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 Six Tone Symmetric Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A Six Tone Symmetric in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The A Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Guitar, its notes are A, Bb, C#, D, F, F#. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.

Notes: A, Bb, C#, D, F, F#

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6

Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH

Number of notes: 6

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

AbstractSuspendedMathematicalAtonal

Divides the octave into 6 mathematically equal parts — a scale without a home. Perfect for composers who want to intentionally avoid any tonal center.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning