How to Tune to Baritone GDGCEG
GDGCEG is an open-G flavoured baritone tuning that sounds a big, warm G chord while keeping a low drone on the bottom. On a baritone (or heavily strung) guitar it delivers cinematic low-end and effortless open-G voicings an octave down from a normal guitar.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G1 | Tune down 9 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | D2 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | G2 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | E3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G3 | Tune down 9 semitones |
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:Designed for baritone or extended-scale instruments. Use a baritone string set; on a standard scale the low G will feel loose, so heavier gauges are essential.
Gear for Baritone GDGCEG
Tools that make tuning to G - D - G - C - E - G easier.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tune to GDGCEG?
From standard tuning (EADGBE), retune each string low to high: 6th E→G, 5th A→D, 4th D→G, 3rd G→C, 2nd B→E, 1st E→G. Match each string to its exact Hz using the interactive tuner above.
Do I need a baritone guitar for GDGCEG?
It works best on a baritone or long-scale guitar. On a standard 25.5" scale you can approximate it with very heavy strings, but the low G will feel slack.