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.

E Spanish Heptatonic Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

E Spanish Heptatonic in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The E Spanish Heptatonic scale is a dense, eight-note chromatic variation used in traditional Spanish music. On Guitar, the notes are E, F, G, G#, A, B, C, D. It provides the harmonic framework necessary for outlining the complex, fast-moving guitar chords found in Flamenco. Commonly used in Flamenco, Latin, Classical Guitar. Notable players include Paco de Lucia, Andres Segovia. Use in flamenco contexts over rapid chord changes. The chromatic density supports the intricate voice leading of flamenco guitar.

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

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

Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7 b8

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

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

DensePassionateComplexSpanish

A dense 8-note chromatic variation that provides the full harmonic framework for flamenco's fast-moving, complex guitar chord outlining.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning