GuitarTuningsGuitartunings.

Open E Guitar Tuner

Open E
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
B123
E165
G#208
B247
E330

How to Tune to Open E

A brilliant, ringing E major chord that's the primary tuning for slide guitar in blues and rock. Open E (E-B-E-G#-B-E) is essentially Open D tuned up one whole step, producing a brighter, more cutting tone. Derek Trucks, Duane Allman, and The Black Crowes all built their signature sounds around this tuning.

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

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
Printable Open E chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Derek Trucks — widely considered one of the greatest slide guitarists alive — plays exclusively in Open E and uses no effects pedals whatsoever. His entire sound comes from his fingers, a glass slide, and his guitar plugged directly into an amp. He was named the youngest-ever member of The Allman Brothers Band at age 20.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Tension WarningOpen E requires tuning three strings UP from standard (A→B, D→E, G→G#). This increases overall neck tension significantly. On acoustic guitars especially, prolonged use with heavy strings can cause bridge lifting or top warping. Use light gauges and consider Open D with a capo on the 2nd fret as a safer alternative.
Recommended Gauge:Light gauges (.010-.046) are recommended because three strings are tuned UP from standard, increasing tension. Using heavy strings in Open E puts significant stress on the neck and can warp acoustic guitars. Derek Trucks uses .011-.050 on his SG.

Gear for Open E

Tools that make tuning to E - B - E - G# - B - 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

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Open EIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
Open EIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
Open EIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
Open E TuningAdvanced
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Open E dangerous for my acoustic?
It can be, yes. Three strings are tuned UP from standard, increasing total string tension by roughly 15-20%. On lightweight acoustic guitars, this extra tension can cause the top to bow, the bridge to lift, or the neck to warp over time. A safer alternative is to tune to Open D and place a capo on the 2nd fret — you get the same pitches with lower tension.
How to tune to Open E safely?
Use light gauge strings (.010-.046 or lighter) to minimize the tension increase. Tune UP slowly: first bring the A string to B, then D to E, then G to G#. Never tune up quickly or with heavy strings. For acoustic guitars, strongly consider using Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret instead — same sound, much less stress on the instrument.
Will Open E warp my guitar neck?
On a solid, well-built electric guitar, Open E with light strings is generally safe for extended use. On acoustic guitars — especially vintage or lightly-built instruments — the increased tension can cause problems over time. If you hear any creaking or see the action rising, tune back down immediately and consider Open D + capo instead.
What tuning is Statesboro Blues in?
"Statesboro Blues" by The Allman Brothers Band is in Open E. Duane Allman's legendary slide guitar part on this track — a live staple that showcased his extraordinary slide technique — was played in Open E using a Coricidin medicine bottle as a slide. It remains one of the most iconic slide guitar performances ever recorded.
What tuning is She Talks to Angels in?
"She Talks to Angels" by The Black Crowes is in Open E tuning. The song's acoustic intro uses the open strings and simple hammer-on shapes to create a haunting, blues-influenced sound. It's one of the most popular songs for learning Open E tuning.