What is Open A tuning?

Open A tuning is E-A-E-A-C#-E (low to high). Strumming all strings produces an A major chord. It's structurally the same as Open G but one whole step higher.

Is Open A the same as Open G with a capo?

Yes, musically they are identical — Open G with a capo at fret 2 gives you the same pitches as Open A. Many players use this approach. Without a capo, Open A has higher string tension which some slide players prefer for better control.

What scales work in Open A?

The A major pentatonic and A blues scale are natural choices. A Mixolydian gives a bluesy feel, and the A major scale works for country and folk styles.

A# Ichikosucho Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A# Ichikosucho in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The A# Ichikosucho scale is an ancient Japanese court music scale used in Gagaku ceremonies. On Guitar, it contains the notes A#, C, D, D#, E, F, G, A. It has a Lydian-like structure and is used to evoke a sense of imperial majesty and historical tradition. Commonly used in Japanese, Classical, Film Scores. Notable players include Takemitsu, Hosokawa. Use over Maj7#11 in Japanese-influenced compositions. Adds cultural authenticity to Eastern-themed scores.

Notes: A#, C, D, D#, E, F, G, A

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5d, 5P, 6M, 7M

Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Formula: W-W-H-H-H-W-W-H

Number of notes: 8

Tuning: Open A (E-A-E-A-C#-E)

About Open A Tuning

Open A tuning (E-A-E-A-C#-E) produces an A major chord when strummed open. It is structurally identical to Open G tuned up one whole step, delivering a brighter, more tense sound that works particularly well for slide guitar centered on the key of A.

Jimmy Page used Open A with a slide on Led Zeppelin's 'In My Time of Dying' from Physical Graffiti (1975). Rory Gallagher also employed Open A for his raw, energetic slide work. Many players achieve Open A by simply placing a capo at the 2nd fret in Open G tuning, which is why dedicated Open A usage is less commonly discussed. However, without a capo, Open A gives direct access to the open A string resonance and a different feel under the fingers due to the higher tension.

BluesSlide GuitarRockDelta Blues

Notable artists: Jimmy Page, Rory Gallagher, Delta blues players

Best for: Slide guitar in the key of A, blues playing, and situations where you need the brightness of Open G tuned up without a capo

Musical Character

ImperialMajesticHistoricalBright

An ancient Japanese court music scale with a Lydian-like structure (#4) that evokes imperial majesty and historical tradition.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning