What is Open E tuning?

Open E tuning is E-B-E-G#-B-E (low to high). Strumming all strings open produces an E major chord. Barring any fret gives you a major chord at that position, making it ideal for slide guitar.

What is the difference between Open E and Open D?

Open E and Open D have identical interval structures — Open E is simply Open D tuned up one whole step. Open E sounds brighter and has higher string tension. Open D is gentler on the neck and preferred for acoustic guitars. You can achieve Open E sound by using Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret.

Is Open E safe for acoustic guitars?

Open E puts more tension on the neck than standard tuning because three strings are tuned UP. On acoustic guitars, especially older or lighter-built ones, this extra tension can cause damage over time. Many acoustic players use Open D with a capo at fret 2 instead.

A Messiaen's Mode #3 Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open E tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A Messiaen's Mode #3 in Open E — Notes and Intervals

The A Messiaen's Mode #3 scale is a complex nine-note symmetrical scale used by Olivier Messiaen. On Guitar, its notes are A, B, C, C#, D#, E, F, G, G#. It creates a cosmic, suspended tonality that feels both religious and scientific, evoking a sense of divine awe. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen, Gyorgy Ligeti, Thomas Ades. Use for creating atmospheres of 'cosmic awe'. Not bound to traditional chord progressions — works best over sustained harmonies or ostinato patterns.

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

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

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 #5 6 b7 b8 9

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

Number of notes: 9

Tuning: Open E (E-B-E-G#-B-E)

About Open E Tuning

Open E tuning (E-B-E-G#-B-E) produces a bright, full E major chord when strummed open. Structurally identical to Open D but tuned a whole step higher, Open E delivers a snappier, more cutting tone that has defined the sound of electric slide guitar in blues-rock and Southern rock.

Duane Allman used Open E on the Allman Brothers Band's legendary 'Statesboro Blues' and 'At Fillmore East' recordings, establishing it as the definitive electric slide tuning. Derek Trucks carries on this tradition as one of the greatest living slide guitarists. The Black Crowes used Open E for 'She Talks to Angels'. Because three strings are tuned UP from standard (the 3rd, 4th, and 5th), Open E puts more tension on the neck than Open D — this is why many acoustic players prefer Open D, while electric players favor Open E for its brighter bite.

Electric BluesSouthern RockBlues-RockSlide GuitarAmericana

Notable artists: Duane Allman, Derek Trucks, The Black Crowes, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Best for: Electric slide guitar, Southern rock, blues-rock, and any style that needs bright, singing slide tone with the tonal center of E

Musical Character

CosmicSuspendedDivineCrystalline

A 9-note scale with limited transposition — only 4 unique transpositions exist before repeating. Creates a cosmic, suspended tonality that is neither major nor minor but something transcendent.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open E tuning