Are you looking to shake up your guitar playing and explore a new tuning?
Look no further than Open G tuning, the beloved alternative for many guitarists.
With its unique sound and versatile playability, it’s no wonder this tuning has been used by some of the most excellent musicians in history.
And today, we’ve curated a list of some must-know Open G tuning songs that will have you strumming along in no time.
So grab your guitar and join us as we dive into this exciting world of melodies and chords. Let’s get started!
1. “A Day In The Life” by Jeff Beck
“A Day In The Life” by Jeff Beck is a beautiful song showcasing the renowned guitarist’s unique skill and talent.
The song is set in open G tuning, which gives it a unique and captivating sound.
As you listen to the song, you can feel transported to a peaceful place where all your worries fade.
The precise and intricate guitar playing and the soothing melody create a magical experience for the listeners.
It’s no surprise that this song has been a favorite among guitarists and music enthusiasts since its release in 1967.
2. “Walkin’ Blues” by Eric Clapton
“Walkin’ Blues” by Eric Clapton is considered one of the best songs in open G tuning.
This blues classic, originally written and recorded by Delta blues legend Robert Johnson, has been covered by numerous artists. Still, Clapton’s version stands out for its intricate guitar work and soulful vocals.
The song follows a simple yet captivating chord progression showcasing Clapton’s mastery of the open G tuning.
His fingerpicking and slide techniques add a unique depth to the song, making it a favorite among guitar enthusiasts.
The lyrics of “Walkin’ Blues” tell a story of struggle and heartbreak, delivered with raw emotion through Clapton’s warm and inviting tone.
3. Tumbling Dice by The Rolling Stones
“Tumbling Dice” by The Rolling Stones is one of their most iconic and beloved songs, but also a masterpiece in terms of tuning.
It is played in open G tuning, making it stand out from the rest of their repertoire.
This particular tuning adds a unique depth and richness to the song, with Keith Richards’ signature riff instantly recognizable and impossible to resist tapping your foot.
This song’s open G tuning allows for a distinctly bluesy sound that perfectly complements Mick Jagger’s soulful vocals and the band’s overall gritty rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
Many consider “Tumbling Dice” the best example of open G tuning in any Rolling Stones song, showcasing their unparalleled ability to create timeless music that continues to captivate audiences decades later.
4. Honky Tonk Women by The Rolling Stones
“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time as one of the best songs written in open G tuning.
With its raw and infectious energy, this song is a perfect representation of the band’s signature sound.
From Keith Richards’ iconic guitar riff to Mick Jagger’s charismatic vocals, every element of this song comes together flawlessly to create an unforgettable listening experience.
5. That’s The Way by Led Zeppelin
One of the most iconic songs by Led Zeppelin, “That’s The Way,” is a beautiful masterpiece that perfectly showcases the band’s musical prowess.
With its captivating melody, intricate guitar riffs, and soulful vocals by Robert Plant, it is no wonder that this song has become a fan favorite.
What makes it even more remarkable is that it is played in open G tuning, which gives it a unique sound and adds to its overall charm.
6. Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked by Cage the Elephant
“Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” by Cage the Elephant is a chart-topping hit and one of the best open G tuning songs out there.
With its catchy guitar riffs and gritty vocals, this song perfectly captures the rebellious and restless energy of being a “wicked” person in society.
Open G tuning adds a unique depth to the sound, allowing for a distinct blend of blues, rock, and country influences.
As you listen to the song, you can’t help but tap your foot along with the upbeat tempo and sing along to the clever lyrics that tell a story of living on the edge.
7. Watch Over You by Alter Bridge
“Watch Over You” by Alter Bridge is a phenomenal song showcasing the band’s talent and range.
What sets this song apart is its beautiful open G tuning, which creates a unique and mesmerizing sound.
The powerful vocals of Myles Kennedy combined with the soulful guitar playing of Mark Tremonti make for a truly captivating experience.
The lyrics speak to the feelings of vulnerability and longing for someone to watch over you, making it relatable to listeners from all walks of life.
8. Perfect by Simple Plan
“Perfect” by Simple Plan is not just any ordinary song but a great open G-tuning song.
When the familiar guitar chords start playing, it’s hard not to sing along and feel a rush of emotions.
This song perfectly captures the struggles of growing up and meeting society’s expectations while staying true to yourself.
The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with the catchy melody, make it easy for anyone to relate and sing along with passion.
