Walking Blues
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 “Walking Blues”:
| 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
Robert Johnson's Walking Blues is a cornerstone of Delta slide blues, played in open G ('Spanish') tuning. The open G major chord lets the slide ride across all strings for its rolling, hypnotic groove.
Key Chord Voicings:
Open G: 0-0-0-0-0-0Slide barre at fret 5Slide barre at fret 12
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.Robert Johnson’s Guitar Tunings
Robert Johnson plays 1 of 10 songs in our catalog in Open G Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Open G TuningD - G - D - G - B - D1 song
- Custom Tuning (GDGB)GDGB1 song
Gear for Open G Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Walking Blues" 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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“Walking Blues” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Walking Blues" by Robert Johnson in?
"Walking Blues" 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 "Walking Blues"?
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 Robert Johnson
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Robert Johnson:
Open A TuningIntermediate
E - A - E - A - C# - ENo Capo
Other Songs in Open G Tuning
Once tuned to D - G - D - G - B - D, try playing these tracks next: