How To Play Guitar In Open G Tuning

Do you want to be able to play guitar in Open G tuning?
I'll show you exactly how to get your guitar in open G tuning and what to start playing once you are there. There are a variety of songs to play with open G tuning, but one of the most important things is to keep an open mind. It may take some getting used to, but playing guitar in open G tuning can be tons of fun.
The tuning is as follows: DGDGBD.
One of the first things you can do is play a G major scale on the middle G string. When you play the major scale, you can strum all the strings at once. Be sure to play around with this, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms!
Once you get a handle on playing the major scale and strumming all the strings, you might be wondering how to play chords on open G tuning. We teach two chord shapes that can be applied to open G tuning: a barred shape and a staggered shape.
You can use these two shapes to create a variety of chords up and down the neck.
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[@tacguitar]

Thanks for all the love guys! Glad this was helpful. If you want more musical nuggets like this I release one every day at Tonys Acoustic Challenge. Give it a quick Google and check it out. See you on the next lesson!

[@codyfromhumanresources6435]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m just starting to truly explore any tuning outside of standard and this has been a big help in inspiring further exploration.

[@Sylvaine_RavenQueenVT]

3:04 was that pun intentional

[@helenstephens9746]

My husband has been playing for over 50 yrs. He hasn't really bothered with open tunings....until he retired. Your open G tuning.. is a tuning that Keith Richards uses a lot. Great video Tony...he's off and running now!

[@fazilamzirf8887]

Concise, no bad jokes, no excessive intro, clear sound, clear instructions for the ignorant. Just the video's quality was worth the visit. Thanks, man.

[@jasonpason4172]

For sure would be awesome teacher probably saved me years of mistakes and bad habits but still a pro thanks

[@asman-8082]

I love how the tattoo matches the guitar shape

[@TheSoulWithin7]

I appreciate this video, im severely depressed and turned to learning acoustic last july, im finally starting to spread my wings and learn more than just a few songs i love and lessons i was taught by andy guitar and other youtubers, def gonna go through your videos now :) thanks man you seem really chill

[@perrydedovitch7788]

finally someone who is not condescending and encouraging others to experiment and explore..thank you

[@HuubMartens-u6t]

Yes, it certainly is an eye-opener to me, as a 71 year old Dutch guitar lover! Now I’m getting more confident in buying a resonator guitar. Thank you, Tony. I like your channel and tips very much!!

[@dilligafatall]

Wow , finally someone who described it in a way I understand !!!!!!!

[@bonannop]

Been using open G tuning for years because I am a huge Stones fan, but once again Tony opens up new possibilities. Thanks.

[@dalegnodle2630]

You just changed my life! The notes are simple and since I own three guitars I can keep one in open tuning. Can't wait to try this on my 12 string!

[@tinmar4371]

Take a look at Dobro bluegrass if you like Open G

[@swaggercat]

Great lesson Tony. I've never messed with open G. Now I can't wait to get home to my guitar.

[@adamstime]

Swaggercat same here 🤣

[@tonybhoy1881]

Have you made it home? 😄

[@edgarucelo8401]

Yo estaba por tomar una siesta, ahora mejor me levanto a probar el open G

[@bujia69]

Me too G. Never messed with open G. Stopped vid at 2:12. Messed about with with it. Wife said it sounded lovely. Biggest compliment ever. Thanks my G

[@tacguitar]

Ahh. I’m so happy to hear that!

[@RICHIEBONES77]

THANK YOU…i play blues slide and i have cbg’s,a bohemian oil can,a shovel caster and i just got a fender PR-180E and this video helped me to move up a level

[@tylertyler5949]

Not debatable my favorite teacher on the tube.

[@frankforrester42]

I made my own song. It's a cross between LZ"s rain song and pearl jam's daughter. It's kinda crazy but just sounds so good and... I finally found the second part to it tonight.

[@ju177]

Your videos are a goldmine if information, I always learn so much from them. Thank you!

[@cigarzan]

Great lesson, Sir! Articulate, smooth, and informational. I've been playing for years, but I've never tried Open G.

[@guitarkid5537]

Thank you Tony !!! I had so much fun within 15 mins. Never knew that with a few changes in the tuning, it opens a whole new way to play the guitar. You are the best !!!

