Spring To Come
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 “Spring To Come”:
| 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
"Spring To Come" 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.
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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.
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 "Spring To Come" 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.
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“Spring To Come” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Spring To Come" by John Butler Trio in?
"Spring To Come" 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 "Spring To Come"?
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", "Losing You", "Mystery Man", "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:
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo