Electric Guitar Strings

What is Open G tuning?

Q: What is Open G tuning?

Open G tuning is D G D G B D, low to high, so the open strings form a G major chord. From standard, lower the 6th, 5th and 1st strings by a whole step each. It's a classic tuning for slide and for rhythm riffs. Because three strings go lower and looser, it works well with standard gauges. Open G is one of the most popular open tunings on both electric and acoustic. Since it only lowers strings, it's easy on the guitar and quick to set up. How to tune from standard:Lower the 6th string from E down a whole step to D.Lower the 5th string from A down a whole step to G.Leave the 4th (D), 3rd (G) and 2nd (B) strings as they are.Lower the 1st string from E down a whole step to D.Retune all strings and check each on a tuner.Some rhythm players remove the 6th string entirely and play Open G on five strings, with the G on the 5th string as the root.Choosing strings:Electric: S1046 works in Open G, and S1052 gives the lowered bass strings more weight. Both are in Power Wound Nickel.Acoustic: P1254 Light or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze keep the low strings firm.If you switch between Open G and standard often, check that the low strings don't buzz in the new tuning. A little extra relief can help.

Quick Answer

Open G tuning is D G D G B D, low to high, so the open strings form a G major chord. From standard, lower the 6th, 5th and 1st strings by a whole step each. It's a classic tuning for slide and for rhythm riffs. Because three strings go lower and looser, it works well with standard gauges.

Open G is one of the most popular open tunings on both electric and acoustic. Since it only lowers strings, it's easy on the guitar and quick to set up. How to tune from standard:

Lower the 6th string from E down a whole step to D.
Lower the 5th string from A down a whole step to G.
Leave the 4th (D), 3rd (G) and 2nd (B) strings as they are.
Lower the 1st string from E down a whole step to D.
Retune all strings and check each on a tuner.

Some rhythm players remove the 6th string entirely and play Open G on five strings, with the G on the 5th string as the root.

Choosing strings:

Electric: S1046 works in Open G, and S1052 gives the lowered bass strings more weight. Both are in Power Wound Nickel.
Acoustic: P1254 Light or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze keep the low strings firm.

If you switch between Open G and standard often, check that the low strings don't buzz in the new tuning. A little extra relief can help.

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