[@brandonanthony7331]

“Daughter” by Pearl Jam is open G it opened my mind to how cool open tunings are and how pretty they sounds

[@steelybizzle]

Yeah but you need to raise low E to G instead of down to the D ..all other strings are the same ✌😉

[@twangmonstersl1156]

I'm just starting to mess with five string open G tuning on a cuatro and this was a great help as I've never tried open tunings even on guitar before. Many thanks 😎👍🏼

[@chucklutter7399]

Very good lesson. I'm not much on exploring, I appreciate the people who do.

[@robcedar960]

You have a great aura. You teach as naturally as you breathe.

[@Golactico]

I've never messed with standard tuning before and always thought any other tuning system is purely for guitar virtuosos. This video has given me the confidence to give open tuning a go.

[@trentcrawford738]

“The options are kinda open”...I see what you did there, Tony.

[@Jo-ho3zl]

HAHAHAHA 1000

[@barrymckenna9295]

Alter Bridge Watch Over You in open G awesome song

[@LyleStyle87]

In Loving Memory and A Wonderful Life as well. AB FOREVER!

[@jaimeecherivel2927]

A good catalog of their songs are in Open G. They’re actually the reason I started using it

[@tonycongema1064]

I

[@lotsoflovemadelief]

Let's write those songs!!! Whooooo thank you so much! ❤️ Love the calm way you speak and explain this! So soothing!

[@rtelles1127]

I recently purchased a resonator guitar.and really started looking for open tunings . I then stumbled across Nanci Griffith playing,love at the five and dime .found out it's payed in open G tuning. And that bought me here. Thanks for the lesson

[@mbmichaelbranden]

"Love At The Five and Dime," by Nanci Griffith, is not only a wonderful story song, but is PERFECT for Open G tuning! It very musically illustrates some of these moving shapes that Tony is talking about. Best of all, it utilizes HARMONICS, which are amazingly useful in Open G. This tune comes Highly recommended as an example of how simplicity can equal excellence. And then, there is a young Nanci Griffith, playing and singing it so beautifully... Classic! . ~ Michael Branden

[@jarmentor1731]

I enjoyed the video very much, but I have one recommendation: Use a guitar with dots on the neck. It will give novice viewers a better reference as to where you are on the neck.

[@thrakh5842]

use your ears ...

[@phast1]

Anain Gô Use your own ears and please ignore any other videos that might give ya a clue....dick

[@AncientCreature-i2o]

@@thrakh5842 Beginners are often unable to rely on their untrained ears. The ears learn as the fingers do. That is matter of fact.

[@georgekelly9797]

just had a wow moment. Just put out 3 songs, I never thought to tune in open g. Thank you..

[@kennyward4674]

That was the best 'explanation' of open G tuning I've ever heard. Thanks buddy!

[@paulmaartensphotography9950]

Well I just got a second Jim Dandy and I’m following your lead here. I’ve tuned the new addition to Open G, and wow this is cool. Thank you Tony!! 🤙🏼🇦🇺

[@tinmar4371]

Banjo, Dobro guitar, and steel guitar are amazing with open tuning too :)

[@mainstman1]

Thanks Toney was so fixated on standard tuning and felt like I need to stay focused on that , so Open tunings eluded me and you broke it down so side that i am now regretting to delving in sooner

[@perfyletawerig1567]

I love playing guitar and i play by ears and i love to learn more from you

[@peacemonger42]

I've played around with 5 string Open G tuning, mostly with using a slide. I played around with this last night and discovered a whole new dimension to playing in this tuning. Awesome. A bit of a side note, I have kind of a beater guitar (purchased for $75, something to experiment with, new tunings, new strings, that sort of thing) which I've left in Open D tuning. These lessons work just as well. Now I'm trying to figure out what to play in these tunings. Thank you for this video.

[@carlmartenleitz2089]

Fantastic lesson! I myself have got too comfortable with standard and finally branching out into different tunings! This is a good start! Thanks!

[@drewharrito5705]

Bruh… I am so effing excited to try this. I have always heard of open and seen them on tuner options but never taken the leap. Thanks for the tips man I’ll let you know!

