Open G Tuning
The first real open tuning you will learn is open G tuning. Open G tuning is the same as dropped G tuning except the first string (E) is also lowered one tone to the not e D. The open string notes as shown in the following diagram are therefore (beginning with the sixth string);
These notes form a G major chord. A G major chord consists of the notes G, B and D. For more information on chord construction see the back of this book.
Tuning the Guitar to Itself
To tune to open G tuning, first lower the sixth and fifth strings to D and G (dropped G tuning) as explained in Lesson 27. Then try one of the following options to tune the first string to the high D note.
Option 1:
Place a left hand finger on the second string at the 3rd fret (a D note), and play the string. Play the open first string (an E note). Turn the first string tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction, lowering the pitch of this string until the open string note is the same pitch as the third fret, second string. The open first string will now be a high D note.
Option 2:
Place a left hand finger on the fourth string at the 12th fret (a D note), and play the string. Play the open first string (an E note). Turn the first string tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction, lowering the pitch of this string until the open string note is the same pitch as the 12th fret, fourth string. The open first string will now be a high D note.
Octaves - Open G Tuning
A popular technique in open tuning is the use of octaves. An octave is the interval between two notes of the same name, 12 frets apart. Octaves are easily played in open G tuning because they can be played on the same frets. This next diagram highlights the location of some open string and fretted octaves. Octaves are then used in the following example.
Bar Chords - Open G Tuning
The most commonly used bar chords in open tuning are based upon the major chord, played simply as a 1st finger bar across all the strings. Various extended chords can be created by adding other fretted notes to the chord shape. Here are some of the more popular chords. The key note for open G bar chords is on the fifth string.
Major
Seventh
Sixth
Suspended
Add Ninth
Ninth
Example 216 makes use of some of these chord shapes. This is an 8 bar Blues progression based around the open G chord, C on the 5th fret and D on the 7th fret.
The Spanish Spinster is a solo in open G tuning. This piece combines a melody line, an arpeggio picking pattern and a syncopated bass line.
