Open A Tuning
This tuner is preset to Open A tuning. The instrument type and tuning are locked for this page.
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Learn Open A After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to E2-A2-C#3-E3-A3-E4, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make Open A useful.
Intermediate
Best approached as a intermediate guitar tuning.
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
open A slide guitar, A major barre chords, blues I-IV-V progressions, bright open-string rhythm parts
First practice targets
This tuning does not have a song list yet. Start by learning the target notes, then compare nearby tunings and chord shapes.
Open the chord libraryRelated guides
About Open A Tuning
Open A tuning (E-A-C#-E-A-E) turns the open strings into an A major chord. The lowest string stays at E, so the tuning has a strong fifth in the bass with A, C#, and E stacked above it.
This Open A layout works well for slide guitar, blues rhythm parts, and bright ringing barre chords. Because every open string belongs to an A major chord, straight slide positions at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets produce quick I-IV-V movement.
This page targets E-A-C#-E-A-E Open A tuning. Some players and tab books use another common Open A layout, E-A-E-A-C#-E, which is Open G raised one whole step. Check the song or tab before tuning so you match the right string order.
Open A is not the same as A standard tuning. A standard keeps normal guitar intervals at A-D-G-C-E-A, while Open A rearranges the strings into an A major chord.
Open A Tuning Notes
From lowest to highest: E2-A2-C#3-E3-A3-E4
6th string
82.41 Hz
Low E, unchanged from standard tuning and the fifth below the A root.
5th string
110.00 Hz
A string, unchanged from standard tuning and the main bass root of the open A chord.
4th string
138.59 Hz
C# string, lowered one half step from standard D and the major third of the A chord.
3rd string
164.81 Hz
E string, lowered from standard G and another fifth in the open chord.
2nd string
220.00 Hz
A string, lowered one whole step from standard B and an octave above the 5th string.
1st string
329.63 Hz
High E, unchanged from standard tuning and the top fifth for slide lines.
Recommended String Gauges for Open A
This E-A-C#-E-A-E Open A layout lowers three middle strings and leaves both E strings unchanged, so normal electric gauges work well. If you use a slide, .011-.050 or .012-.054 can add sustain and resist slide pressure.
Common Chords in Open A
A Major (open)
All open strings form an A major chord with E in the bass.
D Major (fret 5)
Bar all strings at the 5th fret for D major, the IV chord in A.
E Major (fret 7)
Bar all strings at the 7th fret for E major, the V chord.
Slide Major Chords
Use a slide straight across the strings for movable major chords in blues and rock progressions.
How to Tune to Open A (E2-A2-C#3-E3-A3-E4)
Start from standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E.
Keep the 6th string at E2 and the 5th string at A2.
Tune the 4th string down from D3 to C#3.
Tune the 3rd string down from G3 to E3. Lower it gradually and let it settle.
Tune the 2nd string down from B3 to A3.
Keep the 1st string at E4, then strum all strings open for E-A-C#-E-A-E. Recheck the lowered middle strings after a minute.
Open A Tuning FAQ
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
What notes are in Open A tuning?
This Open A tuning uses E-A-C#-E-A-E from lowest to highest string. Starting from standard tuning, keep the 6th and 5th strings, lower D to C#, lower G to E, lower B to A, and keep the high E.
Is Open A the same as EAC#EAE tuning?
Yes. This Open A tuner uses E-A-C#-E-A-E, which is sometimes written compactly as EAC#EAE.
Why do some Open A tabs show EAEAC#E instead?
Open A has multiple common layouts. E-A-E-A-C#-E is Open G raised one whole step, while this tuner targets E-A-C#-E-A-E. Both contain A, C#, and E, but the string order is different.
Is Open A the same as A standard tuning?
No. Open A is E-A-C#-E-A-E and forms an A major chord when strummed open. A standard keeps standard tuning intervals at A-D-G-C-E-A.
What string gauge works best for Open A?
Normal .010-.046 or .011-.050 strings work well for this Open A layout. If you play slide guitar, a slightly heavier set can improve sustain and tuning stability.
What notes are in Open A tuning?
Open A tuning uses E2-A2-C#3-E3-A3-E4 from lowest to highest string on guitar. Tune each string to those target notes, then double-check the low strings because they can drift after the neck tension changes.
What is Open A tuning best for?
Open A is especially useful for open A slide guitar, A major barre chords, blues I-IV-V progressions. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.
Is Open A tuning good for beginners?
Open A is an intermediate tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.
What songs use Open A tuning?
Open A is used for a range of alternate-tuning arrangements. Start by practicing simple chord shapes and related tunings before moving to full songs.