How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar to Open E

So, you've heard about Open E tuning and you're ready to give it a shot on your acoustic guitar. It's a tuning that opens up a world of rich, resonant sounds and makes it easy to play slide guitar or create lush, open chords. If you're looking to experiment outside of standard tuning and dive into something a bit more adventurous, Open E is a fantastic place to start. Let's go through the steps to tune your guitar to Open E and explore some fun ways to use it.

What is Open E Tuning?

Open E tuning is a type of "open tuning" where the strings are tuned to the notes of an E major chord. When you strum your open strings in this tuning, you're essentially playing an E major chord without needing to use your fretting hand. Here's how it breaks down:

• 6th String: Tune from E to E (no change)
• 5th String: Tune from A to B
• 4th String: Tune from D to E
• 3rd String: Tune from G to G#
• 2nd String: Tune from B to B (no change)
• 1st String: Tune from E to E (no change)

By tweaking the tuning of just a few strings, you unlock a vibrant and resonant chord that can add depth to your compositions or improvisations. Open E is particularly popular in blues and slide guitar playing, but it can be a creative tool for any style.

Why Choose Open E Tuning?

Open E tuning offers several unique advantages that can spice up your guitar playing. First and foremost, it allows you to play full chords with a single finger barred across the fretboard. This can make it easier to explore chordal melodies or focus on your right-hand technique. It's also a gateway to the world of slide guitar. The open strings resonate beautifully, providing a rich backdrop for your slide work.

Moreover, Open E can inspire new songwriting ideas. If you're feeling stuck, changing your tuning is like hitting the refresh button on your creativity. The familiar fingerings in standard tuning no longer apply, which can break you out of old habits and lead you to discover new sounds and progressions.

Preparing Your Guitar for Open E Tuning

Before you start turning those tuning pegs, it's important to consider the tension Open E tuning puts on your guitar's neck. Since you're tuning some strings higher than standard, the overall tension on the neck increases. Here are a few tips to prepare your guitar:

1. Check the Gauge: If you're using super light strings, consider moving up a gauge. Medium or heavy strings are often recommended for open tunings due to increased tension.
2. Inspect the Neck: Make sure your guitar's neck is in good condition to handle the extra tension. If you're unsure, a quick visit to a guitar tech can give you peace of mind.
3. Be Mindful of the Bridge: Keep an eye on the action, as tuning up can sometimes cause the bridge to lift slightly.

If you're planning to keep your guitar in Open E for an extended period, it might be worth having a professional setup done to ensure everything is properly adjusted. This will prevent any long-term damage and make playing more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step: Tuning to Open E

Now that your guitar's ready, let's get tuning. Grab a tuner—either an app on your phone or a dedicated guitar tuner will do the trick. Follow these steps:

1. 6th String (E): No change needed. It's already tuned to E.
2. 5th String (B): This string needs to go up from A to B. Tighten the tuning peg gently until your tuner indicates B.
3. 4th String (E): Raise this string from D to E. Go slowly and check your tuner frequently.
4. 3rd String (G#): This one goes from G to G#. It's a small change, so be careful not to overshoot.
5. 2nd String (B): No change here either. It's already at B.
6. 1st String (E): As with the 6th string, leave this as E.

Once all the strings are in place, strum them open. You should hear a full, ringing E major chord. Make small adjustments as needed until everything sounds just right.

Getting Comfortable with Chords in Open E

Open E tuning might take some getting used to, especially if you've been playing in standard tuning for a while. The chord shapes you're familiar with won't apply here, but that's part of the fun! Let's look at some basic chord shapes to get you started:

• A Major: Bar all strings at the 2nd fret.
• B Major: Bar all strings at the 4th fret.
• C# Minor: Bar all strings at the 6th fret.

These barre shapes are the foundation of your chord progressions in Open E. You can also experiment by adding or removing fingers to create variations. Don't be afraid to play around and see what sounds good to you!

Exploring Slide Guitar in Open E

One of the coolest things about Open E tuning is that it's perfect for slide guitar. The open strings provide a natural resonance that complements the slide technique beautifully. If you're new to slide guitar, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Choose the Right Slide: Glass, metal, or ceramic slides all produce different tones. Try a few and see which one you like best.
2. Find the Right Finger: Most players use their pinky or ring finger, leaving the other fingers free to form chords.
3. Maintain Light Pressure: Your slide should glide over the strings without pressing them down to the frets.

Practice sliding into notes and moving between them smoothly. Open E's tuning will make these techniques sound especially rich and full.

Songwriting in Open E

Open E tuning is a playground for songwriters. Its unique tonal qualities can inspire new ideas and break creative blocks. Try strumming open strings and letting the sound wash over you. It's a great way to start a new song or develop a fresh riff.

Since common chord shapes don't apply, you might find yourself exploring new musical pathways. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns or fingerpicking techniques. The more you play around, the more comfortable you'll become.

If you want to learn more about how to bring these ideas to life, check out Riffhard, where we have lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists. They offer insights into how you can integrate these tunings into your playing and songwriting.

Famous Songs in Open E

Many iconic songs have been written using Open E tuning, showcasing its versatility and unique sound. Here are a few well-known tracks you might recognize:

• "She Talks to Angels" by The Black Crowes: This song features rich chord progressions and slide work that highlight the tuning's tonal possibilities.
• "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones: Keith Richards uses Open E to bring a haunting, atmospheric quality to the song.
• "Statesboro Blues" by The Allman Brothers Band: A classic example of slide guitar in Open E, Duane Allman's playing is legendary here.

Listening to these songs can give you a better feel for what Open E tuning can offer and might even spark some new ideas for your own music.

Adjusting Back to Standard Tuning

Once you've had your fun in Open E, you might want to return your guitar to standard tuning. It's a simple process, but be sure to go slowly to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the strings or neck. Here's a quick guide to get back:

• 6th String: E remains the same.
• 5th String: Lower B back to A.
• 4th String: Lower E back to D.
• 3rd String: Lower G# back to G.
• 2nd String: B remains the same.
• 1st String: E remains the same.

Take your time and use a tuner to ensure each string is back to its original pitch. This will help maintain the health of your guitar and the longevity of your strings.

Further Exploration and Practice

If you're eager to dig deeper into Open E tuning and other alternative tunings, consider setting aside regular practice sessions. Consistent practice will help you become more comfortable with the new tuning and expand your musical vocabulary.

For those looking to expand their skills, Riffhard offers a range of lessons that can help you explore these tunings further. Our instructors—some of the most respected names in modern metal—can guide you through the nuances of rhythm guitar techniques, helping to refine your sound and enhance your creativity.

Final Thoughts

Open E tuning is like a breath of fresh air for your acoustic guitar, offering new textures and a fresh perspective on your playing. Whether you're diving into slide guitar or exploring new songwriting avenues, this tuning can open doors you didn't even know existed. For more tips and techniques, check out Riffhard where we offer lessons from top-notch instructors who can help you hone your skills and elevate your playing to new heights.