Open G Tuning Setup: How to Adjust Your Guitar
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Introduction
Tuning your guitar to Open G tuning can unlock a world of bluesy tones and classic rock riffs! This tuning, used by legends like Keith Richards, simplifies chord shapes and makes slide playing a breeze. But before you start jamming, you need to properly set up your guitar for Open G.
I’ve already had the post about another alternative tuning – Open D. But hey, it wouldn’t be fair if, having talked about Open D, not mention Open G. Because Open G is a more popular tuning among blues musicians. No matter if I prefer Open D personally.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything—from tuning your strings to adjusting action and intonation. Whether you’re switching from standard tuning for the first time or fine-tuning your setup for optimal tone, you’ll find practical tips to get the best out of Open G Tuning.
What Is Open G Tuning?
Open G Tuning is an alternate guitar tuning where your strings are tuned to a G major chord. When you strum all six strings open (without fretting any notes), you get a full, rich G chord. Here’s the string arrangement from low to high:
D (lowered from E)
G (lowered from A)
D (unchanged)
G (unchanged)
B (unchanged)
D (lowered from E)
Why Use Open G Tuning?
Perfect for slide guitar – The open chord makes it easier to play smooth, expressive slide lines.
Simplifies chord shapes – Many chords can be played with a single finger across the fretboard.
Iconic for rock and blues – Used by The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, and Ry Cooder.
How To Tune Your Guitar to Open G
Tuning to Open G is simple. You have to retune just 3 strings from the standard tuning. Here’s how to do it:
Start in Standard Tuning (EADGBE).
Lower the 6th string (E) down to D.
Lower the 5th string (A) down to G.
Leave the 4th string (D), 3rd string (G), and 2nd string (B) as they are.
Lower the 1st string (high E) down to D.
Use a tuner to check accuracy.
Pro Tip: If you’re playing with a slide, slightly raising the action can help avoid fret buzz.
Here is a nice instructional video on how tu tune in Open G.
Adjusting Your Guitar for Open G Tuning
1. Choosing the Right Strings
Heavier gauge strings (like .011s or .012s) provide better tone and sustain.
Lighter gauge strings are easier to bend but may lose stability in lower tunings.
2. Adjusting Action for Open G
If you’re using Open G for slide guitar, raising the action slightly will prevent unwanted buzzing.
For general playing, keep the action at a comfortable level to avoid hand fatigue.
Adjust the truss rod if necessary to compensate for lower string tension.
3. Intonation Tweaks
Open G may cause intonation drift due to lower string tension.
Use a tuner and adjust the bridge saddles to keep notes in tune.
Electric guitars with adjustable saddles allow for precise intonation correction.
Best Guitars and Gear for Open G Tuning
Electric guitars: Fender Telecasters and Gibson Les Pauls work great for Open G.
Acoustic guitars: Dreadnought-style acoustics and resonator guitars excel in Open G.
Capos: A capo allows you to play Open G shapes in different keys.
Slides: Glass slides offer a warm tone, while brass and steel slides provide a sharper attack.
Common Chords and Riffs in Open G Tuning
One of the best things about Open G is how simple the chord shapes become:
G Major: Play all strings open.
C Major: Barre the 5th fret.
D Major: Barre the 7th fret.
Keith Richards’ Style: Remove the 6th string for classic Rolling Stones rhythm playing.
Try playing “Honky Tonk Women” or “Start Me Up” to hear Open G in action!
Tip to Those Who Is Used to Play in Open D
The five strings of the Open G tuning, except the lowest one (thickest), have the same intervals as the five strings of the Open D. But in the case of Open D, it excludes the highest string (thinnest).
Therefore, playing in Open D, one may use the same shaped chords by “stepping down” 1 string on the neck.
In the next video, Matt Smith demonstrates this trick. After the 4th minute. But I would recommend watching the whole thing because it’s fun and educational at the same time
Why Does Keith Richards Remove the Sixth String?
In Open G tuning, the 6th string is tuned down to D, while the 5th string is tuned to G, making it the root note of most chord shapes. Playing the 6th string along with common Open G chord voicings can sometimes create a different chord inversion, where the bass note is no longer the root but instead the fifth of the chord.
For example, if you play a G major chord using all six strings, the lowest note will be D instead of G. While this is technically not incorrect, it may weaken the fundamental G sound by shifting emphasis away from the root.
When Should You Play the 6th String?
If you want a different voicing with a lower bass note.
For power chord-style playing, where the 5th in the bass can add depth.
If playing solo arrangements, where extra bass notes help fill out the sound.
When Should You Avoid It?
If you want cleaner chord tones focused on the root.
In Keith Richards’ style Open G playing, where the 6th string is often removed entirely.
For classic blues and rock rhythms, where the low G on the 5th string is preferred.
Pro Tip: Many players, including Keith Richards, remove the 6th string completely when using Open G tuning to keep the sound tighter and more focused.
Conclusion
Setting up your guitar for Open G Tuning doesn’t have to be complicated! With the right string gauge, action adjustments, and intonation tweaks, you can maximize tone and playability. Whether you’re playing slide guitar or exploring new chord shapes, a proper setup makes all the difference. Try out Open G, experiment with different tones, and make your guitar sing!