[@albertmendoza6390]

Wow great information as always . If every beginner did this tuning 1st they may get encouraged to continue practicing and playing

[@colingray1972]

An easy to follow tuning method with pleasant soundings. Thank you for your time.

[@sarahmorris8232]

I only started playing a few years back, and only because open tunings made it possible. I have no idea what any thing is called on this instrument, and that is what stopped me learning whilst with my musician ex...I really struggle with sequences, so open tunings made my musical journey possible. I write my own stuff and play slide... sometimes ignorance brings me to some unusual chords, so I've been told....great to find a few places to press that I haven't found yet...thank you x

[@super63strat]

Great lesson , had a Blast using a capo and bottle neck slide .Take my mind off all the problems occuring in this country .Thanks my friend

[@Colhogan06]

I have been messing around with open "G" tuning on and off for the past couple weeks now and I am glad I ran across this video. Even though I'm using a Les Paul open "G" tuning has been fun to mess with. I was pretty satisfied with how far I got on my own but this just opened things a bit more. It has helped make learning fun! What I am finding that is happening is that by experimenting in open "G" I am able to get pleasant sounds from my guitar and this is part of the reason I wanted to learn in the first place. So open "G" is definitely an encouraging tuning when learning because it has helped me learn strumming patterns. Thanks for helping me expand my playing.

[@jenamu6]

Been playing open g for a couple of years.....mostly blues, but this shed a new light....thanks, and please more open tuning lessons.

[@jefferysmith9320]

I play Steve Stills "4 & 20" open G. This helped me expand my knowledge of this tuning. Thank you very much !

[@michaelwheeler3782]

4+20. Is DADDAD

[@FankydaddyGO]

Thank you for the very easy-to-understand explanation! Let's try open tuning right away!

[@memeshort5515]

Ive been playing for a long time and never really messed around with open G, but this video was really helpful, very good teacher

[@allhavesaidtheirprayers3434]

I wish you were doing these videos when I started playing 25 years ago!

[@bjperrett2570]

I found the "open G" tuning recently,... & fell in love with it. I'm still a novice at best, but this makes you sound like a pro. I found your lesson (above) this morning, & it was a real "ah-ha" moment. Thank you for sharing.

[@chrisflach5911]

Sounds great on my 12. Been in open g for a bit messing with some Free, Stones and Zep but never thought of using just the b and d and droning the rest. Thanks

[@favnvs1]

Lightbulb moment for me, still a beginner but managed to make a little finger picking tune using to shapes shown on here. Thanks very much

[@LiveMusicOntario]

I don't even play guitar but every week I'm listening to musicians up close and now I know a bit more about why some songs just hit me right away as more beautiful. A few times I know they are using drop D because they mention it's why they are pausing to retune. I think I like drop D because they go to it for more sombre, mellow compositions. This open G sounds like what I hear for the closing credits of a Clint Eastwood Malpaso film.

[@musicmanjerryphillips6429]

I am playing guitar for 46 years I’m legally blind and I’ve never really messed with opportunity check today thank you for your information that you have shared

[@secretdaisy6484]

This is awesome. I can’t wait to try it. I can hear how melodic it is. I saw a guy playing slide guitar in Open G tuning and I can’t wait to try that too. 👍☮️🌞🎸❤️

[@ROBERTMCDONALD-oy6xx]

Sept 7/2024, super session, gonna tune my Strat and Taylor GS8 and work on this concept

[@matthewpocock4824]

I discovered this a week ago whilst exploring a Gsus2 chord in open G! What a coincidence.

[@roses123ize]

As a novice I enjoyed this concise video but was still unsure about transferring this skill to playing songs? the chord scale is lovely, thanks *

[@douglasnewman4163]

Very cool! Thanks for your very concise explanation of the Open G tuning and your demo. Can’t wait to try it out.

[@jimtalbott5218]

Super useful is right! Just practicing that for a few minutes and there were all kinds of song ideas and melodies popping out! Thanks man, that made my day!

[@Meymeygwis]

Open G Basic Blues session please...and slide!!

[@magmion2783]

That would be major awesome

[@dodiisaurus]

Yesssss

[@tacguitar]

Great idea! Noted.

