Losing You
Required String Notes:C - G - D - G - B - D
Tune to Open G VariantHow 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 “Losing You”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune 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
"Losing You" by John Butler Trio 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. John Butler Trio uses this same tuning on 4 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Open G Variant
Already tuned to C - G - D - G - B - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open A Tuning20 songs
E - A - E - A - C# - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)17 songs
D - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Double Drop D Tuning14 songs
D - A - D - G - B - DOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.Open G Minor11 songs
D - G - D - G - Bb - DOnly string 2 differs: A# instead of B.John Butler Trio’s Guitar Tunings
John Butler Trio plays 5 of 6 songs in our catalog in Open G Variant. Most-used tunings:
- Open G TuningD - G - D - G - B - D5 songs
Gear for Open G Variant
Strings and tools that make playing "Losing You" 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.
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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Losing You” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Losing You" by John Butler Trio in?
"Losing You" 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 "Losing You"?
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 John Butler Trio songs use this tuning?
"Livin in the city", "Mystery Man", "Spring To Come", "Young and Wild" — all in C - G - D - G - B - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by John Butler Trio
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Butler Trio:
Other Songs in Open G Variant
Once tuned to C - G - D - G - B - D, try playing these tracks next: