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#.
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.
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.
Step 5. Lower the pitch of the G string
Lower the pitch of the G string until the display shows Gb or F#.
Step 6. Tune the B string
Lower the pitch of the B string little by little until the display shows Bb or A#.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
