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.

G Lydian Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

G Lydian in Open G — Notes and Intervals

The G Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Guitar, the notes are G, A, B, C#, D, E, F#. It is known for its ethereal, dreamlike, and cinematic quality. Because it avoids the pull of the perfect fourth, it is a favorite for film composers wanting to evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldly space. The diatonic chords of G Lydian are GMaj7, A7, Bm7, C#m7b5, DMaj7, Em7, F#m7. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.

Notes: G, A, B, C#, D, E, F#

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M

Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7

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

Number of notes: 7

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

Diatonic Chords

GMaj7 — A7 — Bm7 — C♯m7♭5 — DMaj7 — Em7 — F♯m7

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

EtherealDreamyFloatingCinematicWondrous

The #4 (tritone from root) eliminates the gravitational pull of the perfect 4th, creating a sensation of weightless suspension — the reason film composers use it for 'wonder' and 'awe'.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

I – II – IV – I (Lydian II)Pop / Rock — Euphoric

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open G tuning