Open E Tuning Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for Guitarists

Open E tuning is an alternate guitar tuning where the strings are tuned to the notes of an E major chord (E, B, E, G#, B, E from low to high). Strumming all six strings without fretting any notes produces a full E major chord. This tuning is a staple of blues, rock, and slide guitar, offering rich resonance and simplified barre chord shapes.

Etymology / Origin

The term “open tuning” refers to any guitar tuning where the open strings form a chord when strummed together. Open E tuning is one of the most popular open tunings, alongside Open D and Open G. Its origins trace back to early blues and folk music, where guitarists sought to create droning, resonant sounds that mimicked the banjo or allowed for expressive slide playing. The tuning gained prominence in the Mississippi Delta blues tradition, with pioneers like Robert Johnson and Elmore James using it to craft their signature bottleneck slide styles. Over time, it was adopted by rock musicians such as Duane Allman and Keith Richards, cementing its place in modern guitar vocabulary.

How Open E Tuning Works

In standard tuning (E A D G B E), the open strings produce an E minor pentatonic-like sound, but no full major or minor chord. Open E tuning rearranges the intervals to create an E major triad across all six strings. The tuning from low to high is: E, B, E, G#, B, E. This means the 5th string (A) is raised a whole step to B, the 4th string (D) is raised a whole step to E, and the 3rd string (G) is raised a half step to G#. The 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings remain at their standard pitches.

Because the open strings form an E major chord, any barre across all six strings at a given fret produces a major chord with the root on the 6th string. For example, barring at the 5th fret yields an A major chord, and at the 7th fret a B major chord. This makes chord changes extremely efficient, especially for slide guitarists who can glide between positions. The tuning also creates a droning effect when open strings are allowed to ring against fretted notes, a hallmark of blues and folk styles.

Notation and Chord Diagrams

Below is a text-based chord diagram for the open E major chord in Open E tuning. The numbers indicate the fret to press (0 = open string).

E |0|---|---|---|---|
B |0|---|---|---|---|
G#|0|---|---|---|---|
E |0|---|---|---|---|
B |0|---|---|---|---|
E |0|---|---|---|---|

For a simple tab example, here is an E major scale in Open E tuning, played on the 6th string:

E|-----------------------------------|
B|-----------------------------------|
G#|----------------------------------|
E |----------------------------------|
B |----------------------------------|
E |-0-2-4-5-7-9-11-12-11-9-7-5-4-2-0-|

Chord shapes are highly movable. For instance, an A major chord is played by barring all strings at the 5th fret, and a B major at the 7th fret. Minor chords can be formed by lowering the 3rd of the major shape (e.g., for E minor, lower the G# string to G, or use a partial barre).

Step-by-Step: How to Tune and Play in Open E

1. Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E).
2. Raise the 5th string (A) up a whole step to B. Use a tuner and turn the tuning peg slowly to avoid breakage.
3. Raise the 4th string (D) up a whole step to E. This string will be at the same pitch as the 6th string, one octave higher.
4. Raise the 3rd string (G) up a half step to G#. This is the trickiest adjustment; listen carefully for the major third interval.
5. Check the 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings – they remain at E, B, and E respectively.
6. Strum all open strings – you should hear a clear E major chord. Fine-tune as needed.
7. Optional: To reduce string tension, consider using a lighter string gauge (e.g., .010–.046) or tune down to Open D (D A D F# A D) and place a capo on the 2nd fret to achieve Open E without stressing the neck.

Once tuned, practice these fundamental moves:

• Basic I-IV-V progression: Play open E (I), barre at 5th fret for A (IV), barre at 7th fret for B (V).
• 12-bar blues in E: Use the above chords in a standard blues pattern, adding slide vibrato or hammer-ons.
• Slide technique: Place a slide on your ring or pinky finger and lightly touch the strings directly above the fretwire, not behind it. Glide between positions for a smooth, vocal-like sound.

Common Variations

• Open D tuning (D A D F# A D): A whole step lower than Open E. Many guitarists prefer this to reduce tension, then capo at the 2nd fret to achieve Open E pitch.
• Open E minor (E B E G B E): Lower the G# string to G. This creates a somber, minor tonality ideal for ballads and minor blues.
• Open E7 (E B E G# D E): Lower the 2nd string (B) to D, adding a dominant 7th. Perfect for blues shuffles.
• Open E with dropped 6th (D B E G# B E): Drop the low E to D for a deeper, heavier sound, often used in rock.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

• String breakage: Raising three strings increases tension. Always tune up slowly, and consider using a .010 or .011 gauge set. If a string feels too tight, stop and check the pitch.
• Intonation issues: Altered tension can affect neck relief and intonation. After tuning, check the 12th fret harmonic against the fretted note and adjust the bridge saddles if necessary.
• Using standard chord shapes: Standard fingerings will sound dissonant. Learn the new shapes: major chords are full barres; minor chords require lowering the 3rd string a half step or using partial shapes.
• Unwanted string noise with slide: Mute strings behind the slide with your trailing fingers. Rest your picking hand palm lightly on the lower strings to control sympathetic vibrations.
• Neglecting the nut and setup: A higher action is often preferred for slide, but if you switch between slide and fretting, find a compromise. A guitar set up for standard tuning may need a truss rod adjustment after switching to Open E.

Notable Examples in Songs

• “Statesboro Blues” – The Allman Brothers Band
• “Little Martha” – The Allman Brothers Band
• “She Talks to Angels” – The Black Crowes
• “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” – The Rolling Stones
• “Dust My Broom” – Elmore James
• “Travelling Riverside Blues” – Led Zeppelin