Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)

Standard tuning lowered by one semitone. Slightly easier bending, warmer tone, and used by many famous guitarists.

beginnerStandard TuningRock • Metal

String Configuration

1(High E)
Eb4
311.13 Hz
2(String 2)
Bb3
233.08 Hz
3(String 3)
Gb3
185.00 Hz
4(String 4)
Db3
138.59 Hz
5(String 5)
Ab2
103.83 Hz
6(Low E)
Eb2
77.78 Hz

Why Use This Tuning?

  • •Easier string bending
  • •Warmer, darker tone
  • •Reduced string tension
  • •Great for heavier strings
  • •All chord shapes remain the same

Keep in Mind

  • •Requires retuning entire guitar
  • •May need intonation adjustment
  • •Can sound muddy with wrong settings
  • •Not suitable for all musical contexts

How to Tune Your Guitar

1

Tune all strings down by one semitone

Standard → Half-step down (down 1 semitone)

2

Low E string to Eb

E2 → Eb2 (down 1 semitone)

3

A string to Ab

A2 → Ab2 (down 1 semitone)

4

D string to Db

D3 → Db3 (down 1 semitone)

5

G string to Gb

G3 → Gb3 (down 1 semitone)

6

B string to Bb

B3 → Bb3 (down 1 semitone)

7

High E string to Eb

E4 → Eb4 (down 1 semitone)

Essential Chord Shapes

Eb Major

beginner
x32010

Same fingering as C major in standard tuning

Ab Major

beginner
320003

Same fingering as G major in standard tuning

Bb Major

intermediate
133211

Same fingering as F major in standard tuning

Famous Artists & Songs

Jimi Hendrix

  • • "Purple Haze"
  • • "Little Wing"
  • • "Voodoo Child"

Stevie Ray Vaughan

  • • "Pride and Joy"
  • • "Texas Flood"
  • • "Scuttle Buttin'"

Alice in Chains

  • • "Man in the Box"
  • • "Them Bones"
  • • "Rooster"

Practice Exercises

Bending Practice

intermediateString bending and expression

Take advantage of the easier bending in half-step down

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice whole-step bends
  2. 2.Work on half-step bends
  3. 3.Practice bend-and-release phrases
  4. 4.Develop vibrato on bent notes
  5. 5.Apply to blues scales

Heavy Riffing

intermediateHeavy rhythm playing

Explore the heavier sound possible with lower tuning

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice power chord riffs
  2. 2.Work on palm muting
  3. 3.Develop chugging techniques
  4. 4.Practice with distortion
  5. 5.Create heavy progressions

Related Tunings

Related Tunings

Standard Tuning

The most common guitar tuning, used in the vast majority of songs. Perfect for beginners and foundational for all other tunings.

Drop D Tuning

Lower the low E string to D for powerful, heavy sounds. Perfect for rock and metal with easier power chords.

Explore More Guitar Tunings

Discover new sounds and expand your playing with alternative tunings from around the world.

Browse All Tunings →Practice Exercises