Half step down tuning (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭)
Players covering Hendrix, Guns N' Roses, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alice in Chains and countless others, and anyone who likes a slightly slinkier feel.
Half step down, also called E♭ standard or E flat tuning, lowers every string by one semitone. The intervals between strings do not change, so every shape you know still works; everything simply sounds a half step lower.
It is the tuning of a huge amount of classic rock and blues. The strings feel slightly looser, bends come easier, and singers get a little more room at the top of their range.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E♭2 | 77.78 Hz | −1 semitone from E2 |
| 5 | A♭2 | 103.83 Hz | −1 semitone from A2 |
| 4 | D♭3 | 138.59 Hz | −1 semitone from D3 |
| 3 | G♭3 | 185.00 Hz | −1 semitone from G3 |
| 2 | B♭3 | 233.08 Hz | −1 semitone from B3 |
| 1 | E♭4 | 311.13 Hz | −1 semitone from E4 |
From standard tuning
- String 6: lower E2 down a half step to E♭2.
- String 5: lower A2 down a half step to A♭2.
- String 4: lower D3 down a half step to D♭3.
- String 3: lower G3 down a half step to G♭3.
- String 2: lower B3 down a half step to B♭3.
- String 1: lower E4 down a half step to E♭4.
Tuning to Half step down in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Half step down from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Because every string moves, do a second pass. Lowering six strings changes the neck's load a touch, and the first strings you tuned will have crept up slightly.
- If you use a capo on the first fret you are back in concert pitch, which is handy for playing along with recordings in standard.
Questions
What are the notes in half step down tuning?
E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭ (the same as D♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯). Each string is one semitone below standard.
Is E flat tuning the same as half step down?
Yes. E♭ standard, E flat tuning and half step down all describe the same tuning.
Do I need different strings?
No. Normal gauges are fine; the strings feel a little lighter. Players who prefer the standard feel sometimes go up one gauge.
Related tunings
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