Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb)
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.
Tuner
Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) • 6 strings • 440 Hz
Detected
Target
77.8 Hz
Select String
Click to select • Tap play to hear reference toneReady 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
Notation
Eb2 Ab2 Db3 Gb3 Bb3 Eb4
How to Tune
Click "Start Listening"
Allow microphone access when prompted.
Play Each String
Auto-detect will find the string, or click to select manually.
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.