Open G Tuning

Mic off

Open G D G D G B D

Uses your microphone. Nothing is recorded or sent anywhere.

Tuning

Pitch

Normal

Strings

Detect string

A4 calibration

440Hz
  • Space Start / stop
  • 1-6 Play a string
  • A Auto detect

In Open G tuning the open strings play a G major chord. It is a staple of blues, rock and slide guitar.

What is open G tuning?

Three strings drop a whole step from standard tuning: the 6th string from E to D, the 5th string from A to G, and the 1st string from E to D. That gives D G D G B D from low to high, the notes of a G major chord.

Because the open strings already make a major chord, laying one finger across all the strings at any fret plays another major chord. That makes Open G perfect for slide guitar and for big, ringing riffs.

Open G tuning notes

Open G from the thickest string to the thinnest is D G D G B D. The frequencies are for standard pitch, A4 = 440 Hz.

StringNoteFrequency
6th (thickest)D273.42 Hz
5thG298.00 Hz
4thD3146.83 Hz
3rdG3196.00 Hz
2ndB3246.94 Hz
1st (thinnest)D4293.66 Hz

How to tune to Open G

Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E) and change 3 strings:

  1. Lower the 6th string (E) a whole step to D.
  2. Lower the 5th string (A) a whole step to G.
  3. Lower the 1st string (E) a whole step to D.

The tuner at the top of this page is already set to Open G. Press the mic button, play each open string and let it ring, then turn the tuning peg until the string lights up green. When you lower a string, go a little below the note and tune back up to it so it stays in tune.

Why guitarists use Open G

  • One-finger major chords up and down the neck.
  • The classic tuning for slide guitar and open-string blues riffs.
  • Only lowers strings, so string tension goes down rather than up.

Other guitar tunings

Drop DD A D G B E Half step downE♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭ D standardD G C F A D Drop CC G C F A D Drop C#C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯ Drop BB F♯ B E G♯ C♯ DADGADD A D G A D Open DD A D F♯ A D Open EE B E G♯ B E Open CC G C G C E 7-string standardB E A D G B E 7-string Drop AA E A D G B E 8-string standardF♯ B E A D G B E 9-string standardC♯ F♯ B E A D G B E

Back to the online guitar tuner

Open G tuning FAQ

How do I tune to open G tuning?

Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E). Lower the 6th string (E) a whole step to D. Lower the 5th string (A) a whole step to G. Lower the 1st string (E) a whole step to D. The tuner on this page is already set to Open G, so play each string and turn it until it lights up green.

How do I get back to standard tuning?

Raise the 6th string from D back to E. Raise the 5th string from G back to A. Raise the 1st string from D back to E. Or pick Standard under the tuner and tune each string until it turns green.

Can I play slide in Open G?

Yes, it is one of the most popular slide tunings. Lay the slide straight across all six strings at any fret to get a major chord, for example the 5th fret for C and the 7th fret for D.