Open E tuning
E B E G♯ B E · the tuner below is already set to Open E. Tap Start tuner and play a string.
Play a string
Tune with your microphone
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Chrome or Edge on a computer
Click the icon to the left of the address bar (a slider or a padlock), switch Microphone to Allow, then reload the page.
Safari on a Mac
Open Safari › Settings for This Website (or Safari › Settings › Websites › Microphone), set this site to Allow, then reload.
iPhone or iPad
Open Settings › Safari › Microphone and choose Ask or Allow. In Chrome for iOS: Settings › Chrome › Microphone. Then come back and tap Try again.
Android
Tap the icon next to the address, open Permissions and allow Microphone. If it is still blocked, open Android Settings › Apps › Chrome › Permissions › Microphone.
Firefox
Click the microphone icon with a slash in the address bar, remove the block for this site, then reload the page.
No microphone found
Plug in a headset or use a phone or laptop with a built-in microphone. Until then, the reference notes let you tune by ear.
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Close the call, recorder or other tab that holds the microphone, then try again.
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All strings in tune. Happy playing!
Reference notes
Tap a note, play the same string and turn the peg until the two sounds stop “beating” against each other.
Notes and frequencies in Open E
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) | MIDI | From standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E₂ | 82.41 | 40 | · |
| 5 | B₂ | 123.47 | 47 | +2 |
| 4 | E₃ | 164.81 | 52 | +2 |
| 3 | G♯₃ | 207.65 | 56 | +1 |
| 2 | B₃ | 246.94 | 59 | · |
| 1 | E₄ | 329.63 | 64 | · |
Frequencies in equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz. If you calibrate A4, the tuner shifts every target with it.
From standard tuning to Open E
- Raise string 5 from A₂ to B₂: a whole step up.
- Raise string 4 from D₃ to E₃: a whole step up.
- Raise string 3 from G₃ to G♯₃: a half step up.
- Leave strings 6, 2, 1 as they are.
- Check every string once more with the tuner: changing the tension of some strings pulls the others slightly.
About Open E
Open E has the same intervals as open D, one whole step higher: E B E G♯ B E. The open strings make an E major chord and a straight bar gives major chords up the neck, ideal for slide guitar. Because three strings are raised (the 5th and 4th a whole step, the 3rd a half step), string tension goes up; many players prefer open D with a capo at the 2nd fret for the same sound with less strain on the neck.
Tuning tips
Strings that change pitch for Open E change tension too, and a lowered string may buzz or feel loose. Tune slightly below the note and come back up so the gear holds, and give the neck a few minutes to settle before you check again.
Use Auto mode: the tuner already knows the notes of Open E and picks the nearest string. If a string is far off, tap its chip to lock it in Manual mode, then turn the peg until the needle centres.