Boom Boom
Required String Notes:E - A - E - A - C# - E
Tune to Open AHow to Tune from Standard to Open A
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Boom Boom”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | C#4 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Boom Boom" by John Lee Hooker is played in Open A (E - A - E - A - C# - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 4 up to E, string 3 up to A, string 2 up to C#. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. John Lee Hooker uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Open A
Already tuned to E - A - E - A - C# - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Name Alt-Tuning28 songs
D - A - E - A - C# - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EAEABE)1 song
EAEABEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of C#.Custom Tuning (EAEACE)1 song
EAEACEOnly string 2 differs: C instead of C#.John Lee Hooker’s Guitar Tunings
John Lee Hooker plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in Open A. Most-used tunings:
- Open A TuningE - A - E - A - C# - E2 songs
Gear for Open A
Strings and tools that make playing "Boom Boom" in Open A easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Boom Boom” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Boom Boom" by John Lee Hooker in?
"Boom Boom" is played in Open A: E - A - E - A - C# - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Boom Boom"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up a whole step (B3 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Open A?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other John Lee Hooker songs use this tuning?
"Bottle Up And Go" — all in E - A - E - A - C# - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by John Lee Hooker
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Lee Hooker:
Other Songs in Open A
Once tuned to E - A - E - A - C# - E, try playing these tracks next:
Open A TuningIntermediate
E - A - E - A - C# - ENo Capo