Open G Guitar Tuning & 101 Blues Riffs

Name: Open G Guitar Tuning & 101 Blues Riffs
Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)

Essential Blues Guitar Lessons in Open G Tuning (DGDGBD)

Created byBrent C Robitaille

Last updated 11/2024

English

What you'll learn

Introduction to Open G Guitar Tuning - DGDGBD.
Learn 101 Blues Riffs and Solos in Open G Tuning.
Slide, Pick, Fingerstyle and Hybrid Styles.
Play Blues Styles: Rock, Traditional, Delta, Chicago and Jazz Blues.
Open G Scales, Chords and Arpeggios to Create Solos and Accompaniment.
Blues Chord Progressions in Open G and Strumming Patterns
Large Open G Library of PDF Resource Downloads - Tab, Chords, Scales, etc..
A Large Selection of MP3 Audio Tracks.
Open G Guitar

Course content

14 sections • 176 lectures • 2h 48m total length

Introduction to the Open G Guitar Tuning Course.2:06
Thanks for checking out my Open G guitar tuning course. This course will explore how to play blues in Open G tuning, which is from the 6th to the 1st string: DGDGBD (see how to tune to Open G in resources).
If you have been playing the guitar for a while and have wondered about playing in an altered tuning, this course is an excellent introduction to Open G, one of the most popular alternate tunings. Open G is frequently heard in all styles of guitar music, especially blues, rock, Celtic, folk, and many more.
This course contains many resources and supplementary PDF documents that closely mimic the contents of my book 101 Blues Riffs and Solos in Open G Guitar Tuning. Most videos already have the notation and tablature embedded, but download all the provided PDF music resources to enhance your learning experience. If you are unsure how to read tablature or rhythms, check out the resources for help.
I’m excited to get started. Pull up your chair, grab your guitar and plug it in. Here we go.

Basic 12 bar blues in Open G.2:26
Here is a basic example of a 12-bar blues in Open G in the key of G. Learn some easy chords and review the 12-bar blues structure.
The basic 12-bar blues in G play along.1:05
Play along to the basic 12-bar blues in the key of G using only major chords.
Overview of the 12 bar blues in G using dominant 7th chords.2:24
In this lecture, learn a variation on the 12-bar blues in the key of G and some dominant 7th chords in Open G tuning.
The 12 bar blues in the key of G using 7th chords.1:32
In this lesson, learn the 12 bar blues in the key of G using dominant 7th chords.
12 Bar Blues in the key of C1:24
Here is the 12 bar blues in the key of C.
The 12 Bar Blues in the key of D.1:30
Here is the 12 bar blues in the key of D.

Major, Minor and Dominant 7th Chords Overview in Open G6:55
This lecture will teach some major, minor and dominant 7th chords in Open G tuning.
12 Ways to Play G Major Chords1:04
Here are 12 ways to play a G major in Open G tuning. Make sure to download the Open G Chords Reference to learn more chords!
12 Ways to Play G Minor Chords1:03
Learn 12 ways to play a G minor in Open G. For more blues chords, be sure to download the "Open G Blues Chords Shapes to Know."

Seven Tips for Playing Slide Guitar4:50
Learn the seven essential slide guitar tips then do some exercises to develop your technique.
Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 10:29
Exercises for slide guitar in Open G.
Slide Exercise #20:40
Slide Guitar Exercise 2. Download the tab and notes in Lecture 14 Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #30:51
Slide Guitar Exercise 3. Download the tab and notes in Lecture 14 Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #40:34
Slide Guitar Exercise 4. Download the tab and notes in Lecture 14 Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #50:33
Slide Guitar Exercise 5. Download the tab and notes in Lecture 14 Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #60:22
Slide Guitar Exercise 6. Download the tab and notes in Lecture 14 Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #70:25
Slide Guitar Exercise 7. Download the tab and notes in Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #80:34
Slide Guitar Exercise 8. Download the tab and notes in Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #90:48
Slide Guitar Exercise 9. Download the tab and notes in Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #100:34
Slide Guitar Exercise 10. Download the tab and notes in Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #110:49
Slide Guitar Exercise 11. Download the tab and notes in Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.
Slide Exercise #120:34
Slide Guitar Exercise 12. Download the tab and notes in Slide Guitar Tips and Exercise 1.

Introduction to the Riffs and Solos in Open G3:22
Alright, grab your guitar and let's learn some riffs and solos in Open G tuning. In this first intro video, I will go over the notation and tablature and how to convert from bending strings to slides.
Riff 10:42
Riff 1 - Slide0:35
Riff 1 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 20:52
Riff 2 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 2 - Slide0:42
Riff 2 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 30:44
Riff 3 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 3 - Slide0:42
Riff 3 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 40:37
Riff 4 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 4 - Slide0:30
Riff 4 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 50:34
Riff 5 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 5 - Slide0:28
Riff 5 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 60:25
Riff 6 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 6 - Slide0:22
Riff 6 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 70:26
Riff 7 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 7 - Slide0:22
Riff 7 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 80:32
Riff 8 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 8 - Slide0:18
Riff 8 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 90:34
Riff 9 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 9 - Slide0:21
Riff 9 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 100:32
Riff 10 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 10 - Slide0:21
Riff 10 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 110:33
Riff 11 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 120:39
Riff 12 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 12 - Slide0:28
Riff 12 slide in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 130:32
Riff 13 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 140:43
Riff 14 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 150:52
Riff 15 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 160:53
Riff 16 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 170:38
Riff 17 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 180:36
Riff 18 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 190:35
Riff 19 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 200:35
Riff 20 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 210:44
Riff 21 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 220:56
Riff 22 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 230:34
Riff 23 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 240:34
Riff 24 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 250:32
Riff 25 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 260:35
Riff 26 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 270:31
Riff 27 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 280:53
Riff 28 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 290:36
Riff 29 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 300:34
Riff 30 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 310:35
Riff 31 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 320:29
Riff 32 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 330:23
Riff 33 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 340:25
Riff 34 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 350:35
Riff 35 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 360:35
Riff 36 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 370:43
Riff 37 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 380:36
Riff 38 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 390:39
Riff 39 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.
Riff 400:31
Riff 40 in the key of G. To download the first 40 riffs in tablature and notes, go to the resource files in Riff 1.

Riff 410:25
Riff 41. 25 more riffs are in the key of G. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in the resources.
Riff 41 - Slide0:24
Riff 41 slide. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 420:26
Riff 42. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 420:24
Riff 42 slide. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 430:32
Riff 43. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 43 - Slide0:27
Riff 43 slide. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 440:32
Riff 44. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 44 - Slide0:28
Riff 44 slide. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 450:36
Riff 45. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 45 - Slide0:25
Riff 45 slide. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 460:27
Riff 46. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 46 - Slide0:23
Riff 46 slide. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 470:27
Riff 47. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 47 - Slide0:22
Riff 47 slide. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 480:32
Riff 48. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 490:32
Riff 49. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 500:41
Riff 50. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 510:36
Riff 51. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 520:34
Riff 52. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 530:35
Riff 53. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 540:35
Riff 54. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 550:34
Riff 55. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 560:25
Riff 56. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 570:23
Riff 57. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 580:36
Riff 58. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 590:46
Riff 59. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 600:24
Riff 60. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 610:25
Riff 61. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 620:33
Riff 62. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 630:39
Riff 63. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 640:43
Riff 64. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Riff 650:27
Riff 65. Download Riffs 41-65 in G, C, and D in Riff 41 resources.
Combining Riffs to Create a Solo1:27
Here’s an example of combining some of the previous riffs you have learned into one 12-bar blues solo in G. There are endless possibilities to create variations on the riffs provided thus far. Mix and match and create your own riffs.

Riff 66 - Bass Blues in G1:03
Riff 66. In the next ten riffs, we will focus on creating a repeating blues pattern to fill out a 12-bar blues.
Riff 66 - Bass Blues in D1:06
Riff 66. Bass Blues in D.
Riff 67 - Cat Blues in G1:02
Riff 67. Cat Blues in G. Here's another familiar repeating blues pattern applied to the 12-bar blues in the key of G and A. Bend the string slightly (1/4 bend) on the second beat as indicated with the up arrow. Again, play with a straight or blues shuffle groove and experiment with your tempos.
Riff 67 - Cat Blues in A1:05
Riff 67 again, but this time in the key of A.
Riff 68 - Flip Flop Blues in G1:04
Riff 68 - Flip Flop Blues. This blues riff is probably the most common 12-bar blues shuffle every blues guitarist should know. You will need to make a barre with some of the chords indicated with the dotted line. While holding the barre down, keep even pressure on the strings to avoid string buzzing.
There are many variations you can apply to this riff. For example, use down and upstrokes, use downstrokes only, use palm muting, or play with a shuffle or straight. Notice the barre chord with the dotted line to play the 7th chords. Some of the 7th chords will require the use of the 4th finger.
Also, notice the turnaround at the end of the 12-bar. The turnaround creates a harmonically unfinished feeling that makes you want to “turnaround” and play it again to hear the tonic chord. In these two examples, the tonic chord is in G and D on the following page.
Riff 68 - Flip Flop Blues in D1:04
Riff 68 - Flip Flop Blues in D.
Riff 69 - Hot Tin Slide in D1:04
Riff 69. Hot Tin Slide is a basic blues riff in D, but try it with a slide for a challenge. Some notes are played with the slide, and some must be fingered as indicated in the score. This more advanced slide-playing will take time to perfect, but it is worth it. I suggest playing this riff slowly while focusing on your tuning. Also, use the right-hand muting technique to produce clear distinct notes and reduce the clank of the slide.
Riff 70 - Jimi's Blues in D1:06
Riff 70. Here's a rockin' riff à la Hendrix that starts with a walking bass pattern followed by a 7#9 chord. This arrangement is in D and has two variations of the 7#9 chord. Mix and match where you feel appropriate and transpose these 12-bar riffs to other keys for added practice.
Riff 71 - Ice Cream Blues in G1:06
Riff 71 - Ice Cream blues. Here's an excellent workout for your picking or fingerstyle playing in this 12-bar blues. Use down-and-up picking or alternate between the thumb and index (or middle) finger for fingerstyle. Take special notice of the fingering in measure 5, where you hold your fourth finger down and stretch your first finger to play the chromatic notes. Also, roll your third finger on the G (5th fret) in measure 6.
Riff 72 - Nashville Blues in D1:08
Riff 72. This next “Nashville” riff is a little more tricky as it's played at quicker tempos. Each chord is represented with a 2-note rhythm figure followed by a faster group of notes using hammer-ons and pull-offs. Take special note of the rhythm in the faster note groupings. Here, you have three regular eighth notes followed by two sets of eighth note triplets. Listen to the recording to get a firm grasp of the rhythm. Start slow and see how fast you can go!
Riff 73 - Offbeat Shuffle in G1:09
Riff 73. Here's a blues shuffle that works great with or without slide as a rhythm accompaniment. Use an upstroke on the offbeats and mute the strings with either your left or right hand (x). The slide notation is not always indicated, so add slides to taste.
Riff 74 - Pocket Groove in C0:54
Riff 74. Here's a funky little riff in the key of C that can be easily transposed to other keys. Take notice of the finger markings in the top notation line of the first measure. Also, notice the staccato marking on the second beat of the measure. Find a 4/4 funk drum pattern and jam along.
Riff 75 - Slinky Funk Blues in D1:09
Riff 75 - Slinky Funk Blues. Here's another funk blues groove you can enjoy at faster tempos. The rhythm uses sixteenth notes, so play with an even rhythm instead of a shuffle. Keep your fingers curved to allow the open strings to ring, keep the hammer-ons and pull-offs even, and jam with a funk drum pattern, starting slow and increasing the speed.

Requirements

Most guitarists begin with standard Spanish tuning (EADGBE), so you should have some experience playing guitar for this course.
You do not need any understanding of Open G guitar tuning or playing blues music before taking this course.
Some understanding of reading guitar tablature, chord diagrams and scale charts.

Description

Essential Blues Guitar Lessons in Open G Tuning (DGDGBD)

In this course, we will take an in-depth look into how to play in Open G guitar tuning (DGDGBD), focusing on blues music and the 101 blues riffs.

The course material is suitable for electric or acoustic, pick or fingerstyle, slide and hybrid playing. So, there is something for everyone.

We start with basics like how to tune to Open G by ear, learning the fingerboard notes, blues scales, Open G chords, and the 12-bar blues.

However, the main focus is to learn the 101 blues riffs and solos. Most importantly, there is a huge amount of supplementary PDF resource downloads that closely mimic the contents of my book “101 Blues Riffs and Solos in Open G Guitar Tuning.” You will find tablature, notes, chord diagrams, scale charts, and more in the downloads.

We also cover some tips on slide guitar playing, chord progressions in Open G, and blues strumming patterns and accompaniment.

Most of the videos already have the notation and tablature embedded - meaning you can see me play the riffs and solos with the music and tablature underneath.

If you’ve been playing the guitar for a while and have wondered about playing in altered tunings or have dabbled a bit in Open G and want to take it further, then this is an excellent introduction to one of the most popular alternate guitar tunings.

Alright, I’m excited to get started. By the time you finish this course, you should have a very good working knowledge of Open G tuning and how it relates to contemporary and traditional styles of blues music. So, grab your guitar and get comfortable. Here we go!

Who this course is for:

The course is designed for near-beginners to semi-advanced players. Most of the music is at a beginner-intermediate level, with some more advanced examples.
Beginner guitarists who are interested in altered guitar tunings like Open G.
Players that want to learn Open G and apply it to contemporary blues guitar playing.

Open G Guitar Tuning & 101 Blues Riffs

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 2min

How to Tune to Open G by Ear1 lecture • 6min

The Open G Fingerboard Notes1 lecture • 5min

Blues Scales in Open G - Keys of G, C and D1 lecture • 8min

The 12 Bar Blues in Open G Tuning6 lectures • 10min

More Chords in Open G - Major and Minor Inversions3 lectures • 9min

Slide Guitar Tips and Exercises13 lectures • 12min

40 Blues Riffs in Open G Tuning in the Key of G, C and D52 lectures • 33min

25 More Short Riffs in Open G - Key of G33 lectures • 18min

10 Rhythm Guitar Riffs13 lectures • 14min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: