Open E Tuning

Open E tuning from low-high is E-B-E-G♯-B-E. So, when you strum all of the strings open, it makes an E chord.  Usually when I tune my acoustics I go down half a step, so I just start with Eb in the low E string and go from there. I find that I can just shred a bit more when the strings have a little less tension on them. Why make it hard?

Tuning to open E can open up a lot of possibilities for playing slide, open country-style hammer-on licks, and a lot of open chords that just aren't available. Try strumming all of the strings open and then hammering on a regular E chord shape. Viola - instant "She Talks to Angels."

Here's a song I wrote that uses open chords, string sliding and hammer-ons in open E tuning.