How do I tune a guitar to Open E from standard?

Start from standard E-A-D-G-B-E. Keep the 6th string E2, 2nd string B3, and 1st string E4. Raise the 5th string A2 to B2, raise the 4th string D3 to E3, and raise the 3rd string G3 to G#3.

What notes are in Open E tuning?

Open E tuning uses E-B-E-G#-B-E from lowest to highest string. Starting from standard tuning, keep both E strings and the B string, then raise A to B, D to E, and G to G#.

Is Open E the same as EBEG#BE tuning?

Yes. Open E and EBEG#BE tuning refer to the same open-string notes: E-B-E-G#-B-E from lowest to highest string.

Is Open E the same as standard tuning?

No. Open E is E-B-E-G#-B-E and forms an E major chord when strummed open. Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E and uses normal guitar intervals.

Is Open E safe for acoustic guitar?

Open E raises three strings above standard pitch, so it adds tension. Many acoustic players tune to Open D instead and use a capo on the 2nd fret to get the Open E sound with less strain.

What string gauge works best for Open E?

Normal .009-.042 or .010-.046 electric strings work well for Open E. Avoid very heavy strings if you tune up often, and raise the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings gradually.

What notes are in Open E tuning?

Open E tuning uses E2-B2-E3-G#3-B3-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 E tuning best for?

Open E is especially useful for Open E tuning, Open E tuning guitar, Open E guitar tuner. 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 E tuning good for beginners?

Open E 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 E tuning?

Popular examples in Open E include Shake for Me by Howlin' Wolf, Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix, Life by the Drop by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Use the song list on this page to filter by difficulty and pick a first practice target.

Back to Open E Tuner

Guitar

Open E Songs for Guitar

Tuning:

E2B2E3G#3B3E4

Explore 11 songs in Open E tuning for blues, slide guitar, rock, and acoustic guitar. Tune E2-B2-E3-G#3-B3-E4 first, then compare beginner strumming songs, electric blues standards, and advanced Open E slide songs.

Beginner Open E songs

Slide and Bo Diddley

Simple rhythm parts that let you hear the open E major chord before tackling faster slide lines.

Open E slide blues

Dust My Broom, The Sky Is Crying, and Crossroads

Classic blues examples for bottleneck phrasing, open-string drones, and movable slide shapes.

Classic rock in Open E

Statesboro Blues and Rocky Mountain Way

Rock and southern blues examples that show how Open E works for bigger riffs and lead guitar.

Showing 11 of 11 songs

BeginnerBlues/Rock and Roll1955

Bo Diddley

The iconic Bo Diddley beat in Open E tuning. Foundation of rock and roll.

Perfect for open e practice

AdvancedDelta Blues1937

Bottleneck Blues

Bukka White

Traditional delta blues demonstrating classic Open E bottleneck style.

Perfect for open e practice

AdvancedDelta Blues1936

Crossroads

Robert Johnson

Legendary delta blues piece perfect for Open E slide guitar.

Perfect for open e practice

IntermediateElectric Blues1951

Dust My Broom

Elmore James

Electric blues standard featuring prominent slide guitar in Open E.

Perfect for open e practice

IntermediateBlues1991

Life by the Drop

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Fingerpicked Open E ballad showcasing gentle slide work.

Perfect for open e practice

AdvancedBlues Rock1967

Little Wing

Jimi Hendrix

Beautiful chord voicings and melodic playing in Open E.

Perfect for open e practice

IntermediateRock1973

Rocky Mountain Way

Joe Walsh

Classic rock slide guitar in Open E with talk box effects.

Perfect for open e practice

IntermediateElectric Blues1961

Shake for Me

Howlin' Wolf

Classic blues slide guitar in Open E.

Perfect for open e practice

BeginnerAlternative Rock1998

Slide

Goo Goo Dolls

Simple Open E strumming pattern with occasional slide effects.

Perfect for open e practice

AdvancedSouthern Rock/Blues1971

Statesboro Blues

The Allman Brothers Band

Duane Allman's legendary slide guitar showcase in Open E.

Perfect for open e practice

IntermediateElectric Blues1959

The Sky Is Crying

Elmore James

Another Elmore James classic showcasing Open E slide techniques.

Perfect for open e practice

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 days

Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

Open E Songs FAQ

What are popular songs in Open E tuning?

Popular Open E songs include Statesboro Blues, Dust My Broom, The Sky Is Crying, Rocky Mountain Way, Crossroads, Life by the Drop, and Bo Diddley.

What is an easy Open E song to start with?

Slide by Goo Goo Dolls and Bo Diddley by Bo Diddley are good beginner-friendly Open E songs because they keep the rhythm parts simple while you get used to the ringing major chord tuning.

What notes do I need for Open E songs?

Tune from low to high as E-B-E-G#-B-E. With exact octave labels, this Open E tuner uses E2-B2-E3-G#3-B3-E4.

Is Open E tuning good for slide guitar songs?

Yes. Open E is one of the classic slide guitar tunings because the open strings make an E major chord and a slide can move that chord shape up the neck.

Ready to tune your guitar to Open E?

Use our free online tuner to get your guitar perfectly tuned to Open Eand start playing these amazing songs.

Tune to Open E