Open A7 Guitar Tuning
Open A7 sets the six strings from low to high to E A C# G A E. Its bright, biting and rhythmic voice works especially well for A blues, slide licks and dominant rhythm parts.
Do this first
No theory test. No perfect technique required. Follow these three steps and start making music.
Tap each string to hear it
What changes in Open A7
The open strings contain A, C-sharp, E and G, producing an A7 chord with E in the bass.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Strum A7, add a two-fret slide on the third string and move through a basic twelve-bar blues.
Shape tip: Keep the open G as the blues colour and use short barres for D7 and E7 movement.
Retune to E A C# G A E safely
The fourth and second strings move down; standard strings usually remain workable.
Change one string at a time, approach the target pitch gradually and recheck every string after the neck settles. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge lifts or the instrument reacts unpredictably.
Turn the open strings into music
Quick answers before you play
What are the notes in Open A7 Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to E A C# G A E. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is Open A7 Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
The fourth and second strings move down; standard strings usually remain workable. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge moves or the guitar becomes difficult to intonate.
Can I use normal chord shapes in Open A7 Guitar Tuning?
Some shapes may still work, but a open dominant tuning changes at least part of the fretboard. Start with the open strings, simple drones and the shape guidance on this page.
Why do the strings go out of tune again after retuning?
Changing one string changes the total tension on the neck. Tune all six strings, wait briefly and repeat the process until every reference pitch remains stable.