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.

C Lydian Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

C Lydian in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The C Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Guitar, the notes are C, D, E, F#, G, A, B. It is known for its ethereal, dreamlike, and cinematic quality. Because it avoids the pull of the perfect fourth, it is a favorite for film composers wanting to evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldly space. The diatonic chords of C Lydian are CMaj7, D7, Em7, F#m7b5, GMaj7, Am7, Bm7. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.

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

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

Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7

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

Number of notes: 7

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

Diatonic Chords

CMaj7 — D7 — Em7 — F♯m7♭5 — GMaj7 — Am7 — Bm7

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

EtherealDreamyFloatingCinematicWondrous

The #4 (tritone from root) eliminates the gravitational pull of the perfect 4th, creating a sensation of weightless suspension — the reason film composers use it for 'wonder' and 'awe'.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

I – II – IV – I (Lydian II)Pop / Rock — Euphoric

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning