How to Tune to Open G Minor

An essential Delta blues tuning that produces a dark, minor open chord (D-G-D-G-Bb-D). Known as 'crossnote G,' this tuning was the weapon of choice for Son House, one of the most important Delta blues musicians in history. The minor tonality creates a haunting, intensely emotional sound that's perfect for slide guitar blues.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings:

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	Bb3	Tune down a half step
String 1	E4	D4	Tune down a whole step

Printable Open G Minor chart (PNG / PDF)

Fun Fact

Son House was a preacher before becoming a blues musician, and his powerful, raw vocal style reflected that background. He was a direct influence on both Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters — two of the most important figures in blues history. House was also 'rediscovered' in the 1960s folk revival after decades of obscurity, performing his crossnote G blues to stunned new audiences.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Standard gauge strings work fine (.012-.054 for acoustic). This is essentially Open G with one string changed (B→Bb, a half step down), so the overall tension is very close to Open G — comfortable and low-risk.

Gear for Open G Minor

Tools that make tuning to D - G - D - G - Bb - D 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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Open G MinorIntermediate

Death Letter Blues

by Son House

D - G - D - G - Bb - DNo Capo

Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses this tuning?

Son House is the most famous user — his intense, rhythmic slide guitar style in crossnote G defined the sound of Delta blues. Bukka White also used Open G minor for his powerful, percussive blues. Modern blues and folk artists continue to explore this tuning for its dark, emotional quality.

What tuning is Death Letter Blues in?

"Death Letter Blues" by Son House is in Open G minor (D-G-D-G-Bb-D). House plays it with a metal slide on his fretting hand, using the open minor chord as a drone while the slide creates the melody on the higher strings. It's one of the most emotionally intense blues performances ever recorded.

How to tune to Open G minor?

The easiest method: first tune to Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D), then lower the 2nd string (B) by one half step to Bb. That single change transforms the tuning from G major to G minor. From standard tuning: drop E→D, drop A→G, keep D, keep G, drop B→Bb (half step), drop high E→D.

Is Bukka White's music in Open G minor?

Yes, Bukka White used Open G minor (crossnote G) for many of his recordings. His percussive, rhythmic playing style — often using a slide and stomping his foot for rhythm — created a powerful one-man-band effect. Songs like "Fixin' to Die Blues" showcase the tuning's raw, emotional potential.

Open G Minor Guitar Tuner