Open G tuning is like open D's slightly different but equally charming cousin. Its unique qualities really shine when delving into blues, especially Delta Blues. Think about legendary players like Robert Johnson and Sun House. This is the stuff that got me into slide in the first place and their approach is a big part of my DNA as a slide player, especially when playing blues on open G.
The Delta Blues Blueprint
A great starting point is the song "Walking Blues," embodying that deep Delta feel. Unlike in open D, where a slow shuffle might dominate, in open G, you might find yourself grooving to a more intricate shuffle intertwined with riffs, echoing the style of the Delta masters.
I often teach the Eric Clapton version of this piece first as it takes the classic Delta phrases but presents them in a very neat and accessible way.
The Turnaround Riff and Core Grooves
Based on the Muddy Water’s approach, Clapton uses a little turnaround riff to form the core groove that he sings over.
Robert Johnson’s take, however, adds fascinating cross-rhythms, injecting African influences, ensuring a dynamic and lively experience. It’s all about feeling the dance groove Robert would have ignited in bars, transforming everyday blues into an engaging performance.
Riff Box Engine Room
Your best friend in open G is the riff builder box found on strings 3,4 and 5 between the open strings and the 3rd and 5th frets. Based around a minor pentatonic scale this gives you a great box to create both riffs and licks to drive that delta feel along.
Pinging the High G
Unlike in open D you don’t have your root note on the top string in G. The top string is a D, so the 5th of the G scale. This means you have to come up to the 5th fret to get the root note of G. This note has a lovely signing quality and you can launch up to it from the riff builder box to create a very classic feature of the delta blues style.
Jumping over the 2nd string to keep the minor feel.
When you want to hit a very minor pentatonic feel in G it can be useful to practice jumping over the 2nd string (B) as this note is the major 3rd and will take you out of the minor feel. You can play the minor pentatonic scale on the strings by playing open 3rd string, 5th fret 3rd string then jumping over the 2nd string and playing open top string , 3rd fret top string and finishing on the high G on the 5th fret top string.
12th Fret Sweet Spot
The 12th fret box really comes alive in the G tuning, you have a perfect major triad tuned in on the top 3 strings so it sounds sweet and sonorous to slide into. You can then pull some minor/blues feel into it by bringing in the 11th fret on the 2nd string and blurring between major and minor.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
In essence, taking your open D knowledge and sliding it into G is a rewarding journey. Each little trick, every nuance lends your playing a genuinely old-school blues authenticity, making it a gratifying exploration of open tuning’s dynamic world.
So grab your slide, embrace the riff builder box, and let the notes of open G transport you to another era, filled with the rich history of Delta Blues. Get ready to build upon your blues portfolio with an engaging, hands-on feel that only this unique tuning can offer!
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