What Is Open E Tuning?
Open E tuning (E-B-E-G#-B-E) tunes your guitar so that the six open strings ring out an E major chord (E-G#-B). From standard tuning, three strings go up — the 5th (A2→B2) and 4th (D3→E3) each rise a whole step, and the 3rd (G3→G#3) rises a half step — while the 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings stay exactly where they are. The intervals are identical to Open D, just a whole step higher.
Because every open string is part of an E chord, you can play any major chord by laying one finger straight across a single fret — which is why Open E is a classic slide and blues tuning, immortalized by Duane Allman. One caution: raising the 5th and 4th strings a whole step each puts significantly more tension on the neck than standard tuning, so many players instead tune to Open D and capo at the 2nd fret to reach Open E pitch with less strain. If you tune straight to Open E, light-gauge strings are recommended.
Open E Tuning Notes — E B E G# B E
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| 5th | B2 | 123.47 Hz |
| 4th | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| 3rd | G#3 | 207.65 Hz |
| 2nd | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1st | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
Famous Songs in Open E Tuning
- Statesboro BluesThe Allman Brothers BandDuane Allman's signature Open E slide masterpiece
- Dust My BroomElmore JamesIconic Open E slide riff that defined electric blues
- Jumpin' Jack FlashThe Rolling StonesOpen E guitar part on the classic riff
- Gimme ShelterThe Rolling StonesOpen E rhythm guitar driving the intro
- Derek Trucks slide workDerek TrucksModern Open E slide in the Duane Allman lineage
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Open E tuning?+−
Open E tuning (E-B-E-G#-B-E) tunes the guitar so that strumming all six open strings sounds an E major chord (E-G#-B). From standard tuning, the 5th string rises a whole step (A→B), the 4th rises a whole step (D→E), and the 3rd rises a half step (G→G#), while the 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings stay the same. Because every open string belongs to an E chord, you can play major chords by barring a single fret straight across.
How do I tune to Open E?+−
Start in standard tuning (EADGBE). Raise the 5th string from A2 to B2, raise the 4th string from D3 to E3, and raise the 3rd string from G3 to G#3. Leave the 6th (E2), 2nd (B3), and 1st (E4) strings exactly where they are. Use the tuner above — it is preset to Open E, so each string will show its Open E target as you play.
Is Open E tuning bad for my guitar / does it cause neck tension?+−
Open E raises three strings above standard — the 5th and 4th each go up a whole step and the 3rd goes up a half step — so it puts significantly more tension on the neck than standard tuning. That extra strain can be hard on the guitar over time. Many players prefer to tune to Open D (same intervals and chord shapes, but lower tension) and place a capo at the 2nd fret to reach Open E pitch without the added stress. If you do tune straight to Open E, light-gauge strings are recommended.
What songs use Open E tuning?+−
Open E is most famous as Duane Allman's slide tuning — his celebrated slide work on the Allman Brothers Band's 'Statesboro Blues' is in Open E. It also drives Elmore James' 'Dust My Broom', the opening guitar part on the Rolling Stones' 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and the rhythm guitar on 'Gimme Shelter', and the modern slide playing of Derek Trucks. It is one of the cornerstone tunings of blues and rock slide guitar.
What is the difference between Open E and Open D tuning?+−
Open E and Open D use exactly the same intervals and chord shapes — Open E (E-B-E-G#-B-E) is simply a whole step higher than Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D). The trade-off is tension: Open E raises three strings above standard and puts more strain on the neck, while Open D loosens strings and is gentler on the guitar. Many players use Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret to get Open E pitch with less tension.