9. Hello, I’m In Delaware by City and Colour
One of the most beloved songs by Canadian musician Dallas Green, also known as City and Colour, is “Hello, I’m In Delaware.”
The song is a great example of open G tuning, which gives it a unique sound that sets it apart from other acoustic guitar tracks.
As the haunting guitar chords ring out, Green’s melancholic yet soothing voice draws you in and takes you on a poignant journey through his emotions.
The lyrics tell the story of feeling lost and alone while traveling to unfamiliar places but ultimately finding solace in the beauty of nature.
10. Mercy by Duffy
“Mercy” by Duffy is a beloved pop hit that has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Written and performed by the talented Welsh singer-songwriter Aimee Anne Duffy, this song showcases her powerful vocals and captivating lyrics.
This track’s use of open G tuning on the guitar makes it stand out, creating a unique and catchy sound.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, playing “Mercy” in open G tuning will surely get your fingers tapping and your head bobbing to the beat.
11. Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones
“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones is an iconic and evergreen rock song that has stood the test of time.
Released in 1981, it was the lead single from their album “Tattoo You” and quickly became a global hit.
What sets this song apart is its catchy and infectious beat, thanks to guitarist Keith Richards using an open G tuning on his guitar.
This unique tuning adds a distinct flavor to the song, making it instantly recognizable to any music lover.
12. Sedona by Houndmouth
“Sedona” by Houndmouth is a catchy and lively song that has captured the hearts of many music lovers with its distinct open G tuning style.
This famous tune features a unique blend of folk, rock, and indie elements, making it stand out.
It takes listeners on a journey to the scenic city of Sedona, Arizona, through its upbeat rhythm and feel-good lyrics.
Open G tuning gives the song a warm, mellow sound that perfectly complements the band’s harmonious melodies and powerful vocals.
13. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp by Led Zeppelin
“Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” is a classic song by the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin, known for their innovative sound and timeless music.
This track, from their third album, “Led Zeppelin III,” stands out for its use of open G tuning and its unique blend of folk and blues influences.
The title refers to the name of the cottage in Wales where the band stayed during a writing retreat, and this rustic setting is reflected in the raw and organic feel of the song.
With Robert Plant’s energetic vocals, Jimmy Page’s infectious guitar riffs, John Paul Jones’ groovy bass lines, and John Bonham’s dynamic drumming, “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” is a joyous celebration of music that will make you want to stomp your feet along with it.
Its popularity among fans can be attributed to its catchy chorus and memorable lyrics that paint vivid images of rural life.
14. Bad To The Bone by George Thorogood & The Destroyers
“Bad To The Bone” is an iconic and highly energetic song by the American rock band George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
It was released in 1982 as a part of their fifth album and instantly became a massive hit with its catchy riffs and raw vocals.
The song’s popularity stems from its signature blues-rock sound, complemented by open G tuning on the guitar – a technique favored by many legendary musicians, including Keith Richards and Jimi Hendrix.
This unique tuning gives the song its distinct sound and makes it instantly recognizable to any music lover.
15. Romeo And Juliet by Dire Straits
“Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits is a popular song that has captivated audiences for decades thanks to its beautiful melody and evocative lyrics.
This timeless classic was released in 1980 as part of the album “Making Movies” and has since become one of the band’s signature tunes.
What sets “Romeo and Juliet” apart from other love songs is its use of open G tuning, which gives the guitar a unique and haunting sound.
The song tells the tragic story of two star-crossed lovers who are kept apart by their families feuds but still choose to defy all odds in the name of love.
The emotional depth portrayed through Mark Knopfler’s soulful vocals and intricate guitar playing make this song a true masterpiece.
16. Death Letter by The White Stripes
“Death Letter” by The White Stripes is a popular and influential song that showcases the band’s signature sound and use of open G tuning.
This tuning method, which involves tuning the guitar strings to the notes D-G-D-G-B-D, gives the track a unique and bluesy sound.
The lyrics of “Death Letter” tell a haunting story of heartbreak and loss, making it relatable to many listeners.
The raw emotion in lead singer Jack White’s vocals, combined with his masterful guitar playing, creates a visceral listening experience that draws you in from the first note.
The simple yet effective drumming by Meg White adds to the song’s intensity and overall impact.
17. Elephants by Them Crooked Vultures
“Elephants” by Them Crooked Vultures is a must-listen song for any fan of the open G tuning.
