3 Ways to Tune the Guitar Half Down

2025 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-23 12:04

Many guitarists get nervous when they see the words half step down above the tab. This can be a headache if you're not used to tuning your guitar to a different key. It can also interfere with your guitar truss-rods. Don't be afraid to play and tune your guitar to the key of Eb. This is a great way to experiment with guitar sounds and can also give your guitar a deeper tone.

Step

Method 1 of 3: Tuning the Guitar with the Chromatic Tuner

Step 1. Locate the chromatic tuner

You don't need to buy a chromatic tuning pedal for Rp800,000. If you have a smart device, you can download a tuner app from the free to Rp42,000 one. However, if you frequently perform live, we recommend buying a chromatic tuning pedal.

Step 2. Start on the low E string

It's okay if the pitch of the E string is out of tune because you'll be changing the pitch as well. Lower the pitch of the E string until the display shows Eb or D#.

Tune Your Guitar a Half Step Down Step 3

Step 3. Tune the A string

Lower the pitch of the A string until the display shows Ab or G#. Don't set too fast so that Ab is not missed and lost.

Tune Your Guitar a Half Step Down Step 4

Step 4. Lower the pitch of the D string

Lower the pitch of the D string little by little until the display shows Db or C#. Don't be too quick to lower the pitch of this string.

Tune Your Guitar a Half Step Down Step 5

Step 5. Lower the pitch of the G string

Lower the pitch of the G string until the display shows Gb or F#.

Tune Your Guitar a Half Step Down Step 6

Step 6. Tune the B string

Lower the pitch of the B string little by little until the display shows Bb or A#.

Tune Your Guitar a Half Step Down Step 7

Step 7. Set the E string high

Lower the pitch of the E string slowly until the display shows Eb or D#.

Step 8. Recheck the pitch of each string

Once all the strings are down, usually your guitar won't be able to keep up with the pitch of the new setting. Check each string to make sure all strings are aligned with the EbAbDbGbBbEb or D#G#C#F#A#D# setting.

You may have to check the pitch of each string several times.
Test the new setting by playing a chord. Strum each string to make sure the pitch of each string is in sync.

Method 2 of 3: Using Ears and Guitar

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Step 1. Check your guitar settings

Make sure your guitar is on standard settings. Otherwise, your guitar's half-tone will be in sync with whatever setting your guitar is currently playing.

Step 2. Start on the A string

Press the 4th fret of the low E string and strum. This is an Ab tone. Lower the A string until it sounds the same as the E string on the 4th fret. The A string is now in the tone of Ab.

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Step 3. Tune the E string low

Press the 7th fret of the A string and strum, This is the Eb note. Strum the E string open and the A string at the 7th fret. Raise the low E string until it matches the A string on the 7th fret.

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Step 4. Adjust the other strings

After tuning the low E and A strings, tune your guitar as you normally would. Follow this order:

Tune the 4th string in tune with the note of the 5th string at the 5th fret.
Tune the 3rd string to the tune of the 4th string at the 5th fret.
Tune the 2nd string to the tune of the 3rd string at the 4th fret.
Tune the 1st string to the tune of the 2nd string at the 5th fret.

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Step 5. Check your guitar settings again

If you have time, use an app or website that has a tuner to check your guitar settings. Adjusting the guitar halfway will change the tension in the neck of your guitar. It takes a little while for each string to hold the tone of the new setting.

Method 3 of 3: Using Capo

Step 1. Put the capo on the first fret

A capo is a tool that can help slide the guitar into a different key. Capos are usually used to play in different chords without changing guitar settings. When the capo is on the 1st fret, the low E string will become an F note.

You will tune your guitar to a standard setting that is half a note lower than the first fret. Then when you take off the capo, your guitar will be on a half-down setting

Tune Your Guitar a Half Step Down Step 15

Step 2. Find a tuner or piano

Lower the 1st string to E. If you're using a piano, hit the E and tune the low E string to the notes from the piano. Tune in slowly and make sure the notes are in sync.

This can be a good technique if your tuner isn't chromatic. The chromatic tuner can detect all tones

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Step 3. Adjust the rest of the strings as usual

Tune each string using the tuner, piano, or ear. Play the E string to make sure that each string is aligned.

Step 4. Unplug the Capo

After adjusting the settings, your guitar setting should be halfway down. Play the E string after you've removed the capo.

Tune Your Guitar a Half Step Down Step 18

Step 5. Adjust the settings

Pluck each string using chord positions and make sure each string is in sync. Rely on your ears, but you'll probably need tools.

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