Affiliate partner
In tune. Now learn a song.
We recommend Guitar Tricks for step-by-step lessons, real songs, and a guided path from beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques.
Try Guitar Tricks free for 14 daysBack to Home
Guitar
Open A Tuning
Notes:
E2A2C#3E3A3E4
This tuner is preset to Open A tuning. The instrument type and tuning are locked for this page.
Loading tuner...
Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
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.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Best approached as a intermediate guitar tuning.
Songs
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
Best for
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
.010-.046 or .011-.050
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)
1
Start from standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E.
2
Keep the 6th string at E2 and the 5th string at A2.
3
Tune the 4th string down from D3 to C#3.
4
Tune the 3rd string down from G3 to E3. Lower it gradually and let it settle.
5
Tune the 2nd string down from B3 to A3.
6
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.