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 Melodic Minor Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open E tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

E Melodic Minor in Open E — Notes and Intervals

The E Melodic Minor scale, often called the Jazz Minor, offers a more sophisticated and fluid sound than the natural minor. On Guitar, it contains the notes E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D#. It is a vital tool for modern jazz improvisation, allowing players to navigate complex dominant chords and create elegant, tension-filled melodic lines that avoid the exotic jump of the harmonic minor. The diatonic chords of E Melodic Minor are Em6, F#m7, G+maj7, A7, B7, C#m7b5, D#m7b5. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Contemporary Classical, Progressive. Notable players include Pat Metheny, John Coltrane, Allan Holdsworth. Use over m(Maj7), m6 chords. Its modes cover nearly every altered dominant situation in jazz. The 'jazz minor' is the single most important advanced scale system.

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

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

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7

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

Number of notes: 7

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

Diatonic Chords

Em6 — F♯m7 — G+maj7 — A7 — B7 — C♯m7♭5 — D♯m7♭5

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

SophisticatedFluidComplexElegant

In jazz, only the ascending form is used (1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, 7). It is the parent scale for seven crucial modes including the Altered scale and Lydian Dominant.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

vi – viM7 – vi7 – II (Descending Minor Cliché)Classical / Pop — Romance & Intrigue

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open E tuning