Open A (EACE) Tuning
Tune your mandolin to Open A (EACE) — E3, A3, C#4, E4
About Open A (EACE) Tuning
Open A tuning (E3-A3-C#4-E4) produces an A major chord when all courses are strummed open. All four courses are tuned significantly lower than standard, giving the mandolin a deeper, guitar-like quality. This tuning is used in old-time and experimental mandolin playing where a lower, warmer voice is desired.
Open A sits well below standard mandolin pitch, which changes the instrument's character completely. The bright, cutting quality of standard tuning gives way to a warmer, more mellow sound. Some players use Open A to accompany vocals, where the lower pitch blends better with the human voice without competing in the same frequency range.
The low tuning means standard mandolin technique adapts differently. Tremolo still works but sounds more like a sustained guitar note than the typical mandolin shimmer. Chording is easy — barre shapes produce major chords at every fret, making Open A an excellent choice for rhythmic accompaniment.
String Notes
Recommended Strings
Standard mandolin strings are not designed for Open A's low pitches. The G course drops to E3, which requires a significantly heavier string to maintain tension. Consider heavy gauge mandolin strings or even octave mandolin strings for the lower courses. Without adequate string mass, the low courses will sound muddy and feel too loose.
How to Tune to Open A (EACE)
- 1.Install appropriate heavier strings before attempting this tuning. Standard strings won't produce usable tone at these lower pitches.
- 2.Tune the lowest course to E3 (164.81 Hz). This is a minor third below standard G3.
- 3.Tune the second course to A3 (220 Hz). Well below the standard D4.
- 4.Tune the third course to C#4 (277.18 Hz). Below standard A4.
- 5.Tune the highest course to E4 (329.63 Hz). Far below the standard E5.
- 6.Strum all courses — you should hear a warm, low A major chord. The overall pitch is dramatically lower than standard tuning.
Common Chords in Open A (EACE)
A Major (open)
All courses open. A full, warm A major chord at a lower register than standard mandolin.
D Major (barre at 5th)
Barre at the 5th fret for D major. The IV chord in A.
E Major (barre at 7th)
Barre at the 7th fret for E major. The dominant V chord.
F#m
The relative minor. Accessible through simple shapes over the open A chord.