How to Tune a Guitar to Open A

Want to unlock a world of rich, resonant tones on your guitar? Tuning to Open A might just be your new best friend. This tuning is popular among slide guitarists and those looking to explore new sonic landscapes. Let's break down how to tune your guitar to Open A and why it might be a game-changer for your playing.

Understanding Open A Tuning

Open A tuning is a type of alternate tuning where the strings are tuned to form an A major chord when strummed open. This means that without having to press down any frets, you’re already playing a chord. This tuning is particularly popular in blues and slide guitar, but it can also add a new dimension to metal and rock playing.

In standard tuning, your strings are E-A-D-G-B-e. In Open A, they become E-A-E-A-C♯-E. Notice how the first, second, and sixth strings remain the same, while the others are adjusted to form that A major chord. It’s like having the chord built into the guitar itself, ready to unleash with a simple strum.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open A

Ready to switch things up? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your guitar into Open A tuning:

• 6th String: Keep it at E. This string stays the same as in standard tuning, so there’s no adjustment needed here.
• 5th String: Keep it at A. Again, no change required; it remains as it is in standard tuning.
• 4th String: Tune from D up to E. Now, this is where the changes begin. Use a tuner to carefully bring the pitch up a whole step.
• 3rd String: Tune from G up to A. You’ll need to tune this string up a whole step as well.
• 2nd String: Tune from B up to C♯. This requires a half-step adjustment, so take care to get it just right.
• 1st String: Keep it at E. Just like the 6th and 5th strings, this one stays the same.

As you make these adjustments, always listen closely and use a reliable tuner to ensure accuracy. If you’re new to alternate tunings, it might take a little getting used to, but with practice, you’ll have it down in no time.

The Benefits of Open A Tuning

Why go through the trouble of retuning your guitar? For starters, Open A can provide a fresh perspective on your playing. It encourages you to think differently about chords and melodies, often leading to more creative songwriting. It’s particularly useful if you’re into slide guitar or want to explore new textures in your music.

Open tunings like Open A can also make certain riffs and licks easier to play. The tuning allows for more straightforward fingerings and can enhance the resonance of your chords. This is especially beneficial in genres like metal, where adding a new tonal layer can elevate your sound.

Open A in Metal and Rock

While Open A tuning has roots in blues and folk, it’s also found its place in more aggressive genres like metal and rock. The natural resonance of the tuning can give your riffs a fuller, more powerful sound. Imagine combining the driving rhythms of metal with the open, ringing tones of Open A—it’s a match made in musical heaven!

Some metal guitarists use Open A to create atmospheric intros or breakdowns that stand out from the usual power chord progressions. The tuning also makes it easier to incorporate slide techniques into your playing, adding another layer of expressiveness.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Switching to Open A isn’t without its challenges. One common issue is the increased tension on your strings, which can make them more prone to breaking. To prevent this, consider using slightly heavier gauge strings that can handle the added tension without snapping.

Another challenge is the initial awkwardness of playing in a new tuning. It’s normal to feel a bit disoriented at first, but with practice, you’ll start to see new patterns and possibilities. Spend some time experimenting with simple melodies and chords to get a feel for the tuning.

And if you’re ever in doubt, remember that Riffhard offers plenty of resources to help you navigate new tunings. Our lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists can give you the insights you need to make the most of Open A.

Incorporating Slide Techniques

One of the most exciting aspects of Open A tuning is its compatibility with slide guitar techniques. The open strings allow for seamless slide transitions, making it easier to achieve those haunting, bluesy sounds. Here’s a quick rundown on how to start incorporating slide into your Open A playing:

• Choose the Right Slide: Materials like glass, metal, and ceramic all have distinct tones. Experiment to find what suits your style best.
• Light Touch: The key to slide is a light touch. Pressing too hard will cause unwanted noise, so focus on gliding smoothly over the strings.
• Practice Intonation: Getting the right pitch with a slide can be tricky. Practice slowly and use a tuner to ensure you’re hitting the notes accurately.

For more detailed slide techniques, you can check out the lessons available on Riffhard. We cover everything from basic slide exercises to advanced techniques used by pro guitarists.

Experimenting with Chord Voicings

One of the pleasures of Open A tuning is experimenting with new chord voicings. The tuning naturally lends itself to rich, open chords that can transform your playing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Power Chords: With Open A, power chords become even more powerful. Try using the open strings as a drone while experimenting with power chord shapes up the neck.
• Suspended Chords: The tuning makes it easier to play suspended chords, which can add a sense of tension and release in your progressions.
• Inversions: Experiment with chord inversions to find unique voicings that you wouldn’t normally encounter in standard tuning.

Open A tuning encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. And who knows? You might just stumble upon the perfect chord progression for your next hit.

Exploring Alternate Picking Patterns

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of Open A, it’s time to explore alternate picking patterns. This can add a new dimension to your playing, especially in metal and rock genres. Here are some patterns to try:

• Arpeggios: Open A is perfect for arpeggios. Try picking through the open strings and incorporating slides for a fluid sound.
• Cross-Picking: This technique involves alternating between strings in a non-linear fashion. It can create intricate, cascading effects that sound impressive.
• String Skipping: Skip strings in your picking patterns to create unexpected melodies and rhythms.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, Riffhard offers lessons on advanced picking techniques that can help you make the most of Open A tuning.

Maintaining Your Guitar in Open A

Switching to Open A means making some adjustments to maintain your guitar’s health. Here’s what you need to know:

• String Tension: As mentioned earlier, the increased tension can be hard on your strings. Regularly check for wear and consider heavier gauge strings.
• Neck Adjustment: If you plan to stay in Open A for a while, you might need to adjust the truss rod to accommodate the different tension.
• Tuning Stability: Regularly check your tuning, especially if you’re playing live or recording. Open tunings can sometimes slip, so keep a tuner handy.

With a little care, your guitar will stay in top shape while you explore all the possibilities that Open A has to offer.

Final Thoughts

Open A tuning offers a new world of sonic possibilities that can refresh and inspire your guitar playing. Whether you’re diving into slide techniques or experimenting with new chord voicings, this tuning is a playground for creativity. And if you’re looking for more support, Riffhard is here to help with lessons from world-class metal guitarists, designed to elevate your skills and expand your musical horizons.