Eb tuning - how, why and which songs?

Eb tuning (also called E-flat or tuning down by half a step) is crucial for playing countless classic songs from the 80s and 90s.

Why use this tuning? It allowed bands to achieve a heavier sound and made vocals more comfortable for singers too!

How to do it! This tuning detunes every string down by 'half' or the sound of 1 fret so your E chord becomes Eb, your G becomes Gb, and so on...

You'll need a chromatic tuner that can detect any of the 12 notes.

The tuning is: Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb ⬅️ Eb Flat Tuning!

(but be aware that many tuners display as D#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D# - Same notes, other name)

Main Learning Points

• How to tune down: loosen each string approximately a quarter turn

Great songs in Eb Tuning:

• Sweet Child O' Mine: all open chords and power chords in Eb

• Green Day: American Idiot, When I Come Around & Basket Case

• Beastie Boys: Fight for Your Right and No Sleep Til Brooklyn

• Nirvana catalogue: most songs require Eb tuning

• Stevie Ray Vaughan's blues: Pride and Joy and his entire catalogue!

Consider keeping one guitar, if you have at least 2, in Eb tuning if you play these kinds songs regularly.