# Open E Tuning: Blues, Slide & Rock in Open E

> Learn open E tuning for guitar - how to tune to it, chord shapes, slide techniques, and the songs that define this powerful alternate tuning.

Source: https://guitarwiz.app/articles/open-e-tuning

Open E tuning is the sound of raw, powerful blues guitar. When you strum all six strings, you get a ringing E major chord - no fretting required. Place a slide across any fret, and you get a major chord at that position. It's the tuning Duane Allman used for his legendary slide work, and it's the backbone of Southern rock and Delta blues.

## How to Tune to Open E

From standard tuning (EADGBE), raise three strings:

| String | Standard | Open E | Change |
|--------|----------|--------|--------|
| 6th | E | E | No change |
| 5th | A | B | Up 1 whole step |
| 4th | D | E | Up 1 whole step |
| 3rd | G | G# | Up 1 half step |
| 2nd | B | B | No change |
| 1st | E | E | No change |

**Caution:** Three strings are tuned UP, which increases tension on the neck. Use lighter gauge strings (.010 or .009) to compensate, or use Open D tuning (same shapes, two frets lower, less tension) as an alternative.

The open strings now sound: E-B-E-G#-B-E - a full E major chord.

## Why Open E?

### Instant Chord With a Slide
Lay a slide across any fret, and all six strings produce a major chord at that fret. This is why slide guitar and open tunings go hand in hand.

| Slide Position | Chord |
|---------------|-------|
| Open | E |
| 3rd fret | G |
| 5th fret | A |
| 7th fret | B |
| 10th fret | D |
| 12th fret | E (octave) |

### Full, Open Bass
The low three strings (E-B-E) create a massive bass foundation. Standard tuning's E-A-D bass can't match the power of E-B-E.

### Easy I-IV-V Blues
- **E (I):** Open strings
- **A (IV):** Slide to 5th fret
- **B (V):** Slide to 7th fret

A complete 12-bar blues with one slide position at three frets.

## Chord Shapes in Open E

### E Major (Open)
```
e|---0---|
B|---0---|
G#|--0---|
E|---0---|
B|---0---|
E|---0---|
```
Just strum all strings open.

### A Major (Barre at 5th fret)
```
e|---5---|
B|---5---|
G#|--5---|
E|---5---|
B|---5---|
E|---5---|
```

### E7 (Adding ♭7)
```
e|---0---|
B|---0---|
G#|--0---|
E|---0---|
B|---3---|  (D note = ♭7 of E)
E|---0---|
```

### A Minor (Partial Barre)
```
e|---0---|
B|---0---|
G#|--0---|
E|---2---|
B|---0---|
E|---0---|
```

## Slide Guitar in Open E

### Basic Slide Technique
1. Place the slide directly over the fret wire
2. Light pressure - don't press down to the frets
3. Mute behind the slide with your free fingers
4. Target notes: 12th fret (E), 7th fret (B), 5th fret (A)

### Blues Turnaround in Open E
```
e|---12--12--10--10-------|
B|---12--12--10--10-------|
G#|--12--12--10--10-------|
E|---0-----0-----0--------|
B|-----------0-----0------|
E|---0-----0-----0--------|
```
Slide from the 12th fret to the 10th fret while the open bass strings drone. This is the classic blues turnaround sound.

## Songs in Open E

1. **"Statesboro Blues" – The Allman Brothers Band** - Duane Allman's signature slide piece
2. **"Dust My Broom" – Elmore James** - The founding slide blues riff
3. **"Rocky Mountain Way" – Joe Walsh** - Rock slide in Open E
4. **"Bo Diddley" – Bo Diddley** - That shuffling rhythm in open tuning
5. **"She Talks to Angels" – The Black Crowes** - Acoustic open E fingerpicking

## Open E vs Open D

Open E and Open D use the same shapes - Open D is just two frets (one whole step) lower:

| | Open E | Open D |
|---|--------|--------|
| Tuning | E-B-E-G#-B-E | D-A-D-F#-A-D |
| String tension | Higher | Lower |
| String breakage risk | Higher | Lower |
| Sound | Brighter, punchier | Warmer, woodier |

If string breakage is a concern, use Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret for identical results with less tension.

## Common Mistakes

**1. Not adjusting string gauge.** Standard strings in Open E are under extra tension. Use lighter gauges or risk broken strings and neck stress.

**2. Pressing the slide too hard.** Light contact produces clean, singing tones. Hard pressing creates fret wire contact and buzz.

**3. Forgetting to mute.** Open E rings sympathetically on all strings. Active muting with both hands is essential.

## Try This in Guitar Wiz

Use the **Tuner** in Guitar Wiz to tune precisely to Open E - the chromatic mode shows each string's target pitch clearly. Then use the **Chord Library** to compare standard and Open E chord voicings side by side.

[Download Guitar Wiz on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6740015002?pt=643962&ct=article-open-e&mt=8) · [Explore the Guitar Tuner →](/guitar-tuner)

## FAQ

### Is Open E bad for my guitar?
The increased tension can stress lighter-built acoustics over time. Use light gauge strings and consider Open D as a lower-tension alternative.

### Can I play Open E without a slide?
Yes. Many songs use Open E for fingerpicking and chord strumming without slide. The open chord and easy shapes work beautifully for blues and rock.

### What slide material works best for Open E?
Glass for warm blues tones, metal (brass or steel) for cutting rock tones. Both work excellently in Open E.

### People Also Ask

**What is open E tuning?** A guitar tuning where the strings are tuned to E-B-E-G#-B-E, forming an E major chord when strummed open.

**How do you tune a guitar to open E?** Raise the 5th string from A to B, the 4th string from D to E, and the 3rd string from G to G#. Keep the 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings at standard pitch.

**What songs use open E tuning?** "Statesboro Blues" (Allman Brothers), "Dust My Broom" (Elmore James), and "She Talks to Angels" (Black Crowes).