that simply strumming all six strings produces a glorious G Major chord, making it very intuitive for songwriting and improvisation in the key of G.

• Open G Major Chord: Strumming all strings (G-G-D-G-B-D) immediately sounds a G Major chord.
• Movable Major Chords: By barring a single finger across all six strings at any fret, you can effortlessly create major chords along the neck. For instance, barring at the 5th fret will give you a C Major chord (C-C-F-C-E-G). Barring at the 7th fret will produce a D Major chord (D-D-G-D-F#-A).
• Minor & Seventh Chords: While the base is major, minor and seventh chords are within easy reach with slight finger adjustments. To transform an open G Major into G minor, you would fret the 2nd string (B) down to Bb (1st fret). Similarly, a G7 chord can be achieved by fretting the 4th string (D) up to F (3rd fret), or by adding a suitable finger to your barred major shape.

How to Tune:

• 6th String (Low E to G): Tune up 3 semitones from its standard E2 pitch to G2. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones significantly increases string tension. Proceed carefully.
• 5th String (A to G): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard A2 pitch to G2.
• 4th String (D to D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard D3 pitch, remaining D3.
• 3rd String (G to G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard G3 pitch, remaining G3.
• 2nd String (B to B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard B3 pitch, remaining B3.
• 1st String (High E to D): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E4 pitch to D4.

String 6: G2

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: D4