Open E Tuning On Guitar (with Easy E Chord Shapes) (2024)

Open E tuning opens up a whole new world of sounds and possibilities for your guitar playing. This article teaches you all you need to know about this alternative guitar tuning.

Let’s get jiggy with it.

Open E tuning is a way to tune a guitar to different notes than in standard tuning. To tune to open E tuning, you raise the pitch of the A, D, and G strings to create an open E major chord across all six strings.

Here’s the string tuning for open E tuning: E-B-E-G#-B-E (see the diagram below).

Similar to open D tuning but at a higher pitch, open E tuning is fantastic for slide guitar. The open E major chord (E, G#, and B notes) tuning provides a rich, resonant backdrop for everything slide.

So, whether you’re playing blues, rock, or folk, if you’ve always fancied learning how to play slide guitar, open E tuning is your go-to.

To tune your guitar to play in open E tuning, you need to change from the standard guitar tuning of E-A-D-G-B-E to mirror the notes in an E major chord, which gives you: E-B-E-G#-B-E (see the fretboard chart below👇).

Here’s how to tune your guitar to open E tuning in simple steps:

• Leave the 6th string (low E) the same as standard tuning.
• Raise the 5th (A) string up a tone (whole step) to B.
• Raise the 4th (D) string up a tone (whole step) to E.
• Raise the 3rd string (G) up a semitone (half step) to G#.
• Keep the B and top E strings tuned the same as standard tuning.

As you probably guessed, in open E tuning, the standard chord shapes are altered due to the change in string tuning.

For example, the E major chord is formed by strumming all strings open. Using the same or different fingerings, A major, B major, and D major chords can be played in the new tuning, as shown in the tab chord chart below.

Open E Tuning Major Chords

Major chords are straightforward in open E tuning. You can play a full chord across a single fret with just one finger or a slide.

For instance, to play an E major chord, you strum all open strings: 0-0-0-0-0-0. To play a major version of an F chord, flatten your finger across strings 4-1 at the first fret: x-x-1-1-1-1.

Simply slide this movable chord shape up the fretboard to play any major chord root you fancy.

Take a look at the chord tablature below.👇

Open E Tuning Minor Chord Shapes

Open E tuning offers simple patterns for minor chords that are different yet just as manageable as standard tuning once you’re familiar with them.

Here’s the tablature for an Em in open E tuning. But that’s not all! I’ve included a cool minor chord shape that you can move up and down the neck to play any minor chord in open E.

No more memorizing tons of fingerings—stick to this shape, then explore and add on more chord voicings when you’re ready! 👇

👉 Getting the hang of how chords, notes, and intervals are put together in tunings like open E can really open up new doors for your guitar playing.

If music theory isn’t your strong suit, no worries! I’ve got a book that breaks it down super simple, just for beginners: Easy Peasy Guitar Music Theory: for Beginners. 👇

• “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes: This song tells a heartfelt story about a young woman’s struggles, symbolized by her conversations with angels. Played in open E tuning, the guitar adds depth to the acoustic richness.

• “No Expectations” by the Rolling Stones: In this melancholic tune, Brian Jones’s memorable slide guitar enhances the song’s bluesy vibe. It’s a standout choice if you want to learn slide guitar and play in open E tuning.

• “Just Got Paid” by ZZ Top: This classic ZZ Top track is a fun song for guitarists to learn in open E tuning. The song’s bluesy feel and rhythm section provides an excellent foundation for practicing slide guitar techniques.

• “Statesboro Blues” by The Allman Brothers Band: This blues-rock song by the Allman Brothers, played in open E tuning, is yet anoher excellent choice for slide guitar lovers who want to improve their skills and versatility.

• “Stay With Me” by Faces: With its catchy hooks and dynamic guitar riffs, “Stay With Me” is a great song for confident beginner guitarists to learn in open E tuning.

• “Show-biz Blues” by Fleetwood Mac: This blues-infused Fleetwood Mac song in open E tuning features gritty guitar riffs and raw vocals, making it an exciting song for you to tackle.

• “Buckets of Rain” by Bob Dylan: This Bob Dylan song is a must-learn for guitarists interested in open E tuning. This song’s easy chords make it a great choice for beginners who want to learn fingerpicking and playing melodies in an open tuning.

• “Pretty Mary K” by Elliott Smith: This haunting folk ballad features intricate guitar picking and melancholic lyrics, making it a top choice for intermediate players to learn a song in open E tuning.

• “What He Wrote” by Laura Marling: Laura Marling’s acoustic “What He Wrote” showcases her intricate guitar work with interesting chord voicings in open E tuning.

And there you have it, folks – the world of open E tuning at your fingertips!

It’s like giving your guitar a shot of espresso; suddenly, everything sounds brighter, more vibrant, and ready to rock.

So grab your axe, tune up those strings, and let the good vibes roll. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite tuning.

Keep strumming, and stay tuned for more musical adventures! 🎸