How to Tune from Standard to Open E

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “She Talks to Angels”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2E2Leave as is
String 5A2B2Tune up a whole step
String 4D3E3Tune up a whole step
String 3G3G#3Tune up a half step
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave 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

"She Talks to Angels" by The Black Crowes is played in Open E (E - B - E - G# - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 5 up to B, string 4 up to E, string 3 up to G#. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 19 other songs in our catalog use Open E.

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Tunings Close to Open E

Already tuned to E - B - E - G# - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Gear for Open E

Strings and tools that make playing "She Talks to Angels" in Open E 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.

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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.

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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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“She Talks to Angels” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "She Talks to Angels" by The Black Crowes in?

"She Talks to Angels" is played in Open E: E - B - E - G# - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "She Talks to Angels"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune up a whole step (A2 → B2). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 3: tune up a half step (G3 → G#3). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Open E?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

Other Songs in Open E

Once tuned to E - B - E - G# - B - E, try playing these tracks next:

Open EIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Open E TuningAdvanced
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo