↓Skip to main content
  1. Open G Guitar Videos/

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open G — Fender Play

·2 mins
Open G Tuning Beginner Video Guide
Table of Contents

Source: Fender Play

What This Video Covers #

Fender Play instructor Scott Goldbaum guides you through the full process of tuning your guitar to Open G from scratch. The video is structured as a practical walkthrough — Goldbaum explains what Open G is, which strings change from standard, and demonstrates the tuning process in real time.

The Tuning Process #

Open G requires three string changes from standard tuning:

  • String 6 (low E): down a whole step to D
  • String 5 (A): down a whole step to G
  • String 1 (high E): down a whole step to D

Strings 2, 3, and 4 stay exactly where they are. The result — low to high — is D G D G B D, which spells out a G major chord when all strings are strummed open.

Why These Changes Matter #

Goldbaum explains the harmonic logic clearly: the three altered strings are tuned to the root (G) and fifth (D) of the G chord. The middle strings (G, B) were already chord tones. This means the open strings form a full chord with no fretting — the foundation of everything you can do in Open G.

Songs in Open G #

The video also introduces some of the famous songs recorded in Open G — including material by Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones — so you can hear the tuning in context immediately after learning to set it up.

Using a Tuner #

The lesson recommends using a chromatic tuner rather than tuning by ear, especially when starting out. If you want a reference tone to tune by ear instead, the Open G String Tuner on this site gives you each string individually.

Who This Is For #

Complete beginners who have never tried alternate tuning before. The pace is relaxed, the instructions are clear, and you don’t need any prior knowledge of music theory to follow along.

Key Takeaways #

  • Only three strings change from standard tuning
  • The open strings spell a full G major chord
  • A chromatic tuner is the easiest way to tune accurately