Guitar tuning · E B E G♯ B E
Open E tuning
Open E tuning: E B E G♯ B E, low to high. Used for electric slide and blues — the same shapes as open D, a tone higher.
Notes and frequencies
| 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 |
Frequencies for A4 = 440 Hz.
From standard tuning
- Raise the 5th string a whole step: A → B.
- Raise the 4th string a whole step: D → E.
- Raise the 3rd string a half step: G → G♯.
Check each string with a tuner, then go round once more — changing one string’s tension nudges the others.
One finger, one chord
The open strings form a E major chord. Barre all strings with one finger (or a slide) for other major chords:
FAQ
- What are the notes of Open E tuning?
- From the low string to the high string: E B E G♯ B E.
- Is changing tuning bad for my guitar?
- No — tunings within a few half steps of standard are fine. For much lower tunings you keep long-term, heavier strings and a setup help with tension and intonation.
- How do I tune to it accurately?
- Use a chromatic tuner — it reads any note, not just standard tuning. Always tune up to the note so the string stays in tune.