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# Major Pentatonic Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

C# Major Pentatonic in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The C# Major Pentatonic scale is a universal five-note scale found in almost every musical culture. On Guitar, it contains the notes C#, D#, F, G#, A#. It is extremely consonant and easy to listen to, making it the perfect choice for melodies in country, pop, and blues. Its open sound ensures that almost any note played will sound correct over major harmonies. Commonly used in Country, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk. Notable players include Keith Richards, B.B. King, John Mayer, Eric Clapton. Use over any major chord, major key progression, or dominant 7th chord. The safest and most universal soloing tool.

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

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 5P, 6M

Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5

Formula: W-W-WH-W-WH

Number of notes: 5

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

Also known as: pentatonic

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

HappyOpenWarmSimple

By removing the 4th and 7th degrees from the major scale, all dissonant intervals disappear. Every note sounds 'right' — making it nearly impossible to play a wrong note over major harmony.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

I – V – vi – IV (Pop Progression)Pop / Rock — Hope & Joy
vi – IV – I – V (Melancholic Variation)Pop / Rock — Melancholy
I – vi – IV – V (50s Doo-Wop)Pop / Rock — Nostalgia
IV – V – I – vi (Unresolved Cycle)Pop / Rock — Dreamy & Cyclical
IV – I – V – vi (Sensitive Pop)Pop / Rock — Uplifting
I – IV – V (Rock & Folk Classic)Pop / Rock — Energy & Drive
I – V – IV (Rock Ballad)Pop / Rock — Anthemic
I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V (Pachelbel's Canon)Classical / Pop — Epic & Nostalgic
I – vi – ii – V (Jazz Turnaround)Jazz / Soul — Sophistication
ii – V – I (Jazz ii–V–I)Jazz / Soul — Sophistication
IV – V – iii – vi (Royal Road (J-Pop))World / J-Pop — Yearning & Nostalgia
IV – V – iii – vi – ii – V – I (Japanese Circle)World / J-Pop — Complete Resolution
I – I+ – I6 – I7 (Ascending Augmented)Classical / Pop — Hopeful & Yearning

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning