Dropped G Tuning
The next open tuning you will learn is also an altered standard tuning. Dropped G tuning is the same as dropped D tuning except the fifth string (A) is also lowered one tone to the note G. The open string notes as shown in the following diagram are therefore (beginning with the sixth string);
Dropped G tuning is sometimes called open G sixth tuning because the open string notes form a G sixth chord. For more on chord construction see the back of this book.
Tuning the Guitar to Itself
To tune to dropped G tuning first lower the sixth string to D (dropped D tuning) as explained in Lesson 26. Then try one of the following options to tune the fifth string to low G.
Option 1:
Place a left hand finger on the fifth string at the 7th fret (an E note), and play the string. Play the open fourth string (a D note). Turn the fifth string tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction, lowering the pitch of this string until the note on the 7th fret is the same pitch as the open fourth string. The note on the 7th fret will now be a D note and the open fifth string will be a low G note.
Option 2:
Place a left hand finger on the fifth string at the 12th fret (an A note), and play the string. Play the open third string (a G note). Turn the fifth string tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction, lowering the pitch of this string until the note on the 12th fret is the same pitch as the open third string. The note on the 12th fret will now be a G note and the open fifth string will be a low G note.
