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.

A Minor Blues Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A Minor Blues in Open G — Notes and Intervals

The A Minor Blues scale is the definitive scale of the blues tradition. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, C, D, Eb, E, G. By adding a chromatic tension note to the minor pentatonic, it creates the dirty and expressive grit associated with Chicago and Delta blues, essential for any player looking to add emotional bite to their solos. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Jazz, R&B. Notable players include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy. Use over minor chords and dominant 7th chords in blues. The b5 is a passing tone — linger on it for tension, resolve to 4 or 5.

Notes: A, C, D, Eb, E, G

Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5d, 5P, 7m

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6

Formula: WH-W-H-H-WH-W

Number of notes: 6

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

Also known as: blues

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

Musical Character

GrittyExpressiveSoulfulBiting

The b5 'blue note' between the 4th and 5th creates the most expressive chromatic passage in blues. Bending from b5 to 5 is the single most iconic sound in guitar music.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

I – IV – V (Rock & Folk Classic)Pop / Rock — Energy & Drive
bVI – bVII – I (Mario Cadence)World / Game Music — Triumph & Victory
I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V (12 Bar Blues)Blues — Grit & Soul
i – iv – i – V (Minor Blues)Blues — Melancholy
I – bVI – bIII – bVII (Epic Borrowed Chords)Contemporary / Film — Epic & Heroic

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open G tuning