What is Open G tuning?
Open G uses D G D G B D, low to high. Strumming the open strings produces the notes of a G major chord: G, B, and D. From standard tuning, the sixth, fifth, and first strings are lowered; the fourth, third, and second strings remain unchanged.
How to tune from standard to Open G
- Lower the sixth string from E2 to D2.
- Lower the fifth string from A2 to G2.
- Leave the fourth string at D3, third at G3, and second at B3.
- Lower the first string from E4 to D4.
- Strum softly and recheck each string after the tension settles.
Open G target frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | From standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | Down 1 whole step |
| 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz | Down 1 whole step |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | Unchanged |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | Unchanged |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | Unchanged |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | Down 1 whole step |
Playing in Open G
A straight barre across strings 5 through 1 creates a movable major chord. The open position is G major, the fifth fret is C major, and the seventh fret is D major. This direct relationship makes the tuning useful for slide guitar, blues, roots music, and riff-based accompaniment.
The lowest string is D rather than G, so it can add a low fifth beneath the chord. Some arrangements mute or avoid that string when a cleaner G bass is wanted.
Open G tips
- Use light slide pressure directly above the fret to avoid sharp notes.
- Standard chord diagrams will not sound the same; use Open G shapes.
- Most standard string sets handle the three lowered strings comfortably.
- Check the first string carefully because it may drift after being lowered to D.