Start Me Up
Required String Notes:D - G - D - G - B - D
Tune to Open G TuningHow 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 “Start Me Up”:
| 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
Keith Richards' signature 5-string Open G tuning (removing the low E string). It allows instantly recognizable barre chord syncopations and bluesy riffs.
Key Chord Voicings:
G Major (x-0-0-0-0-0)C/G (x-0-2-0-1-0)D/G (x-0-4-0-3-0)
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Open G Tuning
Already tuned to D - 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.The Rolling Stones’s Guitar Tunings
The Rolling Stones plays 7 of 10 songs in our catalog in Open G Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Open G TuningD - G - D - G - B - D7 songs
Gear for Open G Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Start Me Up" 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.
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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“Start Me Up” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones in?
"Start Me Up" 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 "Start Me Up"?
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.
Which other The Rolling Stones songs use this tuning?
"Honky Tonk Women", "Brown Sugar", "Brown Sugar Keiths Guitar", "Cant You Hear Me Knockin Keiths Guitar", "Honkey Tonk Woman Keiths Guitar", "Start Me Up Keiths Guitar" — all in D - G - D - G - B - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by The Rolling Stones
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by The Rolling Stones:
Nashville Tuning (High-Strung)Intermediate
E - A - D - G - B - E (High)No Capo
Other Songs in Open G Tuning
Once tuned to D - G - D - G - B - D, try playing these tracks next: