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# Minor Blues Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

C# Minor Blues in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The C# Minor Blues scale is the definitive scale of the blues tradition. On Guitar, it contains the notes C#, E, F#, G, G#, B. By adding a chromatic tension note to the minor pentatonic, it creates the dirty and expressive grit associated with Chicago and Delta blues, essential for any player looking to add emotional bite to their solos. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Jazz, R&B. Notable players include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy. Use over minor chords and dominant 7th chords in blues. The b5 is a passing tone — linger on it for tension, resolve to 4 or 5.

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

Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5d, 5P, 7m

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6

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

Number of notes: 6

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

Also known as: blues

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

GrittyExpressiveSoulfulBiting

The b5 'blue note' between the 4th and 5th creates the most expressive chromatic passage in blues. Bending from b5 to 5 is the single most iconic sound in guitar music.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

I – IV – V (Rock & Folk Classic)Pop / Rock — Energy & Drive
bVI – bVII – I (Mario Cadence)World / Game Music — Triumph & Victory
I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V (12 Bar Blues)Blues — Grit & Soul
i – iv – i – V (Minor Blues)Blues — Melancholy
I – bVI – bIII – bVII (Epic Borrowed Chords)Contemporary / Film — Epic & Heroic

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning