Open A Tuning

Open A major — a bright, high-energy slide and blues tuning. Strum open and you get an A chord. Low to high: E A E A C# E.

E6th (low)
A5th
E4th
A3rd
C#2nd
E1st (high)
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How to tune to Open A

  1. Start in standard tuning (E A D G B E).
  2. Raise the 4th string (D) up a whole step to E.
  3. Raise the 3rd string (G) up a whole step to A.
  4. Raise the 2nd string (B) up a whole step to C#.
  5. Result: E A E A C# E — strum open for an A major chord. Note this raises three strings, so tension goes up; many players use lighter strings or tune the low strings down to a Drop-style open A instead.
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Open A tuning — FAQ

What are the string notes for Open A tuning?

Open A tuning is, from the low (6th) string to the high (1st) string, E A E A C# E.

How do I tune my guitar to Open A?

Start in standard tuning (E A D G B E). Raise the 4th string (D) up a whole step to E. Raise the 3rd string (G) up a whole step to A. Raise the 2nd string (B) up a whole step to C#. Result: E A E A C# E — strum open for an A major chord. Note this raises three strings, so tension goes up; many players use lighter strings or tune the low strings down to a Drop-style open A instead.

What is Open A tuning good for?

Open A major — a bright, high-energy slide and blues tuning. Strum open and you get an A chord.

More tunings: see all 15 tunings · standard tuning chart

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