As a guitarist, you are continuously searching for methods to improve your playing. One technique that can help you achieve that is open E-tuning. In this article, we’ll explore what open E tuning is, how it’s used in slide guitar, and provide you with some slide guitar lessons that will revolutionize your playing.
What is Open E Tuning?
Open E Tuning is a fascinating guitar tuning technique that has gained popularity among musicians, especially blues and slide guitarists. This method involves tuning the strings to E-B-E-G#-B-E, creating a unique sound that is characterized by a rich, resonant quality.
Also known as “Spanish tuning” or “cross note tuning” Open E Tuning is called so because it involves “crossing” the notes of the E major chord. The simplicity and versatility make Open E Tuning a popular choice among guitarists looking for a fresh, new sound.
Tuning to Open E
Open E Tuning: Used Often By Rod Price of Foghat, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, and Leo Kottke. I was Fortunate Enough in The Early 2000s to get Slide Guitar Lessons From The Legendary Slide Guitarist Rod Price of The Band Foghat.
First off Grab Your Tuners and Change your Tuning From Standard (E A D G B E) to (E B E G# B E). Now that is done here are some Simple Techniques for Playing Open E Slide Guitar.
Note: Always rest your Slide on the Fret and use Vibrato. Small Shaking of the hand. For Example on the 12th Fret which is E rest your Slide on the Fret itself closest to the Body. Now Let’s Get Started.
Example: 1
Chord- EEE
E |--------------------------------|
B |--------------------------------|
G#|-----0--0-----Slide----12-------|
D |-----0--0-----Slide----12-------|
A |--------------------------------|
E |--------------------------------|
Example: 2
Chord- EEA
E |--------------------------------|
B |--------------------------------|
G#|-----0--0--Slide----5-----------|
D |-----0--0--Slide----5-----------|
A |--------------------------------|
E |--------------------------------|
Example: 3
Chord- EEB
E |--------------------------------|
B |--------------------------------|
G#|-----0--0--Slide----7-----------|
D |-----0--0--Slide----7-----------|
A |--------------------------------|
E |--------------------------------|
Example: 4
Chord- EEEEBE
E |--------------------------------|
B |--------------------------------|
G#|-----0-0------12-0-7-0----------|
D |-----0-0------12-0-7-0----------|
A |--------------------------------|
E |--------------------------------|
Riff 1
E |---------------------------------|
B |---------------------------------|
G#|---------------------------------|
D |----0-3-5-0----------------------|
A |------------0-3-5-0--------------|
E |--------------------0-3-5-0------|
Play with The ideas and Remember Play on the Fret not Between and Cradle the Note. You will be amazed. This lesson Today is Dedicated to Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd. On one Last note. Gary Played the Slide in Standard Tuning on FreeBird When Allen Collins was doing the Lead. R.I.P. Gary Rossington. 🎸
