Open E Tuner
Tune your guitar to Open E (E B E G♯ B E) using your microphone. The tuner below is already set to Open E — press Start Recording and strum.
String-by-String Frequency Chart
These are the exact target frequencies this tuner listens for, at A4 = 440 Hz equal temperament. String 1 is the thinnest (highest) string.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| 5 | B2 | 123.47 Hz |
| 4 | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| 3 | G♯3 | 207.65 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
Read This Before You Tune
Open E is the one common tuning that increases tension on your guitar. Three strings go up in pitch, adding perhaps 15–20 kg of total pull compared with standard tuning. On a solid-body electric this is generally fine. On a vintage acoustic, a lightly braced parlour guitar, or anything with a questionable neck joint, it is a genuine risk.
The safe alternative that professional players use constantly: tune to Open D and put a capo at the 2nd fret. The pitches are identical to Open E, the shapes are identical, and the guitar is under less tension than standard tuning rather than more.
If you do tune to Open E directly, drop one string gauge to compensate.
How to Use This Open E Tuner
- Press Start Recording on the tuner above and allow microphone access.
- The Open E preset is already selected.
- Leave strings 6, 2, and 1 alone — E, B, and E are already correct.
- Raise string 5 from A up to B (123.47 Hz). Go slowly and watch the needle; this is the string most likely to break.
- Raise string 4 from D up to E (164.81 Hz), again slowly.
- Raise string 3 from G up to G♯ (207.65 Hz) — only a semitone, but it is the third of the chord, so tune it precisely.
- Strum all six open strings for a full E major, then run a second pass.
Raise pitch gradually. A string being tightened past its intended pitch has no warning before it snaps, and the 5th string moving a full whole step is the most exposed.
What is Open E Tuning?
Open E tunes the six open strings to an E major chord: E B E G♯ B E. It is the bright, cutting counterpart to Open D — same intervals, higher pitch, more tension, and a noticeably more aggressive attack because the strings are tighter.
That tension is not only a liability. It is also why Open E sounds the way it does: tighter strings give a harder, more immediate response under a slide, which is exactly what electric slide blues wants.
Famous Players and Songs in Open E
- Duane Allman: The definitive Open E slide player — Statesboro Blues and the slide work across the Allman Brothers catalogue.
- Derek Trucks: Plays almost exclusively in Open E, and is the modern reference point for the tuning.
- Jumpin' Jack Flash — Rolling Stones: Keith Richards stepping out of his usual Open G.
- Bob Dylan: Blood on the Tracks was largely written and recorded in Open E.
Slide Positions in Open E
Because the open strings form E major, a slide barred straight across any fret gives the major chord at that position:
- Open: E major
- 5th fret: A major (the IV)
- 7th fret: B major (the V)
- 12th fret: E major, an octave up
Three slide positions give you an entire blues in E. That economy is the whole reason open tunings exist.
Troubleshooting
A string broke while tuning up. Almost always the 5th, going from A to B. Fit a fresh set, go up in small increments, and consider dropping a gauge before trying again.
The chord sounds sharp or strained. Higher tension makes any intonation error more audible. Check the G♯ on string 3 first — as the only third in the chord, it exposes everything.
The action got lower and it buzzes. Extra tension pulls the neck into more forward bow, changing relief. A small truss rod adjustment corrects it, but this is another argument for the Open D plus capo approach.
Safer alternative: Open D tuner. Or compare with Open G and read the full guide to alternate guitar tunings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notes in Open E tuning?
Open E is E B E G♯ B E from lowest to highest string. Strumming all six open strings sounds an E major chord.
Which strings change from standard tuning?
Three strings are raised: the 5th string A goes up a whole step to B, the 4th string D goes up a whole step to E, and the 3rd string G goes up a semitone to G♯. Strings 6, 2, and 1 are unchanged.
Is Open E dangerous for my guitar?
It carries real risk on some instruments, because three strings are tightened rather than loosened — the only common tuning that increases total neck tension. On a vintage or lightly built acoustic, this can stress the top and neck. Many players use Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret instead, which produces the same pitches at safe tension.
What is the difference between Open E and Open D?
They are the same tuning shape, a whole step apart. Every chord shape, slide position, and riff transfers directly between them. The practical difference is how you get there: Open D loosens four strings, Open E tightens three.
Should I use lighter strings for Open E?
Yes, if you tune to Open E directly. Going down one gauge offsets the added tension from the three raised strings and brings the total load back near normal. This is the standard precaution for players who keep a guitar in Open E.