Open E is one of the classic tunings for slide guitar, used by everyone from Duane Allman to Derek Trucks. Like other open tunings, it gives you a full major chord when you strum all six strings open — which means your slide can play complete chords anywhere on the neck.
The Open E Tuning: E-B-E-G#-B-E
Here’s how Open E compares to standard tuning:
Standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E
Open E tuning: E-B-E-G#-B-E
To get there from standard:
6th string (low E): Leave it — already an E
5th string (A): Raise up a whole step to B
4th string (D): Raise up a whole step to E
3rd string (G): Raise up a half step to G#
2nd string (B): Leave it — already a B
1st string (high E): Leave it — already an E
Notice that Open E requires tuning strings up rather than down. This puts more tension on your guitar neck, which is why some players prefer Open D (same intervals, just a whole step lower) for regular use.
Your I-IV-V Positions in Open E
The beauty of open tunings is that the chord math stays the same. In Open E:
I chord (E): Open position (or 12th fret)
IV chord (A): 5th fret
V chord (B): 7th fret
These are the same relative positions you’d use in Open D or Open G — just in a different key. Once you learn the pattern in one open tuning, it transfers directly to the others.
Open E vs Open D: What’s the Difference?
Open E and Open D are essentially the same tuning, just pitched differently:
Open E: E-B-E-G#-B-E (higher tension)
Open D: D-A-D-F#-A-D (lower tension)
The intervals between strings are identical. If you learn a lick in Open D, you can play the exact same fingering in Open E — it’ll just come out a whole step higher.
Some players prefer Open E for the brighter tone and the fact that it sits well for songs in E, A, and B. Others stick with Open D to reduce string tension and preserve their guitar’s neck. Derek Trucks famously uses Open E; Ry Cooder tends toward Open D.
If you want to explore Open D, check out 12 bar blues in Open D to see how the positions work in that tuning.
When to Use Open E
Open E shines when you’re playing songs in E or want that bright, cutting slide tone. It’s particularly popular for:
Southern rock and blues: The Allman Brothers sound lives here
Songs in E, A, or B: Your I-IV-V falls right under your fingers
Playing with a band: E is a common key for guitar-driven music
If you’re coming from Open D or Open G, the adjustment is straightforward — same shapes, different key center.
A Note on String Tension
Because Open E tunes three strings up from standard, it does put extra stress on your guitar. If you plan to keep a guitar in Open E regularly, consider using a lighter gauge string set to compensate. Or do what many slide players do: keep one guitar dedicated to Open E tuning so you’re not constantly retuning and stressing the neck.
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