How to Tune from Standard to Open G Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Mole's Moan (The Gentle Man Trap)”:

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

"Mole's Moan (The Gentle Man Trap)" by Dave Evans is played in Open G Tuning (D - 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. 58 other songs in our catalog use Open G Tuning.

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Tunings Close to Open G Tuning

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

Dave Evans’s Guitar Tunings

Dave Evans plays 1 of 3 songs in our catalog in Open G Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Gear for Open G Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Mole's Moan (The Gentle Man Trap)" in Open G Tuning 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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“Mole's Moan (The Gentle Man Trap)” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Mole's Moan (The Gentle Man Trap)" by Dave Evans in?

"Mole's Moan (The Gentle Man Trap)" is played in Open G Tuning: D - G - D - G - B - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Mole's Moan (The Gentle Man Trap)"?

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 Tuning?

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

More Songs by Dave Evans

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Dave Evans:

View all 3 songs
DGDGAD TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - A - DNo Capo
Custom Tuning (DAGDAD)Intermediate
DAGDADNo Capo

Other Songs in Open G Tuning

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

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