The Headmaster Ritual
Required String Notes:E - B - E - G# - B - E
Tune to Open E TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Open E Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “The Headmaster Ritual”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | B2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
Johnny Marr's jangly, arpeggiated part on The Queen Is Dead is played in open E tuning. The ringing open strings let his chiming riff, hammer-ons and add9 colours cascade across the neck for the song's bright, restless feel.
Key Chord Voicings:
Open E: 0-0-0-0-0-0Add9 shapes up the neckHammer-on figures on top strings
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Tunings Close to Open E Tuning
Already tuned to E - B - E - G# - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Esus2 Tuning (E B E F# B E)7 songs
E - B - E - F# - B - EOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G#.Open E Minor (Cross-Note) Tuning5 songs
E - B - E - G - B - EOnly string 3 differs: G instead of G#.Custom Tuning (EBEEBE)5 songs
EBEEBEOnly string 3 differs: E instead of G#.Gear for Open E Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "The Headmaster Ritual" in Open E Tuning 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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“The Headmaster Ritual” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Headmaster Ritual" by The Smiths in?
"The Headmaster Ritual" is played in Open E Tuning: E - B - E - G# - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Headmaster Ritual"?
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 Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in Open E Tuning
Once tuned to E - B - E - G# - B - E, try playing these tracks next:
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo