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.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| String 5 | B2 | 123.47 Hz |
| String 4 | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| String 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| String 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
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.
Open E Minor (Cross-Note) TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G - B - ENo Capo
Open E Minor (Cross-Note) TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G - B - ENo Capo
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.