This popular rock supergroup, consisting of members from legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Queens of the Stone Age, and Foo Fighters, has created a masterpiece that showcases the versatility and power of this tuning.
The opening riff immediately grabs your attention with its heavy yet catchy melody played on the low strings.
As the song progresses, the dynamic shifts between soft verses and explosive choruses keep you hooked until the end.
18. I Sing Praises To Your Name by Terry MacAlmon
“I Sing Praises To Your Name” is a beloved worship song by Terry MacAlmon that Christians have embraced.
This popular open G tuning song has a simple yet powerful melody, making it easy to learn and sing along to.
The lyrics, which focus on praising and exalting the name of God, are filled with reverence and adoration.
As we listen to this song, our hearts are stirred with gratitude and awe for the greatness of our Heavenly Father.
19. She by Green Day
“She” by Green Day is a popular song that uses open G tuning, a type of guitar tuning. This tuning creates a unique sound and depth to the track’s intense lyrics.
The song tells the story of a girl who struggles with self-esteem and societal pressures.
Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s raw vocals and energetic guitar playing perfectly capture the emotions behind the lyrics.
The catchy melody and powerful chorus make it a fan favorite at live concerts.
“She” has become an anthem for those who feel misunderstood or marginalized, touching on themes of identity and individuality.
FAQs
What songs can you play in open G tuning?
If you want to broaden your guitar-playing skills and experiment with different tunings, open G tuning is a great place to start.
This particular tuning involves tuning the guitar strings to D-G-D-G-B-D, which results in a rich and full sound perfect for playing a wide range of songs.
In this tuning, many well-known songs can be played, such as:
- “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
- “Bron-Yr-Aur” by Led Zeppelin
- “Angie” by The Rolling Stones
- “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin'” by The Rolling Stones
- “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix
- “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones
- “Little Martha” by The Allman Brothers Band
What is open G tuning good for?
Open G tuning is a type of guitar tuning where the strings are tuned to D-G-D-G-B-D from low to high.
While it may seem unconventional compared to standard tuning, open G has gained popularity among musicians for its unique sound and versatility.
One of the biggest advantages of using open G tuning is that it allows for easy fingerpicking and slide playing, making it popular among blues and country players.
The lowered bass string also creates a warmer tone, perfect for creating a full-bodied sound when playing chords or accompanying other instruments.
Additionally, open G tuning offers a wide range of chord voicings and new possibilities for improvisation, making it an exciting choice for creative songwriting.
Who uses open G tuning?
Open G tuning is a famous guitar tuning used by musicians of different genres and skill levels.
This tuning has been widely adopted by blues, country, and roots rock players due to its versatility and unique sound.
Some famous artists incorporating Open G into their music include Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Bruce Springsteen.
Additionally, singer-songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan have used this tuning in their songs.
It is especially favored by slide guitarists for its ability to produce rich, resonant tones and vibrant harmonies.
However, open G is not limited to professional musicians. Hobbyists and beginners can also explore this tuning to add a new dimension to their playing style.
What songs did Keith Richards use open G tuning?
Keith Richards, the renowned guitarist and songwriter of The Rolling Stones, is known for his distinctive style of using open G tuning on his guitar.
This alternate tuning has been a staple in many of their hit songs, including “Brown Sugar,” “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” and “Start Me Up.”
Richards has stated that it was the open G tuning that gave those songs their signature sound.
He also used this tuning on other Stones classics such as “Honky Tonk Women” and “Street Fighting Man.”
Which open tuning is best?
Choosing the best open tuning for your guitar can be subjective, as different tunings offer unique opportunities and challenges.
However, there are a few popular options that many guitarists swear by.
- Open D tuning is one of the most widely used, which allows for easy chord shapes and versatile slide playing.
- Another favorite is Open G tuning, known for its rich, full sound and ability to create bluesy riffs.
- Some guitarists prefer the simplicity of Open C tuning, while others enjoy the versatility of Open E tuning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, open G tuning may seem intimidating initially, but with some practice and the right songs, it can become a fun and exciting way to play guitar.
We hope this list of open G tuning songs has inspired you to try this versatile tuning and explore its unique sound.
From classic rock hits to folk ballads, there are endless possibilities for creating beautiful music in open G tuning.
So grab your guitar and dive into these songs – who knows, you might discover your new favorite way to play! Keep strumming and have fun!
