Tunings/Bass/Bass Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb)
Bass TuningBeginner

Bass Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb)

Downtuned tunings lower all six strings by the same interval. Half-step down (Eb tuning) is popular among blues and classic rock players; it reduces string tension slightly and darkens the tone. Full-step down (D standard) is common in metal. The advantage of downtuned over drop tunings is that all your chord shapes remain the same; everything sounds lower.

downtuned4 strings440 Hz

Tuner

Bass Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb)4 strings • 440 Hz

Detected

--
Ready to tune

Target

Eb1

38.9 Hz

Select String

Click to select • Tap play to hear reference tone
1Eb139 Hz
Play
2Ab152 Hz
Play
3Db269 Hz
Play
4Gb292 Hz
Play

Ready to tune?

Click "Start Listening" and play any string. The tuner will automatically detect which string you're playing and show you how to adjust it.

Note Layout

1String 1
Eb1
2String 2
Ab1
3String 3
Db2
4String 4
Gb2

Notation

Eb1 Ab1 Db2 Gb2

How to Tune

1

Click "Start Listening"

Allow microphone access when prompted.

2

Play Each String

Auto-detect will find the string, or click to select manually.

3

Adjust Until Green

Center the needle and watch for the green "In Tune" indicator.

Tips for Downtuned tunings

Expect looser string tension, consider heavier gauge strings

Chord shapes stay the same, everything sounds lower

Recheck intonation if you tune down significantly

Popular for matching lower vocal ranges

About downtuned tunings

History & context

Eb tuning became a standard for many blues and rock players in the 1960s-70s, with Hendrix and SRV helping popularize the slightly slinkier feel.

Common genres

BluesClassic RockMetalGrunge

Famous artists

Jimi HendrixStevie Ray VaughanGuns N' RosesAlice in Chains

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