Guitar Scales — Half Step Down

About Half Step Down Tuning on Guitar

Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.

The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.

Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana

Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes

Browse 1104 guitar scales in Half Step Down tuning. Click any scale below to view the interactive fretboard diagram.

Explore Guitar Scales in Other Tunings

• Guitar Scales in Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
• Guitar Scales in Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
• Guitar Scales in Baritone (B Standard) (B-E-A-D-F#-B)
• Guitar Scales in 7-string (B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
• Guitar Scales in Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
• Guitar Scales in Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
• Guitar Scales in Open E (E-B-E-G#-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in Open A (E-A-E-A-C#-E)
• Guitar Scales in Double Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-D)
• Guitar Scales in Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)

← All Guitar tuning options

More in Eb Standard (Half Step Down)

• Arpeggios in Eb Standard (Half Step Down)
• Chords in Eb Standard (Half Step Down)
• Tune to Eb Standard (Half Step Down)

Related Articles

• Scales Beyond the Major Scale
• Scales for Jazz Guitar
• Triads: Why Are They So Important?
• Chord Progressions
• Scale Harmonizer
• Tune to Eb Standard (Half Step Down)
• Complete Alternate Tunings Guide