Open A Tuning
Tune to E-A-C#-E-A-E with this free online Open A tuner
What Is Open A Tuning?
Open A tuning sets your guitar so the six open strings ring out an A major chord (A-C#-E). This tuner uses the low-tension E-A-C#-E-A-E variant: the 4th string drops a half step (D3→C#3), the 3rd drops to E3, and the 2nd drops a whole step (B3→A3), while the 6th, 5th, and 1st strings stay at standard pitch. Because no string is raised, it's gentler on your neck and strings than the raised E-A-E-A-C#-E form.
With every open string belonging to an A chord, any major chord is one straight barre across a fret — which makes Open A a natural home for bottleneck slide and Delta blues. Robert Johnson cut sides in Open A, and Led Zeppelin's "In My Time of Dying" remains the tuning's most famous showcase.
Open A Tuning Notes — E A C# E A E
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| 5th | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4th | C#3 | 138.59 Hz |
| 3rd | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| 2nd | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1st | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
Famous Songs in Open A Tuning
- In My Time of DyingLed ZeppelinJimmy Page's epic Open A slide workout
- Cross Road BluesRobert JohnsonDelta blues landmark recorded in Open A
- Terraplane BluesRobert JohnsonJohnson's Open A slide and fingerpicking
- Country blues slide standardsVarious artistsOpen A is a staple of pre-war bottleneck blues
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Open A tuning?+−
Open A tuning sets the guitar so that strumming all six open strings sounds an A major chord (A-C#-E). This tuner uses the low-tension variant E-A-C#-E-A-E: from standard tuning the 4th string drops a half step (D→C#), the 3rd drops to E (G→E), and the 2nd drops a whole step (B→A), while the 6th, 5th, and 1st strings stay the same. Major chords become one-finger barres straight across a fret.
How do I tune to Open A?+−
Start in standard tuning (EADGBE). Lower the 4th string from D3 to C#3, lower the 3rd string from G3 to E3, and lower the 2nd string from B3 to A3. The 6th (E2), 5th (A2), and 1st (E4) strings stay where they are. Use the tuner above — it is preset to Open A, so each string shows its Open A target as you play.
Are there different versions of Open A tuning?+−
Yes. The most common alternative is E-A-E-A-C#-E, which raises the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings — the same intervals as Open G moved up a whole step. Raising three strings adds a lot of neck tension and increases the risk of string breakage, so this tuner uses the lower-tension E-A-C#-E-A-E variant, which only lowers strings and is gentler on your guitar. Both sound an A major chord when strummed open.
What is Open A tuning used for?+−
Open A is a classic slide and blues tuning. Because the open strings form an A major chord, you can play any major chord by barring one fret — ideal for bottleneck slide. Delta blues players like Robert Johnson recorded in Open A, and Led Zeppelin's 'In My Time of Dying' is a famous Open A slide track. It also suits fingerstyle and country blues in the key of A.
What is the difference between Open A and Open G tuning?+−
Open A and the common raised form of Open A share their interval pattern with Open G — Open A is simply a whole step higher, sounding an A chord instead of a G chord. Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D) lowers strings and is the lower-tension choice favored by Keith Richards; Open A sits brighter and suits songs in A. Chord shapes and slide licks transfer directly between the two.