[@Meymeygwis]

@@tacguitar Thank you Tony, so many great classics in there from Walkin to Rooster, Spoonful to Rollin & Tumblin, we quiver with anticipation!

[@janseendiguiseppiThomasMC]

Can I do open G on my mandolin¿

[@jtelevenoyd1571]

"Taro patch". It's about the only alternative tuning I've ever fooled with. Reminds me a lot of the banjo. In fact a 6-string banjo in this tuning might be worth trying. [Edited to add: love your channel.]

[@skeezerpleezer8623]

Great stuff! Just learned something new here. Im trying this when I get home and away from all these dance moms. Thanks Tony!

[@jamiemay6065]

Thanks for the lesson. I’m gonna try it. Looks like fun. 🍻

[@Tina-di4lx]

I learned how to do this years ago. Pretty easy to do for all open cord tuning and handy too.

[@luckymann7053]

Really good straight forward. Really worth watching to get some good tips especially for the novice, I have played for 38 years and I learned something

[@MiliVoi]

Thanks a lot! Got it. I've meaning to try this for ages, but you gave me just the right push I needed to do it. :-)

[@steveelliott3514]

I watched this a week ago, changed my second guitar tuning and just want to thank you. love this. Many thanks again.

[@Ragazzoedimburgo]

So many dudes and girls out there teaching the guitar. It’s brilliant but also hard to know who to follow. Not sure of your name yet but I’m subscribing because you have got the right tone method and charisma to explain it without losing me. Cheers. Cannie wait to start playing

[@josephjelinek1841]

My friend your a excellent teacher! Thank you for the video! I've learned a lot in a short period of time! Aloha!

[@epipick]

Open G was a real light bulb moment once I discovered it and when you use a slide - wow!

[@kmx2607]

Dude....my mind is blown away...I been doing standard tuning and capo for the last 7 years of playing...lol

[@andymarfoldi5403]

Open G is my go too , but never have used your stagerd shape , go figure, more G stuff please, am suscribe now, thankyou.

[@johnbold8955]

Im 55 years old and have been playing my guitar for almost 6 months now and this is like cheating!!.....i will most likely learn bad habits from it but hey, sounds so cool i will take the chance! Great video! Thanks!

[@Colhogan06]

I'm 59 and am pretty much in the same place you are. I've been at it for about 6 months. I decided to learn guitar because I would like a nice hobby by the time I retire. My father played in bands most of his life and I would like to be able to play some for him before he is no longer able to comprehend what I'm doing. He is now in his 80's but gets excited when I come by with the guitar. To make a long story short, don't think of it as cheating. Open tuning has its place in guitar playing and I look at it like I'm learning this aspect of guitar playing. Keith Richard's of the Rolling Stones plays several of the Rolling Stones songs in open G. So much that he has one guitar he doesnt even put a low E string on because he doesnt use it. In open G that string would be a D and he doesnt use it because it's not needed for what he uses open G for.

[@ThatChester]

Me a 17-year old: *silently hugs guitar*

[@Sabaka1954]

If you think playing in an open tuning is like cheating, you're in great company. Rev. Gary Davis "Commenting on Bukka White who played in an open tuning with a bottleneck, Davis said, 'That’s cheating.'" But he was very competitive. I've seen this Davis' cheating reference referred to jokingly in guitar forums. I heard another great player, Pat Donahue, say something like: "easier is a good thing." Here's how I think about it: It's about how the music sounds. Good guitar playing is not easy. If you can figure out an easier way to do something and get the sound you want, why would you want to work any harder than you have to? I don't think you're going to learn any bad habits. There are a lot of great players who go back and forth between standard and open tunings.

[@blueser100]

Thanks for this. I love the sound of open G. It sure worked for Keith Richards. 😛

[@thewarontom]

Good lesson man. Straight to the point and useful with very little filler.

[@davidb7825]

Very good lesson, no bullshit. Straight to the point and delivered very well in explaining

[@pattburter9940]

Thank's so much friend just discovered 'ur channel and i like it i'm gonna buy a guitar and tunnin' it to G on next monday whaou amazin'

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Well I am amazed at this groovy lesson --thankyou

[@donalddavis581]

Thank you... Dobro player here wishing to pick up a second instrument! THANKS!!

