Open G Tuner

42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.

Open G tuning is D G D G B D, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 3 strings change.

The open strings play a G major chord. A classic for slide guitar, blues and rock rhythm parts.

The open strings ring G (with D as the lowest note).

Open G notes and frequencies

1stD4↓ -22ndB3·3rdG3·4thD3·5thG2↓ -26thD2↓ -2
StringNoteFrequency (A = 440 Hz)Change
1st (highest)D4293.66 Hz-2 from E
2ndB3246.94 Hzas standard
3rdG3196.00 Hzas standard
4thD3146.83 Hzas standard
5thG298.00 Hz-2 from A
6th (lowest)D273.42 Hz-2 from E

How to tune to Open G from standard

  1. Tune the 6th string down a whole step (2 semitones), from E to D. Check it against the open 4th string: it should be the same note one octave lower.
  2. Tune the 5th string down a whole step (2 semitones), from A to G. Check it against the open 3rd string: it should be the same note one octave lower.
  3. Tune the 1st string down a whole step (2 semitones), from E to D. Check it against the open 4th string: it should be the same note one octave higher.
  4. Strum all the open strings. You should hear G (with D as the lowest note). If one string sounds sour, check it with the tuner.

What to play in Open G

Barre chords with one finger

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.

Slide guitar

Open tunings are the classic choice for slide: hold the slide straight over a fret line and every string rings the chord.

Common questions

How do I tune my guitar to Open G?

Starting from standard tuning: 6th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to D; 5th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to G; 1st string down a whole step (2 semitones) to D. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.

What are the notes of Open G tuning?

From the lowest string to the highest: D2, G2, D3, G3, B3, D4 (D G D G B D).

How do I get back to standard tuning?

Reverse the changes: 6th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to E; 5th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to A; 1st string up a whole step (2 semitones) to E.

Do I need different strings for Open G?

No. The changes are small enough for a normal string set.

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