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Open A Guitar Tuner

Open A
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
E165
A220
C#277
E330

How to Tune to Open A

A classic Delta blues slide tuning that creates an open A major chord (E-A-E-A-C#-E). Open A uses the exact same intervals as Open G but pitched a whole step higher, giving it a brighter, more cutting quality. It's associated with some of the most legendary blues recordings in history and remains a favorite for slide guitarists.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2E2Leave as is
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3E3Tune up a whole step
String 3G3A3Tune up a whole step
String 2B3C#4Tune up a whole step
String 1E4E4Leave as is
Printable Open A chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Robert Johnson — often called the 'King of the Delta Blues' — reportedly recorded his complete works in just two recording sessions in 1936 and 1937. Many of his most influential recordings use Open A or similar open tunings with a slide. The legend that he 'sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads' only added to the mystique around his otherworldly guitar playing.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Tension WarningThree strings are tuned UP: D→E, G→A, and B→C#. Use light gauges to manage the increased tension, especially on acoustic guitars.
Recommended Gauge:Standard or Light gauges (.010-.046). The tuning requires raising the D and G strings (D→E and G→A), which increases tension. Use lighter gauges on those strings to compensate. The B→C# is a whole step up — ensure that string can handle the tension.

Gear for Open A

Tools that make tuning to E - A - E - A - C# - E easier.

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Open AIntermediate
E - A - E - A - C# - ENo Capo
Song Details
Open AIntermediate
E - A - E - A - C# - ENo Capo
Song Details
Open AIntermediate
E - A - E - A - C# - ENo Capo
Song Details
Open A TuningIntermediate
E - A - E - A - C# - ENo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

How is it related to Open G?
Open A uses the exact same interval pattern as Open G, just a whole step (two frets) higher. If you put a capo on the 2nd fret of an Open G guitar, you get Open A. This means all chord shapes, scale patterns, and slide positions from Open G work identically in Open A — everything just sounds two frets higher.
How to tune guitar to Open A?
From standard tuning: keep E as-is, keep A as-is, tune D up to E (one whole step), tune G up to A (one whole step), tune B up to C# (one whole step), keep high E as-is. Be careful with the strings being tuned UP — use lighter gauges to reduce the risk of breakage. Alternatively, tune to Open G and put a capo on the 2nd fret.
What tuning is Cross Road Blues in?
Robert Johnson's "Cross Road Blues" (also known as "Crossroads") is widely believed to have been played in Open A or a similar open tuning with a capo. The exact tunings Johnson used are debated among scholars, but Open A with slide is consistent with the recorded sound. Eric Clapton's famous Cream version was played in standard tuning.
Open A vs Open G for slide guitar?
They're functionally identical — same intervals, different pitch. Open G is more common because the lower tension is easier on strings and guitars. Open A gives a brighter, more cutting tone that records well. Many blues players tune to Open G and capo up to Open A when they want the higher pitch, rather than retuning and dealing with the higher tension.