Open G Tuning: How to Tune, Chords and Songs
Quick answer
Lower the 6th, 5th and 1st strings a whole step each, so you get D G D G B D. Open strings = G, barre fret 5 = C, barre fret 7 = D. Open the free tuner set to Open G.
Open G tuning is D G D G B D (low to high). Strum the open strings and you get a G major chord. It is the tuning behind many Rolling Stones riffs and a lot of slide guitar.
How to tune to Open G from standard
| String | Standard | Open G | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th | E | D | down a whole step |
| 5th | A | G | down a whole step |
| 4th | D | D | no change |
| 3rd | G | G | no change |
| 2nd | B | B | no change |
| 1st | E | D | down a whole step |
By ear: the open 6th and 1st strings should match the open 4th string (in different octaves); the open 5th string should match the open 3rd an octave lower.
Chords: one finger does most of the work
Barre all six strings at a fret to get a major chord. The three you need for most songs are G (open), C (fret 5) and D (fret 7).
| Barre fret | Major chord |
|---|---|
| 0 | G |
| 2 | A |
| 3 | Bb |
| 5 | C |
| 7 | D |
| 8 | Eb |
| 10 | F |
| 12 | G |
For a minor chord, keep the barre and fret the 2nd (B) string one fret lower, as in the Cm shape above.
Songs in Open G
Brown Sugar, Start Me Up and Honky Tonk Women (The Rolling Stones). Keith Richards takes the 6th string off and plays five strings (G D G B D), so the root is always the lowest note. You can just avoid hitting the 6th string.
Slide guitar
Open G is a natural slide tuning: lay the slide over the fret wire (not between frets) at 5 and 7 for C and D. Raising the action slightly helps the slide not clank on the frets.
Learn open-G riffs step by step
Guitar Tricks has open tuning and slide lessons with slow-motion video.
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What are the notes in Open G tuning?
D G D G B D, from the low 6th string to the high 1st string.
Which strings change for Open G?
Three: the 6th (E to D), 5th (A to G) and 1st (E to D), each down a whole step.
Is Open G good for beginners?
Yes for riffs and slide, because one finger makes a full chord. It does not replace learning standard tuning.
Why does Keith Richards use 5 strings?
With the 6th string removed, the lowest note is always G, the root, which keeps chords clean and punchy.
Is Open G the same as Open D?
No. Open D is D A D F# A D. Both make an open major chord, but the shapes differ.
Sources checked
- Fender: Open G tuning (checked Oct 23, 2026): www.fender.com/articles/setup/open-g-tuning
- Wikipedia: Open G tuning (checked Oct 23, 2026): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_G_tuning
FretCompare explains standard technique and setup practice in its own words. Specs are starting points; adjust to feel.
How this page was made
An editorial guide by Andrew from standard technique, manufacturer setup specs and the sources listed above. Not hands-on product testing. How we rate.