Open E tuning is a versatile and resonant guitar tuning that sets the strings to an E major chord (E-B-E-G#-B-E). This tuning is popular among blues, rock, and slide guitar players for its rich sound and ease of playing full chords with a single finger barre. Whether you’re a beginner exploring alternate tunings or an experienced guitarist seeking inspiration, this list covers notable songs that showcase open E tuning in action.
1. “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes
This iconic acoustic ballad from The Black Crowes features open E tuning to create its warm, ringing chord voicings. The tuning allows for smooth slide parts and expressive fingerpicking, giving the song its haunting, intimate vibe. Guitarists often use open E here to emulate the song’s distinctive open-string drones and melodic slide work.
2. “Death Letter” by Son House
Son House, one of the pioneers of Delta blues, frequently used open E tuning for raw, emotional slide blues like “Death Letter.” The tuning enables powerful bottleneck slide riffs and deep bass notes that define the song’s mournful atmosphere. This track is a prime example of how open E tuning suits blues storytelling through evocative slide guitar.
3. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones
Keith Richards reportedly used open E tuning to craft the driving riffs of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” The tuning facilitates rapid chord changes and a fuller sound with less finger movement, contributing to the song’s energetic groove. Open E here helps achieve the gritty, raw tone that became a staple of Stones’ classic rock sound.
4. “Walking Blues” by Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson’s “Walking Blues” is another quintessential Delta blues piece that uses open E tuning to maximize slide and fingerstyle techniques. The tuning allows Johnson to intersperse rhythmic bass lines with melodic slide phrases, creating the song’s hypnotic tension. This track is often studied by blues guitarists learning traditional open E slide methods.
5. “I’m Tore Down” by Freddie King
Freddie King’s electric blues hit “I’m Tore Down” employs open E tuning to facilitate his expressive string bends and slide work. Open E tuning simplifies the chord shapes and enhances sustain, which is crucial for King’s dynamic lead lines and rhythm interplay. The song’s driving shuffle rhythm benefits from the tuning’s natural resonance.
6. “Bad to the Bone” by George Thorogood
George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone” uses open E tuning to deliver its iconic riff with punch and clarity. The tuning allows for aggressive slide licks and thick chord voicings that define the song’s tough blues-rock character. Open E makes it easier to execute the song’s signature power chord riffs and slide embellishments.
7. “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” by Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” is a classic Chicago blues number often played in open E tuning for slide guitar parts. The tuning provides a full, ringing chord base and facilitates fast slide runs that are integral to the song’s driving rhythm. This song exemplifies how open E tuning bridges traditional Delta blues with electric blues styles.
8. “Stop Breakin’ Down Blues” by Robert Johnson
Another Robert Johnson tune, “Stop Breakin’ Down Blues,” benefits from open E tuning’s ability to blend rhythm and lead parts seamlessly. The tuning allows players to use open strings for drone notes while fretting melodic phrases, which enhances the song’s rhythmic complexity. This track is often referenced for its influential slide guitar work in open E.
9. “Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)” by Jimi Hendrix
While Jimi Hendrix experimented with various tunings, some live renditions of “Come On” feature open E tuning to achieve thick, bluesy textures. Open E facilitates Hendrix’s signature use of slide and aggressive chordal attacks, contributing to the song’s energetic blues-rock feel. This tuning supports his dynamic playing style by enabling quick transitions and rich harmonics.
10. “Rock Me Baby” by B.B. King
B.B. King’s “Rock Me Baby” occasionally employs open E tuning, especially in live performances, to enhance slide and vibrato techniques. The tuning’s open strings allow for smooth chord transitions and resonant bass notes that complement King’s expressive lead lines. This song is a staple for blues guitarists seeking to master open E slide and rhythm playing.
How to Choose
When selecting songs to learn in open E tuning, consider the style and technique you want to develop. Blues enthusiasts will benefit from classic Delta and electric blues tracks like those by Robert Johnson and Freddie King, which emphasize slide guitar and expressive phrasing. Rock players might prefer riffs from The Rolling Stones or George Thorogood that highlight power chords and rhythmic drive. Also, evaluate your skill level: some songs use complex fingerpicking and slide techniques, while others focus on straightforward chord shapes. Finally, listen carefully to recordings to understand how open E tuning shapes each song’s tone and feel, guiding your practice focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is open E tuning exactly?
Open E tuning sets the guitar strings to E-B-E-G#-B-E, forming an E major chord when played open. This tuning allows for easy chord shapes and slide playing.
Q: Is open E tuning hard to learn?
It’s relatively easy to get started with, especially if you’re familiar with standard tuning, but mastering slide and fingerpicking techniques takes practice.
Q: Can I use a capo with open E tuning?
Yes, a capo can be used to change the key while maintaining the tuning’s chord shapes, which is useful for matching vocal ranges.
Q: Does open E tuning put more tension on the guitar neck?
Because the tuning raises the pitch of some strings compared to standard tuning, it increases string tension slightly; some players prefer tuning to open D and capo up to reduce tension.
Q: Which genre benefits most from open E tuning?
Blues and blues-rock are the genres most commonly associated with open E tuning, especially for slide guitar and expressive rhythm parts.
Q: Can I play open E songs on an acoustic and electric guitar?
Absolutely. Open E tuning works well on both acoustic and electric guitars, though the tone and sustain will differ between the two.
Final Thoughts
Open E tuning opens up a world of sonic possibilities for guitarists interested in blues, rock, and slide playing. The songs listed here demonstrate the tuning’s versatility—from the haunting Delta blues of Son House and Robert Johnson to the gritty rock riffs of The Rolling Stones and George Thorogood. By exploring these tracks, players can deepen their understanding of open E’s unique sound and techniques. Whether you’re aiming to master slide guitar or add new textures to your rhythm playing, open E tuning offers a rich palette to inspire your musical journey.
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