29 Best Songs Ever Written in Open G Tuning

1. Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones)

Open G Tuning: Gimme Shelter's iconic guitar riff, primarily played in open G tuning, provides a foundation of raw, bluesy power perfectly suited to this tuning.

Keith Richards' Guitar: Richards' distinctive slide guitar work adds a haunting, almost mournful quality, perfectly complementing Jagger's vocals and the song's overall feeling of impending doom.

Dynamic Range: The song masterfully builds tension, shifting from a relatively quiet verse to a powerful, almost chaotic chorus, showcasing the versatility of the open G tuning.

2. Start Me Up

Open G Tuning: "Start Me Up" famously utilizes open G tuning, giving it a distinctive, raunchy, and instantly recognizable sound that's perfect for driving riffs.

Riff-Centric Structure: The song's iconic riff is the backbone, built around a powerful, repetitive sequence easily adapted to Open G and inherently memorable.

Energetic Rhythm: Its relentless rhythm and Keith Richards' signature guitar tone make it incredibly infectious and satisfying to play along to in open G, especially for those seeking a high-energy experience.

3. I Am the Highway (Audioslave - 2025)

Open G Tuning: "I Am the Highway" famously utilizes open G tuning, giving it a distinctive, bluesy, and slightly melancholic feel that's perfect for showcasing the raw power of the guitar.

Driving Rhythm: The song's powerful, driving rhythm section creates a propulsive energy, making it incredibly satisfying to play along with in open G.

Vocal Performance: Chris Cornell's powerful and emotive vocals perfectly complement the open G tuning, adding a layer of intensity and feeling that resonates deeply with players.

4. Can't You Hear Me Knocking - Sticky Fingers (Remastered)

Open G Tuning: "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" masterfully utilizes open G tuning, giving it a distinctive, bluesy, and slightly raucous feel that's perfect for showcasing Keith Richards's signature guitar riff.

Riff & Groove: The iconic, repetitive riff is incredibly catchy and provides a solid foundation for the song's extended jam sections, making it ideal for guitarists exploring improvisation within the open G tuning.

Jam Session Vibe: Its extended instrumental breaks, a hallmark of the Rolling Stones' live performances, create a dynamic, energetic listening experience that perfectly lends itself to the improvisational nature often associated with open G tuning.

5. Bad to the Bone - 1982

Bad to the Bone

Artist: George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Open G Tuning: The song's iconic riff is built around a powerful Open G tuning, providing a deep, resonant foundation that perfectly complements Thorogood's raspy vocals and the song's bluesy swagger.

Rhythm and Groove: The driving rhythm section locks in tightly with the riff, creating an irresistible groove that's both infectious and instantly recognizable. Its simple, yet effective structure makes it perfect for jamming and learning.

Vocal Delivery: Thorogood's distinctive vocal style, a blend of grit and charm, adds a layer of rebellious energy to the already potent instrumental foundation, making it a great example of powerful simplicity in Open G.

6. She Talks to Angels (1990)

Open G Tuning: "She Talks to Angels" masterfully utilizes open G tuning, creating a rich, resonant tone that perfectly complements the song's soulful atmosphere. The tuning contributes significantly to the song's laid-back, bluesy feel.

Lyrical Depth: The lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and spiritual searching, giving the song an emotional depth that resonates with listeners even today.

Vocal Performance: Chris Robinson's soulful vocals are a standout feature, perfectly capturing the song's yearning and melancholic mood. His delivery is both powerful and vulnerable, making the emotional core of the song truly impactful.

7. Wild Horses - Sticky Fingers (Remastered)

Tuning: "Wild Horses" famously utilizes Open G tuning, contributing to its distinctive, melancholic sound and making it an excellent example for those exploring this tuning.

Rhythm & Feel: The song's slow tempo and deliberate rhythm create a spacious, atmospheric quality, ideal for practicing Open G chord voicings and transitions.

Emotional Impact: Its haunting melody and Mick Jagger's emotive vocals create a deeply resonant and affecting listening experience, perfect for showcasing the expressive potential of Open G.

8. Remedy (The Black Crowes - 1992)

Open G Tuning: Remedy masterfully utilizes Open G tuning, giving its distinctive bluesy, soulful sound a raw, resonant quality that's perfect for showcasing the slide guitar.

Riff-Driven Groove: The song's memorable riff, built around the Open G tuning, creates a hypnotic, driving rhythm that locks in perfectly with the powerful drum beat and Chris Robinson's gritty vocals.

Emotional Depth: Despite its upbeat tempo, Remedy possesses a palpable sense of yearning and melancholy, making it a compelling example of how Open G tuning can be used to convey emotional depth within a powerful blues-rock context.

9. Love Is Strong (1994)

Open G Tuning: "Love Is Strong" utilizes a driving, bluesy Open G tuning, providing a foundation that perfectly suits the song's raw energy and emotional depth. This tuning contributes to the song's signature feel.

Keith Richards' Guitar Work: Richards' iconic riff in Open G is instantly recognizable and deeply satisfying to play along to, a testament to its simplicity and effectiveness. The open strings create a resonant, spacious tone that’s perfect for the Open G tuning.

Vocal Performance: Jagger's vocals are powerful and emotionally resonant, perfectly complementing the raw energy of the music. His delivery in this song emphasizes the feeling of raw emotion.

10. Honky Tonk Women (The Rolling Stones)

Open G Tuning: "Honky Tonk Women" famously utilizes open G tuning, giving it that instantly recognizable, raunchy, and bluesy swagger. The tuning contributes significantly to the song's distinctive feel.

Riff-Driven Energy: The iconic riff, played in open G, is simple yet incredibly effective, driving the song forward with relentless energy. Its repetitive nature is hypnotic and perfect for jamming.

Vocal Performance: Jagger's vocals are perfectly suited to the raw energy of the music and the open G tuning. His swaggering delivery adds to the overall feel of the song.