How to Tune to Open E Minor (Cross-Note) Tuning

The cross-note Open E minor tuning (E-B-E-G-B-E) sounds a mournful E minor chord across the open strings. 'Cross-note' tunings were favored by Delta blues players because the minor third sits on an open string, letting them fret it up a half step to imply major — sliding between light and dark with one finger. Skip James and Bukka White are closely associated with the sound.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings:

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	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	B3	Leave as is
String 1	E4	E4	Leave as is

Printable Open E Minor (Cross-Note) Tuning chart (PNG / PDF)

Fun Fact

Bluesman Skip James used a related cross-note tuning (in D minor) for his eerie, haunting 1931 recordings like "Devil Got My Woman." The open minor third gives these tunings their ghostly quality — and by barring one fret up, players could instantly turn the minor chord major, a trick central to Delta blues.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Standard gauges work well (.010-.046 electric, .012-.053 acoustic). The low E stays put while the A raises to B (a whole step) and the D raises to E; the modest raises are safe with normal strings.

Gear for Open E Minor (Cross-Note) Tuning

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

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Open E Minor (Cross-Note) TuningIntermediate

Fixin' to Die Blues

by Bukka White

E - B - E - G - B - ENo Capo

Song Details

Open E Minor (Cross-Note) TuningIntermediate

Aberdeen Mississippi Blues

by Bukka White

E - B - E - G - B - ENo Capo

Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cross-note tuning?

A cross-note tuning is an open minor tuning — here Open E minor (E-B-E-G-B-E) — where the open strings form a minor chord. The name comes from being able to fret the minor third up a half step to 'cross' into major, a hallmark of Delta blues.

How do I tune to Open E minor?

From standard: keep low E, raise A up a whole step to B, raise D up a whole step to E, keep G, keep B, keep high E. The two raised strings add tension, so tune up gently. Use the tuner above.

Who used cross-note tunings?

Delta blues legends like Skip James (in D minor) and Bukka White used cross-note minor tunings for their haunting, slide-friendly sound. Modern blues and folk players use Open E minor for the same expressive major/minor shifts.

What are the frequencies for Open E minor?

E2 = 82.41 Hz, B2 = 123.47 Hz, E3 = 164.81 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, B3 = 246.94 Hz, E4 = 329.63 Hz.

Open E Minor (Cross-Note) Tuning Guitar Tuner