Guitar tuning · Open tuning
Open E tuning
The open strings make an E major chord: E B E G♯ B E. It’s Open D raised a whole step, so the shapes are identical — just brighter, with more string tension.
6thEsame
5thB↑ 1 step
4thE↑ 1 step
3rdG♯↑ ½ step
2ndBsame
1stEsame
Chords in Open E tuning
Tap a chord to hear it. Numbers on the dots are finger numbers; the notes under each diagram are what each string plays.
Open E tuning (E B E G♯ B E) · chordwiki.com/guitar/tunings/open-e/
How to tune to Open E
- Raise the 5th string a whole step to B (it should match the open 2nd string, an octave lower).
- Raise the 4th string a whole step to E (match the open 6th string, an octave up).
- Raise the 3rd string a half step to G♯ (match the 4th string at the 4th fret, once it’s tuned).
Easiest of all: use the guitar tuner set to Open E.
What it’s used for
Slide guitar, especially electric blues and Southern rock — Duane Allman played slide in Open E.
Tips
- Raising strings adds tension — on an acoustic or with heavy strings, tune to Open D and put a capo on the 2nd fret instead.
- Barre the 5th fret for A and the 7th fret for B.