What is Open G tuning?

Open G tuning changes the strings to D-G-D-G-B-D (low to high). Strumming all strings open produces a G major chord. Barring any fret gives you a major chord at that position, which is ideal for slide guitar.

What scales work in Open G tuning?

The G major pentatonic and G blues scale are natural fits. For slide playing, the major scale patterns align perfectly with the open tuning. The Mixolydian mode also works beautifully for a bluesy feel.

Why do slide guitarists use Open G?

Open G makes slide guitar much more intuitive. Since barring across all strings at any fret produces a major chord, you can play melodies and chords simply by moving the slide up and down the neck. This is why it's been the standard tuning for blues slide guitar.

C Suspended Fourth Flat Ninth Guitar Arpeggio

Guitar arpeggio in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

C Suspended Fourth Flat Ninth in Open G — Notes and Intervals

Notes: C, F, G, Bb, Db

Intervals: 1P, 4P, 5P, 7m, 9m

Formula: 5-W-WH-WH

Number of notes: 5

Tuning: Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)

Also known as: b9sus, phryg, 7b9sus, 7b9sus4

The C Suspended Fourth Flat Ninth arpeggio contains 5 notes (C, F, G, Bb, Db). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on 6-string guitar — Open G with different tunings and fret ranges.

About Open G Tuning

Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.

From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.

BluesSlide GuitarRockCountryFolkRoots

Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes

Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking

Explore This Arpeggio in Other Tunings

← All Guitar arpeggios in Open G tuning