About Open E tuning
Open E is Open D's louder sibling: the same major-chord layout, a whole step higher, with three strings tuned up rather than down. It's the go-to for electric slide — Duane Allman and Derek Trucks territory — because the extra tension keeps the slide articulate.
From standard: raise the fifth string A→B, fourth D→E, and third G→G#. Because you're adding tension, tune up slowly and consider lighter strings on vintage instruments; some players prefer Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret instead.
Open E tuning notes & frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| 5 | B2 | 123.47 Hz |
| 4 | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| 3 | G#3 | 207.65 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
How to tune to Open E from standard
- String 5 (A2): tune up a whole step to B2.
- String 4 (D3): tune up a whole step to E3.
- String 3 (G3): tune up a half step to G#3.
After changing string tension this much, make a second tuning pass — the neck settles slightly and the first strings you tuned will have drifted.
Songs & artists in Open E
- She Talks to Angels — The Black Crowes
- Statesboro Blues — The Allman Brothers Band
String gauge advice
.009s or .010s — going heavier than .010 adds a lot of tension in this tuning.
FAQ
What are the notes of Open E tuning on guitar?
Open E tuning is E2, B2, E3, G#3, B3, E4 from the lowest string to the highest.
How do I tune my guitar to Open E?
Starting from standard tuning: String 5 (A2): tune up a whole step to B2. String 4 (D3): tune up a whole step to E3. String 3 (G3): tune up a half step to G#3. Use the tuner above — it highlights the string it hears and shows exactly how many cents you are from the target.
Is this tuner free and private?
Yes — no ads, no signup, and all audio is processed locally in your browser. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Embed this tuner
Add the Open E tuner to your own site or blog post with an iframe:
<iframe src="https://tunewell.net/embed/guitar/open-e" width="420" height="560" style="border:0" title="Open E Guitar Tuner"></iframe>