Open A Tuning for Guitar
Strings run E2 A2 E3 A3 C#4 E4, in playing order. Tune by microphone below, or read the exact frequencies and what changes from standard guitar tuning.
| # | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | 82.41 |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 |
| 4 | E3 | 164.81 |
| 3 | A3 | 220.00 |
| 2 | C#4 | 277.18 |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 |
Pitch is detected live in your browser and never recorded, stored or uploaded. Frequencies use A4 = 440 Hz.
Getting to Open A from standard
What each string does relative to standard Guitar tuning. Work down the list in order — retuning one string changes the neck tension slightly, so go back and re-check the first string once you've finished.
| String | Standard | This tuning | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | E2 | unchanged |
| 5 | A2 | A2 | unchanged |
| 4 | D3 | E3 | up 2 semitone(s) |
| 3 | G3 | A3 | up 2 semitone(s) |
| 2 | B3 | C#4 | up 2 semitone(s) |
| 1 | E4 | E4 | unchanged |
Why players use Open A
The Open G interval pattern moved up a whole step, so material written in Open G transfers directly. Brighter and tighter than Open G, and common in blues where a slide part needs to sit higher without a capo.
The interval structure of Open A
The Open G interval pattern raised a whole step, spelling E, A, E, A, C#, E. Material written in Open G transfers directly by moving everything two frets. Like Open E, it is reached by tuning strings up rather than down — the second, third and fourth all rise — so it carries the same tension caveat and the same practical workaround of tuning to the lower relative and capoing. Where it earns its place is on instruments with a shorter scale, where the extra tension actually helps definition rather than threatening the neck.
Worth knowing: Three strings go up a whole step. Tuning Open G and capoing at the second fret gets the same pitches with less tension.
Open A tuning FAQ
What are the notes in Open A tuning for Guitar?
Open A runs E2, A2, E3, A3, C#4, E4, in playing order. The lowest-pitched string is E2 (82.41 Hz) and the highest is E4 (329.63 Hz), measured against A4 = 440 Hz. Those are the exact target frequencies the tuner on this page listens for.
How do I get to Open A tuning from standard?
3 of the 6 strings move: D3 up 2 semitone(s) to E3; G3 up 2 semitone(s) to A3; B3 up 2 semitone(s) to C#4. Work through them in order, then go back and re-check the first string — retuning shifts the neck tension slightly, so the earlier strings drift as you go.
What is Open A tuning used for?
The Open G interval pattern moved up a whole step, so material written in Open G transfers directly. Brighter and tighter than Open G, and common in blues where a slide part needs to sit higher without a capo.
What frequency is the E2 string?
E2 is 82.41 Hz at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). That's the fundamental — the string also produces harmonics above it, which is why a tuner reading the wrong octave usually means it locked onto a harmonic rather than the fundamental. This is the lowest string in this guitar tuning.
How is Open A tuning structured?
The Open G interval pattern raised a whole step, spelling E, A, E, A, C#, E. Material written in Open G transfers directly by moving everything two frets. Like Open E, it is reached by tuning strings up rather than down — the second, third and fourth all rise — so it carries the same tension caveat and the same practical workaround of tuning to the lower relative and capoing. Where it earns its place is on instruments with a shorter scale, where the extra tension actually helps definition rather than threatening the neck.
Do I need different strings for Open A?
Three strings go up a whole step. Tuning Open G and capoing at the second fret gets the same pitches with less tension.
Tune it by ear, with a meter.
The tuner above snaps to this tuning's strings — no app, no sign-up.
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