What are the notes of Half Step Down tuning?

Half Step Down tuning on bass is E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭, from the lowest string to the highest.

How do I tune to Half Step Down from standard tuning?

Starting from standard (E A D G): string 4 down a half step, string 3 down a half step, string 2 down a half step, string 1 down a half step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.

Is Half Step Down tuning bad for my bass?

No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

Half Step Down tuningE♭ A♭ D♭ G♭

Half step down lowers every bass string one semitone to E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭, to match guitars in E♭ standard.

Also called · E♭ standard

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String chart

String 1 is the thinnest. Frequencies are exact at A4 = 440 Hz; change the reference on the A4 knob.

StrNoteFrequencyFrom std.

1G♭G♭2 · Fa♯92.50 Hz▼ a half step

2D♭D♭2 · Do♯69.30 Hz▼ a half step

3A♭A♭1 · Sol♯51.91 Hz▼ a half step

4E♭E♭1 · Re♯38.89 Hz▼ a half step

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Tuning your bass to Half Step Down

Automatically with the microphone, or by ear: tap any note on the headstock to hear a real recorded reference.

1
Allow microphone access. For the most accurate reading, play close to the microphone and pluck firmly.
2
Play one string and let it sustain. Low notes take a moment longer to read, so hold the note.
3
Tighten the string if you're flat (needle left), loosen it if you're sharp (needle right).
4
Tip: the 12th-fret harmonic is an octave higher and often gives a steadier reading on the lowest strings.

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Bass tunings

9 tunings, all free. Notes listed from the lowest string.

Standard

StandardE A D G

Drop

Lowered

Extended range

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Questions & troubleshooting

What are the notes of Half Step Down tuning?: Half Step Down tuning on bass is E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭, from the lowest string to the highest.
How do I tune to Half Step Down from standard tuning?: Starting from standard (E A D G): string 4 down a half step, string 3 down a half step, string 2 down a half step, string 1 down a half step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.
Is Half Step Down tuning bad for my bass?: No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

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