How to Tune from Standard to Open G Variant

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “And I'll Tell You For Why”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"And I'll Tell You For Why" by TTNG is played in Open G Variant (C - G - D - G - B - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. TTNG uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to Open G Variant

Already tuned to C - G - D - G - B - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

TTNG’s Guitar Tunings

TTNG plays 3 of 9 songs in our catalog in Open G Variant. Most-used tunings:

Gear for Open G Variant

Strings and tools that make playing "And I'll Tell You For Why" in Open G Variant easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)

Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

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D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner

A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“And I'll Tell You For Why” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "And I'll Tell You For Why" by TTNG in?

"And I'll Tell You For Why" is played in Open G Variant: C - G - D - G - B - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "And I'll Tell You For Why"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Open G Variant?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

Which other TTNG songs use this tuning?

"26 Is Dancier Than 4", "If I Sit Still Maybe Ill Get Out of Here" — all in C - G - D - G - B - D, so you can play them without retuning.

More Songs by TTNG

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by TTNG:

View all 9 songs
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Open G VariantIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Custom Tuning (EBD#F#BE)Intermediate
EBD#F#BENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo

Other Songs in Open G Variant

Once tuned to C - G - D - G - B - D, try playing these tracks next:

Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Open G VariantIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Open G VariantIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Open G VariantIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Open G VariantIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo