One and a Half Steps Down Guitar Tuning
One and a Half Steps Down sets the six strings from low to high to Db Gb B E Ab Db. Its thick and weighty voice works especially well for low riffs and songs that retain standard chord geometry.
Do this first
No theory test. No perfect technique required. Follow these three steps and start making music.
Tap each string to hear it
What changes in One and a Half Steps Down
Every string is lowered by three semitones, so normal shapes still work but sound a minor third below written position.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Play an E-shape power chord, identify the sounding D-flat root and build a slow two-chord riff.
Shape tip: Use movable power chords and familiar minor pentatonic boxes, remembering that an E shape sounds D-flat.
Retune to Db Gb B E Ab Db safely
Use heavier strings and check neck relief, action and intonation if this will be a permanent setup.
Change one string at a time, approach the target pitch gradually and recheck every string after the neck settles. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge lifts or the instrument reacts unpredictably.
Turn the open strings into music
Quick answers before you play
What are the notes in One and a Half Steps Down Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to Db Gb B E Ab Db. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is One and a Half Steps Down Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
Use heavier strings and check neck relief, action and intonation if this will be a permanent setup. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge moves or the guitar becomes difficult to intonate.
Can I use normal chord shapes in One and a Half Steps Down Guitar Tuning?
Some shapes may still work, but a down tuning changes at least part of the fretboard. Start with the open strings, simple drones and the shape guidance on this page.
Why do the strings go out of tune again after retuning?
Changing one string changes the total tension on the neck. Tune all six strings, wait briefly and repeat the process until every reference pitch remains stable.