Tuning the guitar to Open G is relatively simple. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings (B, G, and D strings respectively) are common to both Open G and standard tuning. Since these strings don't need to be retuned, they will serve as reference points for retuning the 1st, 5th, and 6th strings. Here are the strings that need to change:
Standard Tuning: E A D G B EOpen G Tuning: D G D G B DStarting with the open 6th string,
- turn down the 6th string to one octave below the 4th. You'll be tuning from the standard E note down to the D note.
- turn down the 1st string to one octave higher than the 4th. You'll be tuning from the standard high E note down to the high D note.
- retune the 5th string one octave below the 3rd string. You'll be tuning from the standard A note down to the G note.
- To check,
- compare the 12th fret of the 6th string to the 4th, do they sound the same?
- compare the 3rd fret of 2nd string to the 1st string open, do they sound the same?
- compare the 12th fret of the 5th string to the 3rd string, do they sound the same?
- Strum all the strings open, does it sound like a harmonious G chord? If so, you're ready to go.