[@robynblake4841]

Well presented, this has helped me understand open G tuning! Thank you!

[@scotthunter2746]

Great lesson, Tony! I use a slightly different Open G tuning -- tuned as you do here, except that the sixth string is also tuned to G -- when I play Leo Kottke's "Sailor's Grave on the Prairie" (my one slide tune). I can use your chord ideas as I explore the tuning further. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Maltloaflegrande]

Same here; I never liked the low D; always got in the way, but be careful with this three-semitone step up. It ultimately damaged my guitar due to the extra tension. You might consider getting rid of that string altogether, like Keith Richards does or, as I do, getting a custom set made (I use 15-17-26-34-48-48 on acoustic, and 12-15-20-30-42-42 on electric) It doesn't cost any more than buying a ready-made set, but sounds and feels a lot better.

[@guibox3]

I do three instrumentals (2 I created) in open G and I play Randy Scrugg's arrangement of 'Both Sides Now' in DGDGBE. Recently I just fooled around with open D tuning and created my own arrangement of a song. Open tuning sure kick open a lot more doors!

[@tracynotter7286]

He does put it all in ya a once ,and have fun ...cool

[@backpackerway8533]

Thanks bro! Everytime i wanna olay open g i come on you video

[@Jimbo4327]

Excellent. Love it. I'm always a little leery of changing the tuning on my Guitar because I have no idea what to do with it then.. That was cool.

[@tallred67]

I'm here for the open tuning. I damaged several fingers on my left hand in a tablesaw accident last year, making it difficult to play. The index finger is fused straight at the first knuckle so works great for barring but not so much for fretting on the top strings. Open tuning gives me more options.

[@kentdodge4009]

great lesson for me. Thank you Tony

[@ronaldgoulding186]

brilliant simple way your showing this cool, very much appreciated, after playing in standard chords was getting bored" needed this for a new path on guitar!! exellent.

[@delv2473]

Open tuning is not just for slide guitar as many people think . Great eye opener .

[@sutphin33]

I am a banjo player. Open G tuning makes the guitar way easier for me. Thanks for the info.

[@mandalynnwickersham4705]

Amazing!!! I've been playing for a while now and wanted to play in New tunings, I loved this video and the open d video, I am having a blast and my wife loves hearing me play more!! Thankyou!

[@jim21jam]

I enjoyed this, have dabbled in some open tunings but never really played around with them much, this gave me some incentive, thanks Tony!!!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Open G is also great for slide playing. I do it a bit differently this time. I actually use Open E tuning & put a capo on the 3rd Fret which gives me Open G w/ a High G on the End, so it's great for playing Rolling Stones music but also you can transpose it to a Key that's easy to sing in.

[@frankblakley8249]

Bet that would be awesome with a Nashville tuning so the lows are a different octave.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@frankblakley8249 Open G Terz Tuning would be like playing in Open E w/ a capo on the 3rd Fret.

[@dougww1ectebow]

Timely post. Been playing around with Open G and yes, it's an amazing tuning. Someone else posted about Alter Bridge Watch over you. Fairly easy song, and it sounds amazing in that tuning.

[@daveh8686]

Ya! cool stuff, thanks. Long time player but now just exploring open G. So thanks. Easy learn for me but if i was more novice, just a suggestion, your guitar having dots on your frets would make a huge difference. Thanks again.

[@kkdeveauxgue2592]

I like this Tony,I had writer's block,now I feel something more challenging,I fret my chords I seldom do open stuff,I hear in colour,not sound

[@vwbeetle72jellybeen]

Great lesson, Tony. Open G might actually work pretty well in a bluegrass jam session I'm joining next month. Time and practice will tell.

[@angelovanoeveren7936]

How did it go?

[@janseendiguiseppiThomasMC]

You're an amazing tracher!! I've been on a binge watching all your videos! Such great content! Thanks a million!

[@maxkagi1297]

I like the way you explained that! Great teaching skills!

[@turdferguson2505]

Thank you so much I am just trying open G after years of playing reg. That helped a lot

[@robertdawson2578]

Wow! A whole different light on a making a sweet guitar sound, thank you much.

[@koltonsaling]

Thanks brother! I like your style of teaching. New to the channel but can’t wait to dig in!