Guitarists love to experiment with different tunings to find new sounds and make playing easier. One such tuning is Open G, famously used by legends like Robert Johnson, Joni Mitchell, and the Rolling Stones.
Open G tuning can transform your playing experience, offering a fresh perspective and simpler chord shapes. Let’s explore how to master this versatile tuning and incorporate it into your musical repertoire.
How Does Open G Tuning Work?
Open G tuning sets your guitar strings to the notes D-G-D-G-B-D. When strummed open, these notes form a G major chord, weather on 7-string or 12-string guitars.
Adjusting just three strings from the standard tuning (E, A, and high E) and leaving the others the same, you’ll achieve the distinctive sound of Open G.
How to Tune Your Guitar to Open G
- Low E to D: Tune your low E string down to D.
- A to G: Tune your A string down to G.
- D, G, B: Leave these strings as they are.
- High E to D: Tune your high E string down to D.
Your strings will now be D-G-D-G-B-D.
Benefits of Open G Tuning
Open G tuning simplifies playing major chords. Strumming all open strings gives you a G major chord without needing to use any frets or a capo.
This ease of forming chords makes it a favorite for blues, folk, and slide guitar players.
Major and Minor Chords
In Open G tuning, major chords can be played with simple barre fingerings. Just place one finger across all the strings at a single fret to form different major chords.
Minor chords and seventh chords also have straightforward shapes, making them easy to learn and use.
Major Chord Shapes
- G major: Strum all open strings.
- A major: Barre the second fret.
- B major: Barre the fourth fret.
Minor Chord Shapes
- G minor: Barre the third fret and add the fourth fret on the D string.
- A minor: Barre the fifth fret and add the seventh fret on the D string.
Techniques to Enhance Your Playing
Open G tuning is ideal for various guitar techniques, including hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slide guitar. These techniques are integral to the sound of artists like the Rolling Stones.
- Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Use these to add flair to your chords and scales. In Open G, they are particularly effective because of the open strings’ resonance.
- Slide Guitar: The tuning makes it easy to play chords and melodies with a slide, giving you a smooth and expressive sound.
Songs in Open G Tuning
Several iconic songs feature Open G tuning, showcasing its versatility and appeal. Some of these include:
- “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones
- “Going to California” by Led Zeppelin
- “Black Country Woman” by Led Zeppelin
- “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
- “Little Green” by Joni Mitchell
- “Circle Game” by Joni Mitchell
How to Play “Honky Tonk Women”
- Intro riff: Use the open strings and simple finger placements to replicate the classic riff.
- Chorus: Strum the open strings for a G major chord, then move to the fifth and seventh frets for the other chords.
How to Play “Going to California”
- Open strings: Start by strumming the open strings for a G major chord.
- Finger placements: Use finger placements on the second and fourth frets to follow the song’s chord progression.
How to Play “Black Country Woman”
- Riff: Utilize the open G tuning by playing the open strings for a G chord. Add fingerpicking patterns using the thumb on the bass strings and the index/middle fingers on the treble strings.
- Chords: Move between the open G chord and barred chords at the 5th and 7th frets, with occasional slides for a bluesy feel.
How to Play “Brown Sugar”
- Main Riff: Bar the 5th fret for a C chord, strum and then play the open strings for a G chord. Use the 7th fret for a D chord and incorporate slides.
- Embellishments: Add hammer-ons and pull-offs on the 2nd and 3rd strings to mimic the signature riffs.
How to Play “Little Green”
- Fingerpicking: Use a gentle fingerpicking pattern, focusing on alternating bass notes and melody on the higher strings. Open G tuning allows for easy melodic lines with open strings.
- Chords: Utilize the open G chord, and move to the 5th and 7th fret for additional chords. Experiment with open-string harmonics for added texture.
How to Play “Circle Game”
- Chord Progression: Play the open G chord, and move to the 5th and 7th fret for a C and D chord respectively. Use a capo on the 3rd fret to raise the pitch to Bb if needed.
- Strumming: Use a gentle, consistent strumming pattern, emphasizing the 1st and 4th beats for a folk-like rhythm.
Tips for Practicing Open G Tuning
- Start with basics: Get comfortable with strumming open strings and simple barre chords.
- Experiment with scales: Although the fretboard layout changes, basic scale formulas remain the same. Practice major and minor scales to get familiar with the new arrangement.
- Incorporate techniques: Use hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to add variety to your playing.
- Learn from the masters: Listen to songs by Robert Johnson, Joni Mitchell, and Keith Richards to hear Open G tuning in action.
Custom String Sets
Using custom string sets can optimize your guitar’s performance in Open G tuning. Thicker strings may help maintain tension and improve sound quality, especially on acoustic guitars.
Final Words
Open G tuning is a fantastic way to expand your guitar-playing abilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking for easier chord shapes or an experienced guitarist wanting to explore new techniques, Open G tuning offers something for everyone.
Tune your guitar to D-G-D-G-B-D, practice those barre chords, and let the music of legends inspire you.
