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.

E Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open E tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

E Harmonic Minor in Open E — Notes and Intervals

The E Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Guitar, the notes are E, F#, G, A, B, C, D#. It has a distinctive exotic or Middle Eastern flavor due to the wide gap between its upper notes, and is used to provide the harmonic tension necessary for classical minor-key resolutions. It is a staple in neo-classical metal and flamenco. The diatonic chords of E Harmonic Minor are EmMaj7, F#m7b5, G+maj7, Am7, B7, Cmaj7, D#o7. Commonly used in Metal, Classical, Flamenco, Film Scores, Neoclassical. Notable players include Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Johann Sebastian Bach. Use over m(Maj7), m7, dim7 chords. Essential for creating V7 → i resolutions in minor keys. The raised 7th provides the leading tone that natural minor lacks.

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

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

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7

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

Number of notes: 7

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

Diatonic Chords

EmMaj7 — F♯m7♭5 — G+maj7 — Am7 — B7 — Cmaj7 — D♯o7

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

DramaticExoticTenseMajestic

The augmented 2nd interval between the b6 and natural 7 creates an exotic 'Middle Eastern' leap that is both the scale's signature sound and its main challenge for smooth phrasing.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

i – VII – VI – V (Andalusian Cadence)World / Flamenco — Tension & Drama

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open E tuning