42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.
Half-step down (E♭ standard) tuning is E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 6 strings change.
Every string a semitone lower. Rock and blues players use it to sit better with a singer, and the slightly looser strings make bends easier.
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | E♭4 | 311.13 Hz | -1 from E |
| 2nd | B♭3 | 233.08 Hz | -1 from B |
| 3rd | G♭3 | 185.00 Hz | -1 from G |
| 4th | D♭3 | 138.59 Hz | -1 from D |
| 5th | A♭2 | 103.83 Hz | -1 from A |
| 6th (lowest) | E♭2 | 77.78 Hz | -1 from E |
Every string is a half step (1 semitone) lower than standard, so every chord, scale and riff you know works with the same fingers and sounds a half step (1 semitone) lower. An E shape sounds as E♭, A as A♭, D as D♭, G as G♭.
Singers often find a song easier a little lower, and the looser strings make bends and vibrato easier. Very low tunings also give a heavier, darker sound.
Starting from standard tuning: 6th string down a half step (1 semitone) to Eb; 5th string down a half step (1 semitone) to Ab; 4th string down a half step (1 semitone) to Db; 3rd string down a half step (1 semitone) to Gb; 2nd string down a half step (1 semitone) to Bb; 1st string down a half step (1 semitone) to Eb. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: Eb2, Ab2, Db3, Gb3, Bb3, Eb4 (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb).
Reverse the changes: 6th string up a half step (1 semitone) to E; 5th string up a half step (1 semitone) to A; 4th string up a half step (1 semitone) to D; 3rd string up a half step (1 semitone) to G; 2nd string up a half step (1 semitone) to B; 1st string up a half step (1 semitone) to E.
No. The changes are small enough for a normal string set.