Open E Tuner
This open E tuner listens through your microphone and shows how far each string is from E B E G# B E, the notes of open E from the 6th string to the 1st. Press start, allow the microphone, and pluck one string at a time. The tuner names the string it heard, shows the cents you are off, and tells you which way to turn the peg.
Open E strums as an E chord with no fingers down, the brightest of the open tunings and a natural home for slide in E. Unlike most tunings here, open E goes up from standard: the 5th and 4th strings tighten by two semitones and the 3rd by one. Tune up slowly and stop as soon as the note lands, since overtightening is the real risk.
The notes of this tuning
| String | Standard | This tuning | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E | E | No change |
| 5 | A | B | +2 |
| 4 | D | E | +2 |
| 3 | G | G♯ | +1 |
| 2 | B | B | No change |
| 1 | E | E | No change |
How to tune from standard
- Begin in standard tuning. Tighten the 5th string two semitones, from A to B.
- Tighten the 4th string two semitones, from D to E.
- Tighten the 3rd string one semitone, from G to G#, turning slowly and stopping as soon as it lands.
- Leave the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings at their standard notes, then strum and check every string once more.
Frequently asked questions
What is open E tuning?
Open E tunes the open strings to an E major chord: E B E G# B E from the 6th string to the 1st. Strummed open, it rings a full E chord, which makes it a favourite for slide. It is also an easy retune, because only the three middle strings move from standard.
Which strings change for open E?
The 5th, 4th and 3rd, and all three go up. The 5th string rises two semitones from A to B, the 4th two semitones from D to E, and the 3rd one semitone from G to G#. The 6th, 2nd and 1st strings already match the chord and stay put.
Is tuning up to open E safe for my strings?
The moves are small, so it is safe when you go slowly. The 5th and 4th strings each rise a whole step, which raises tension; if a string is old or worn, that is the moment it can give way. Turn gently, watch the tuner, and stop at the first sign the note has landed.