42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.
High G (resonator G) tuning is G B D G B D, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 3 strings change.
An open G major chord from G upwards, the standard tuning for square-neck resonator (lap slide) guitars.
The open strings ring G.
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | D4 | 293.66 Hz | -2 from E |
| 2nd | B3 | 246.94 Hz | as standard |
| 3rd | G3 | 196.00 Hz | as standard |
| 4th | D3 | 146.83 Hz | as standard |
| 5th | B2 | 123.47 Hz | +2 from A |
| 6th (lowest) | G2 | 98.00 Hz | +3 from E |
Strum all the strings open, then lay one finger straight across every string. Open: G. At fret 5: C. At fret 7: D. At fret 12: G. Those are the I, IV and V chords of the key, enough for a blues or a folk song.
Open tunings are the classic choice for slide: hold the slide straight over a fret line and every string rings the chord.
Starting from standard tuning: 6th string up 3 semitones to G; 5th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to B; 1st string down a whole step (2 semitones) to D. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: G2, B2, D3, G3, B3, D4 (G B D G B D).
Reverse the changes: 6th string down 3 semitones to E; 5th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to A; 1st string up a whole step (2 semitones) to E.
It raises at least one string by three semitones or more, which adds tension. Tune up slowly, and consider a lighter gauge for those strings.