Why Open G Tuning?

One of the reasons to tune your guitar to open G tuning is to make it easier to play certain chords. For instance, the G chord can be played in an open position, while most other major chords can be created in this tuning by using a simple barre fingering. This makes open G ideal for slide guitar enthusiasts, too.

Does Keith Richards always play in open G tuning?

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has crafted some of the most famous guitar riffs of all time. What's unique about his style is that most of his signature hooks are chord changes, not scale riffs. ... Richards favors the use of an open G tuning, which detunes the 1st, 5th, and 6th strings one whole step.

Why do people use open tuning?

Open G was used on the Stones classic “Honky Tonk Women,” among others. One advantage in using an open tuning is that you can change chords by simply placing a finger across all six strings and moving to the desired fret. Open tunings also make fingerpicking, particularly root-fifth bass patterns very easy to play.