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An introduction to open G tuning

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Introduction

The goal of this lens is to show the guitarist how to tune to open G tuning from standard tuning, the G major scale and the basic chords that are common in open G tuning. In this lens I'll have a list cd's and a selection of songs from each cd that will showcase the guitar in open G tuning. A video of myself playing in open G and some links for the guitarist. So grab your guitar and lets get started.

Information and how to tune to open G

Open G tuning also known as Spanish tuning is used in many styles of music. It is used in Hawaiian, Traditional country blues, rock, Celtic, folk, slide, ragtime, fingerstyle and contemporary styles. The use of open tunings is not new and has been used by guitarists since the 19th century. It is used extensivly by blues guitarists. In blues music beginners were taught open tunings because it was simple learn and to play all you needed was one finger to play the melody and strum the open strings.Some of the people who have used open G tuning are: Charlie Patton, Son House, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Winter to name a few.
To get your guitar into open G from standard tuning is really easy just do the following:
Lower the sixth, and first strings down a whole step to D then lower the fifth string down a whole step to G keep the fourth and second strings the same. Now your in open G tuning.

Tuning demo

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Open G tuning staff

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This example shows open G played from the lowest to the highest string DGDGBD

Fretboard Map

example 2

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This example Shows the G major scale in open G up to the 12th fret.

Chord Chart

Example 3

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The examples above and below shows the basic chord forms and fingerings in open G

Chord Chart (cont.)

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Example 4

Introductions

Below are several examples of intros in the style of Muddy Waters. All the examples are Played in open G tuning with a slide worn on the pinky. Use a thumb pick to get the proper sound.
Ex.1 is the intro from Muddy's Waters version of Robert Johnson's Kindhearted Woman Blues.
Measure three is played with the thumb and index finger. The tempo should be about 60 bpm.

Kindhearted Woman Blues

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Ex.2 Is a variation of the above, everything is played an octave higher, in measure 3 there is rhythmic variation. The descending figure in measure three is played with the fingers.

Kindhearted Woman Blues Variation

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Ex 3. This is another variation. Muddy uses this one to start Sad Day Blues.
The tempo should be about 58 bpm.

Sad Day Blues

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Example of open G tuning

Played by Bluescandy40

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Links of Interest

Bluescandy40's channel
This is my you tube channel. Here you will find me playing blues and ragtime guitar in different styles.
Mel Bay Publications
One of the largest publishers of guitar music around. You can find music , videoes and software in every style here.
Little Brother Blues
This site is all about blues guitar. Here you will find online lessons, reviews,articles, product demos, tips and more. Well worth checking out if your into blues guitar.
Stefan Grossman's Guitar Workshop
Here you will find a gold mine of guitar stuff. This site has music books, CD's, DVD guitar lessons, tabs, interviews, reviews, archival photos, radio broadcasts, a dicussion forum and rare performance videoes in blues, jazz, folk, country and Celtic music. Well worth a visit.
Dead Blues Guys
Take a virtual tour of the final resting places of famous bluesmen. This site presents photos of graves. headstones and comemorative makers of deceased bluesmen. There are links to biographical as well as related info. For the morbidly curious only.

Recommended Listening

Johnny Winter

Nothin But The Blues

Nothin' But The Blues

Nothin' But The Blues

Amazon Price: $8.54 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Johnny Winter is an American music legend. Since his first appearance on the pages of Rolling Stone in 1968, Johnny has epitomized the fiery and flamboyant rock and roll guitar hero. Yet Johnny has continually returned to the blues roots from which his music sprang. Listen to track #2(TV Mama) for open G tuning.

Release Date: 10/25/1990

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Charlie Patton

Founder of the Delta Blues

Founder of Delta Blues

Founder of Delta Blues

Amazon Price: $46.63 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $17.98

Patton was the key figure in the transition between traditional folk and what came to be known as the Mississippi Delta blues. A flamboyant, popular performer, he recorded a satchelful of titles between 1929 and 1934, two dozen of which appear in this collection. Listen to tracks #3 "Screamin' and Hollerin' TheBlues" and #13 "High Sheriff Blues" for open G tuning.

Release Date: 03/21/1995

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Son House

Delta Blues

Delta Blues

Delta Blues

Amazon Price: $13.97 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $17.98

When it comes to deep, dirty, down-home blues, Son House is the man. One of the "big three" of Delta blues (the others being Charley Patton and Willie Brown), House was the spiritual father of Robert Johnson. Ironically, House's only commercial recordings were a handful made in 1930. Luckily, Library of Congress folklorist Alan Lomax found him in 1941 and, over the next year or so, recorded some of the most stunning blues ever to be waxed. Listen to tracks #7 "Low Down Dirty Dog Blues" and #12 "County Farm Blues" for open G tuning.

Release Date: 11/23/1992

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Robert Johnson

the Complete Recordings

Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings

Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings

Amazon Price: $14.01 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $15.99

This two-CD box contains all 41 recordings Johnson made, including 12 alternate takes, and each cut remains a classic. This set's release in 1990 caused quite a stir, selling more than 500,000 copies, and, on the basis of endorsements from Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, introduced a great number of rock fans to Delta blues. Amazingly, Johnson built his enormous legacy on the strength of just two recording sessions: the first session, in November of 1936, produced among others "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Cross Road Blues," and "Walkin' Blues," making it perhaps the most influential single session in blues history. --Marc Greilsamer. Listen to track #19 "Walking Blues" For open G tuning.

Release Date: 08/20/1990

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New Guestbook

  • Edutopia Jan 30, 2012 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    The very best thing about doing alternate tunings like this is that it forces you to rethink how you approach the fretboard which will only make you a stronger player overall. Great lens.
  • dedolex Jan 28, 2011 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    Very nice lens! I've always wanted to play around in this tuning & just never got around to it. Now I will...thanks!
  • bluescandy40 Feb 7, 2011 @ 2:52 pm | delete
    Thanks for checking out my lens. I hope that it wil get you started playing in open G
    Good luck!
  • candy47 Sep 1, 2010 @ 6:55 am | delete
    Nice lens, welcome to Squidoo.
  • bluescandy40 Sep 2, 2010 @ 5:38 pm | delete
    Thanks for welcoming me to Squidoo.
  • vallain Aug 31, 2010 @ 9:17 pm | delete
    I'll share this with my husband who's trying to learn to play the guitar.
  • bluescandy40 Sep 2, 2010 @ 5:47 pm | delete
    Thanks for your comment. In future lens i'll do guitar lessons, profiles on blues artists, music theory and other things related to music.
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Song List

Below is a list of selected songs in open G tuning

Blues

Come on in My kitchen, by Robert Johnson
Crossroad Blues, by Robert Johnson
County Farm Blues, by Son House
Dry Spell Blues
Roll and Tumble, by Willie Newburn
Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues, by Charlie Patton

Rock

Brown Sugar, by The Rolling Stones
Can't you hear me knockin', by The Rolling Stones
Going to California, by Ked Zeppelin

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bluescandy40

Bluescandy40 lives and works in Northern N.J.In his spare time he listens to his extensive blues cd collection,plays guitar and hangs out in dive bars... more »

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