42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.
Open A tuning is E A E A C♯ E, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 3 strings change.
The open strings play an A major chord. The same shape as open G, a whole tone higher, so strings are under more tension.
The open strings ring A (with E as the lowest note).
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | E4 | 329.63 Hz | as standard |
| 2nd | C♯4 | 277.18 Hz | +2 from B |
| 3rd | A3 | 220.00 Hz | +2 from G |
| 4th | E3 | 164.81 Hz | +2 from D |
| 5th | A2 | 110.00 Hz | as standard |
| 6th (lowest) | E2 | 82.41 Hz | as standard |
Strum all the strings open, then lay one finger straight across every string. Open: A. At fret 5: D. At fret 7: E. At fret 12: A. Those are the I, IV and V chords of the key, enough for a blues or a folk song.
Open tunings are the classic choice for slide: hold the slide straight over a fret line and every string rings the chord.
Starting from standard tuning: 4th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to E; 3rd string up a whole step (2 semitones) to A; 2nd string up a whole step (2 semitones) to C#. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: E2, A2, E3, A3, C#4, E4 (E A E A C# E).
Reverse the changes: 4th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to D; 3rd string down a whole step (2 semitones) to G; 2nd string down a whole step (2 semitones) to B.
No. The changes are small enough for a normal string set.