Guitar tuning

Open E Blues (E-B-E-G#-B-E)

Open E tunes the strings to E-B-E-G#-B-E, an E major chord. It is like Open D but a whole tone higher, with three strings raised above standard instead of lowered.

The tuner opens already preconfigured; you only need to allow microphone access.

Strings and frequencies

How it sounds

It sounds bright and energetic thanks to the higher string tension. It is widely used in electric slide and roots rock, though the extra tension is worth being careful about.

Styles and genres

Recommended string gauges

Careful: raising three strings above standard adds significant tension and can stress the neck or snap light strings. Use a 0.010 set or lighter, and if in doubt, prefer Open D capoed at the second fret.

Tuning tip

If your guitar is delicate or you would rather not risk the neck, get the same chord by tuning to Open D and capoing at the second fret: it sounds identical with far less tension.