Guitar tuning
Half-step down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
It is the whole standard tuning lowered by a semitone: Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb. The exact same chord shapes and scales as standard still apply, everything just sounds half a step lower.
🎸 Open the tuner in this tuningThe tuner opens already preconfigured; you only need to allow microphone access.
Strings and frequencies
| String | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|
| String 1 | D#4 | 311.13 Hz |
| String 2 | A#3 | 233.08 Hz |
| String 3 | F#3 | 185.00 Hz |
| String 4 | C#3 | 138.59 Hz |
| String 5 | G#2 | 103.83 Hz |
| String 6 | D#2 | 77.78 Hz |
How it sounds
It slackens the strings a little, which softens bends and lowers the pitch for easier singing. It is a go-to tuning for a great deal of blues and classic rock: it changes the colour without changing the fingering.
Styles and genres
Example songs
- The Wind Cries Mary — Jimi Hendrix
- Texas Flood — Stevie Ray Vaughan
Recommended string gauges
Because tension drops, many players go up half a gauge (0.010-0.052 or 0.011-0.048) to regain firmness; with light gauges the strings can feel too soft and buzz.
Tuning tip
If you play with others, make sure everyone shares the same reference: half-step down is not compatible with instruments in standard tuning unless you transpose.