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.

F# Lydian #9 Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

F# Lydian #9 in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The F# Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Guitar, the notes are F#, A, A#, C, C#, D#, F. It features a wide melodic gap that gives it a fusion edge, perfect for high-energy solos and modern jazz compositions that require a sharp, biting sound. Commonly used in Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Brett Garsed. Use over 7#9#11 chords. A specialized fusion tool for adding a sharp, biting edge to Lydian-based lines.

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

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

Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7

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

Number of notes: 7

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

AggressiveBrightBitingEnergetic

An exotic Lydian variant with a #9 that creates a wide melodic gap — aggressive and biting, perfect for high-energy fusion solos.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning