Open E tuning (E B E G♯ B E)
Slide players and blues-rock guitarists who want Open D's shapes at standard string tension or brighter.
Open E tunes the open strings to an E major chord: E B E G♯ B E. Unusually, three strings go up: the fifth to B, the fourth to E and the third to G♯. The two E strings and the B string stay where they are.
It is Open D a whole step higher, with the same shapes and a brighter, tighter feel. Duane Allman's slide playing, the Black Crowes and a lot of Delta blues use it.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | 82.41 Hz | as standard |
| 5 | B2 | 123.47 Hz | +2 semitones from A2 |
| 4 | E3 | 164.81 Hz | +2 semitones from D3 |
| 3 | G♯3 | 207.65 Hz | +1 semitone from G3 |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | as standard |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | as standard |
From standard tuning
- String 5: raise A2 up a whole step to B2.
- String 4: raise D3 up a whole step to E3.
- String 3: raise G3 up a half step to G♯3.
The other 3 strings stay in standard.
Tuning to Open E in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Open E from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Raising three strings adds tension to the neck. Go up slowly, check the action afterwards, and consider a lighter set if the guitar feels stiff.
- If you worry about the extra tension, tune to Open D instead and put a capo on the second fret; the result is the same pitches.
Questions
What are the notes of Open E?
E B E G♯ B E, low to high. The open strings form an E major chord.
Is Open E bad for the guitar?
It raises the tension on three strings a little. Guitars handle it, but light strings make it comfortable, and Open D with a capo at the second fret avoids the question entirely.
Related tunings
English