Open E Tuning for Guitar

Open E runs E2, B2, E3, G#3, B3, 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.

3 of the 6 strings move: A2 up 2 semitone(s) to B2; D3 up 2 semitone(s) to E3; G3 up 1 semitone(s) to G#3. 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.

Identical intervals to Open D, pitched a whole step higher, so slide licks transfer between the two unchanged. The brighter, tighter result is the classic electric slide sound; the trade-off is that three strings go up rather than down.

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.

Identical interval structure to Open D, transposed up a whole step, so licks and slide positions transfer between the two with no adjustment at all. The difference is entirely mechanical and tonal. Reaching it requires raising the fifth, fourth and third strings rather than lowering anything, which adds tension across the middle of the set and produces a tighter, brighter chord than Open D. That brightness is why electric slide players favour it, but the added stress on both strings and neck is real, and tuning to Open D with a capo at the second fret is the standard workaround for anyone playing an older or lightly built instrument.

Raising three strings above standard adds real tension. Many players tune to Open D and capo at the second fret to get Open E pitch without the strain.