E Tuning Guitar - Standard, Drop & Open E

E Tuning: Understanding Extended E Variations

E tuning can refer to a few different concepts depending on context. Most commonly, it refers to a slightly raised or full step down approach, but the most important E tuning context for guitarists is understanding E as the standard reference pitch and exploring variations built from E. This guide clarifies what E tuning means and how to work with it.

Standard E and Extended E Concepts

E standard tuning is actually standard guitar tuning itself: E-A-D-G-B-E. Every guitar player starts here, and it’s the reference point for all other tunings.

When guitarists discuss “E tuning” in alternate contexts, they typically mean:

1. Standard tuning (E tuning) - The baseline E-A-D-G-B-E
2. Open E tuning - E-B-E-G#-B-E (major chord when strummed open)
3. E tuning variations - Half-step, double-step, etc. starting from E

Open E Tuning

Open E is one of the most popular alternate tunings and is worth deep exploration:

Tuning: E-B-E-G#-B-E

When you strum all open strings, you get a pure E major chord. This is why it’s called “open.”

Understanding Open E Tuning

How to Tune to Open E

From standard tuning:

1. Keep the low E string at E (no change)
2. Keep the A string at A… wait, lower it to B♭ (no, that’s not right)
3. Actually: keep low E, tune A to B, keep D as E, keep G as G#, keep B as B, keep high E as E

Let me recalculate from standard E-A-D-G-B-E to reach E-B-E-G#-B-E:

• Low E: stays E ✓
• A: lower to… no, raise to B (2 semitones up)
• D: lower to E (2 semitones down)
• G: raise to G# (1 semitone up)
• B: stays B ✓
• High E: stays E ✓

Correct tuning process:

1. Keep low E string at E
2. Raise A string to B (2 semitones up)
3. Lower D string to E (2 semitones down)
4. Raise G string to G# (1 semitone up)
5. Keep B string at B
6. Keep high E string at E

Result: E-B-E-G#-B-E

The Sound of Open E

Open E produces a warm, bluesy, expressive sound:

• Rich resonance - All strings vibrate sympathetically
• Blues character - Perfect for slide guitar and expressive playing
• Perfect for slides - Melodies stay in-key when sliding
• Sustain - Notes ring and bloom beautifully

Playing in Open E

Open String Chord

Strum all open strings and you get an E major chord—no fretting required. This instant gratification is part of open tuning’s appeal.

Basic Techniques

The one-finger major: Press all strings at any fret and you get a major chord in that key.

Slide expressions: Slide up or down the neck while fretting strings, and everything stays in-key—excellent for expressive playing.

Drone effects: Let some strings ring while fretting others, creating natural harmonic drones.

Fingering Patterns

Traditional patterns from standard tuning don’t translate directly to open E. You’ll need to relearn positions:

• Open E major: All open strings
• E minor: Various fret positions
• A major: Specific finger placement in open E
• B minor: Different pattern than standard tuning

Open E in Blues and Slide Traditions

Open E has deep roots in American blues:

• Classic slide guitar - Open E is a slide guitarist’s dream
• Blues traditions - Essential for authentic blues slide playing
• Delta blues - Many Delta blues masters used open E or open G
• Modern music - Contemporary artists still use open E for expressive playing

Adjusting to Open E

Initial Adjustment

It feels weird initially. The string arrangement is unfamiliar, and your hands feel out of position. This is normal.

Sustained tension is higher. Unlike drop D or D tuning which lower strings, open E raises some strings, increasing tension.

Muscle memory doesn’t transfer. Standard tuning shapes and positions don’t work in open E—you’re essentially learning new positions.

The adjustment period is 1-2 weeks of dedicated practice before open E feels natural.

String Tension

Open E strings are under higher tension than standard tuning:

• The raised strings (B and G#) create increased neck stress
• This can be easier on fingers for some players
• It requires stronger hands than some alternate tunings
• Extended sessions might cause finger fatigue until you build strength

Open E vs. Open D vs. Open G

These three open tunings are the most common:

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

• Brightest character
• Good for rock and contemporary music
• Warm, bluesy feel
• Higher string tension

Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D):

• Middle ground between E and G
• Most versatile for multiple genres
• Easier string tension than E
• Very popular choice

Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D):

• Darkest, most bluesy character
• Traditional blues sound
• Lower string tension (easier on hands)
• Classic slide guitar choice

Practical Considerations for Open E

String Stress

Some strings are raised in open E, creating tension:

• Neck stress - Higher overall tension; ensure your guitar is properly set up
• Truss rod - May need slight adjustment
• String quality - Use fresh strings; older strings break more easily
• String gauge - Consider slightly heavier strings for stability

Intonation

Open E can affect intonation:

1. Check higher frets - Ensure the 12th fret harmonic matches the fretted note
2. Bridge adjustment - May need professional setup
3. Nut compensation - Rarely needed but worth checking

Switching Between Tunings

If you play both standard and open E:

• Keep two guitars - Easiest solution for regular players
• Switch carefully - Quick switching requires 5-10 minutes of retuning and settling
• Muscle memory interference - Your hands will initially feel confused switching

Songs and Examples in Open E

While open E was historically important in blues, it’s less common in modern music than open D or open G. However:

• Classic blues recordings - Many use open E or similar
• Contemporary slide guitar - Some modern artists use open E
• Acoustic rock - Occasionally used for expressive pieces

Building Your Open E Skills

1. Master standard tuning first - Absolutely essential foundation
2. Explore open D thoroughly - Easier stepping stone
3. Transition to open E - Allocate dedicated practice time
4. Expect adjustment - Allow 2-3 weeks for natural feel
5. Learn slide techniques - Open E shines with slide guitar
6. Study blues traditions - Connects you to musical heritage

Conclusion

Open E tuning is a bridge between standard tuning and the world of open tunings. It’s brighter than open D and open G, making it suitable for rock and contemporary music, while still delivering the magic of open tuning—an instant chord and expressive capabilities. If you’re exploring open tunings, open D is typically the most approachable, but open E is absolutely worth investigating. Start with standard tuning, progress through drop D to open D, then open E awaits as a rich, expressive alternative.