GuitarTuningsGuitartunings.

Open G Guitar Tuner

Open G
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G98
D147
G196
B247
D294

How to Tune to Open G

Keith Richards' signature tuning and the foundation of countless Rolling Stones classics. Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D) creates a G major chord when strummed open, making it perfect for slide guitar, blues, and rock riffs. It's one of the most important tunings in the history of popular music, essential to both Delta blues tradition and rock and roll.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Printable Open G chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Keith Richards famously removes the low E string entirely when playing in Open G, leaving only five strings on his guitar. He calls this the 'five-string open G' setup. His iconic Fender Telecaster 'Micawber' is permanently set up this way. Richards has said that removing the 6th string simplified his approach and led to many of the Stones' most famous riffs.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Medium gauges (.011-.052) work well. All strings are tuned down from standard, so tension is reduced. Keith Richards uses .011-.048 on his five-string setup. For slide guitar, heavier gauges (.012-.054) provide better sustain and resistance to the slide.

Gear for Open G

Tools that make tuning to D - G - D - G - B - 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details
Open GIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Open G good for slide?
Yes, it's one of the two most popular slide guitar tunings (alongside Open D/E). The open G chord means you can play any major chord by simply placing the slide across all strings at any fret. Delta blues legends like Robert Johnson, Son House, and Muddy Waters all used Open G extensively for slide work.
How to tune to Open G?
From standard tuning: drop the low E to D (one whole step), drop A to G (one whole step), keep D as-is, keep G as-is, keep B as-is, drop high E to D (one whole step). Three strings drop, three stay the same. All changes are downward — no risk of string breakage. Like Keith Richards, you can optionally remove the 6th string entirely.
Does Keith Richards use 5 strings?
Yes. Richards removes the low 6th string from his guitars in Open G, playing with only five strings (G-D-G-B-D). He's said this simplifies the chord voicings and makes the guitar sound more like a banjo. His main Open G guitars — 'Micawber' (Telecaster) and 'Malcolm' (Les Paul Junior) — are always strung with five strings.
What chords work in Open G?
The magic of Open G is its simplicity: strum open for G, barre the 2nd fret for A, barre the 5th fret for C, barre the 7th fret for D. Any barre gives you a major chord. For minor chords, lift your finger off the 2nd string at each position. Richards' iconic riff style comes from pulling off and hammering on against these basic barre shapes.
What is Open G used for in slide guitar?
Open G is arguably THE slide guitar tuning. Place the slide at any fret and you get a perfect major chord. Slide to the 5th fret for C, 7th for D, 12th for the octave G. This makes it intuitive to play melodies and chord progressions with the slide. Robert Johnson's 'Cross Road Blues,' Muddy Waters' 'Rollin' Stone,' and Bonnie Raitt's slide work all use Open G.