Half Step Down tuning at a glance
Half-step-down tuning lowers every string by one semitone. The intervals between strings stay the same, so standard chord shapes still work but sound a semitone lower. In All tunings, search for E flat and choose E flat (Eb, 1/2 step down).
How it soundsFamiliar chord shapes sound one semitone lower. With the same strings and setup, the reduced tension gives bends a looser feel.
Your target notes
- Changed from standard
- All 6 strings
- Lowest note
- E♭2
- Tuner preset
- E flat (Eb, 1/2 step down)
Half Step Down tuning notes
From string 6 (thickest) to string 1 (thinnest): E♭2 · A♭2 · D♭3 · G♭3 · B♭3 · E♭4.
Highlighted strings differ from standard tuning (E2 · A2 · D3 · G3 · B3 · E4).
| String | Note | From standard |
|---|---|---|
| 6Thickest | E♭2 | Down a half step from E2 |
| 5 | A♭2 | Down a half step from A2 |
| 4 | D♭3 | Down a half step from D3 |
| 3 | G♭3 | Down a half step from G3 |
| 2 | B♭3 | Down a half step from B3 |
| 1Thinnest | E♭4 | Down a half step from E4 |
How to tune your guitar to Half Step Down
Use the tuner above and allow microphone access when prompted. Pluck a string and adjust its peg until the tuner shows that string’s target note in the center.
- The tuner above starts in E flat (Eb, 1/2 step down). If you change it, choose this preset again in All tunings.
- Starting with string 6, gently loosen each string to its target note: E♭2, A♭2, D♭3, G♭3, B♭3 and E♭4.
- Recheck all six strings after the first pass, because changes in tension can affect their pitch.
Tuning tipPluck one string at a time and let it ring. Make small peg adjustments while watching the tuner. Follow the string to its own peg before turning it, and recheck the strings after every pass.
Flats and sharps
E♭ is the same pitch as D♯; A♭ as G♯; D♭ as C♯; G♭ as F♯; and B♭ as A♯. This guide uses the flat spellings in the tuner catalog. To return to standard, select Standard first, then raise each string one semitone and recheck all six strings.
Songs in Half Step Down
These recordings are useful starting points; check each song’s arrangement for capo or string setup details.
- Sweet Child O’ Mine — Guns N’ Roses Tuning source
- Pride and Joy — Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Tuning source
- Basket Case — Green Day Tuning source
Did you know?
Stevie Ray Vaughan favored E flat tuning for extra give when bending his famously thick strings. Read the story
