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# Minor #7m Pentatonic Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

G# Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open G — Notes and Intervals

The G# Minor #7m Pentatonic scale is a minor pentatonic variation that includes a major seventh, echoing the tension of the melodic minor scale. On Guitar, the notes are G#, B, C#, D#, G. It is used to create a Minor-Major mystery, providing a simple but effective way to add a dark, classical tension to modern solos. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.

Notes: G#, B, C#, D#, G

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

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5

Formula: WH-W-W-4-H

Number of notes: 5

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

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

DarkClassicalTenseMysterious

The major 7th against a minor 3rd creates the characteristic 'Minor-Major' tension — dark and unsettling yet refined.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

vi – viM7 – vi7 – II (Descending Minor Cliché)Classical / Pop — Romance & Intrigue

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open G tuning