What is Eb Standard tuning?

Eb Standard lowers every string by one half step from standard tuning: Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb (low to high). All chord shapes and scale patterns work exactly the same as standard tuning — everything just sounds a half step lower.

Why did Hendrix tune to Eb?

Hendrix tuned to Eb for a combination of reasons: the slightly reduced tension made his aggressive bending style easier, the lower pitch gave a darker and heavier tone, and it better suited his vocal range. Nearly all of his studio recordings use Eb Standard.

Do I need different strings for Eb Standard?

No, standard gauge strings work perfectly in Eb. The slightly reduced tension is actually an advantage — bends are easier and the guitar feels more responsive. Some players, like SRV, used heavier strings in Eb for extra thickness.

A# Ultralocrian Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A# Ultralocrian in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals

The A# Ultralocrian scale is an extremely dark and condensed scale used to create intense chromatic tension. On Guitar, its notes are A#, B, C#, D, E, F#, G. It is used in avant-garde jazz and dark ambient music to explore the most dissonant boundaries of minor-key tonality. Commonly used in Avant-Garde, Dark Ambient, Experimental Jazz. Notable players include John Zorn, Derek Bailey. Use over dim7 chords in avant-garde contexts. More of a compositional tool than an improvisational one.

Notes: A#, B, C#, D, E, F#, G

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4d, 5d, 6m, 7d

Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 7

Formula: H-W-H-W-W-H-WH

Number of notes: 7

Tuning: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)

Also known as: superlocrian bb7, superlocrian diminished

About Half Step Down Tuning

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.

Blues-RockClassic RockHard RockGrungeBlues

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

Musical Character

Extremely DarkDissonantCondensedAbyssal

The darkest mode of the harmonic minor — so dark it has a diminished 4th (bb7), making it almost chromatic. Used to push dissonance to its absolute limit.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Half Step Down tuning