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.

G# Augmented Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

G# Augmented in Open A — Notes and Intervals

The G# Augmented scale is a symmetrical six-note scale that sounds suspended and dreamlike. On Guitar, it contains the notes G#, B, C, D#, E, G. Built from interlocking augmented triads, it creates a sense of high harmonic tension and is often used in jazz and film music to depict surreal states of mind. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Impressionist, Experimental. Notable players include John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Oliver Nelson. Use over augmented triads, Maj7#5 chords. Creates a high-tension, surreal quality ideal for jazz and cinematic transitions.

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

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

Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 #5 6

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

Number of notes: 6

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

SuspendedDreamlikeUnstableSurreal

Built from two interlocking augmented triads, creating a 6-note symmetric scale that can only be transposed 4 times. It creates a shimmering, unstable beauty.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

I – I+ – I6 – I7 (Ascending Augmented)Classical / Pop — Hopeful & Yearning

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open A tuning