[SoCal_Ian]

IMHO it’s always best to tune down rather than up. If you decide to use open E tuning be sure not to keep it tuned there for long periods of time. Make sure you use light strings and avoid medium strings with that tuning. Some people prefer to tune the guitar to a lower open tuning like open D then stick a capo on. I think that’s the best way as the shapes stay the same but you avoid the extra stress on the neck.