This is simply the standard tuning one and a half step or a minor third down. You have to use rather heavy strings for this tuning. It was used by Black Sabbath in their song Into The Void.

Verbal Analysis

The 'Standard Tone+Semi Down' tuning plunges your guitar into a significantly deeper and heavier sonic landscape compared to standard EADGBe. This pronounced drop in pitch is a hallmark of genres like heavy metal and hard rock, lending itself to a massive, crushing tone, famously demonstrated by its use in Black Sabbath's 'Into The Void'. The lower string tension provides a looser feel and can facilitate easier string bending, which can be an expressive advantage for certain aggressive playing styles. However, as the original description rightly points out, maintaining optimal playability and intonation necessitates the use of heavier gauge strings.

Technical Analysis

Technically, this tuning is a precise transposition of standard EADGBe, uniformly shifted down three semitones (or a minor third) across all six strings. This uniform shift means that all familiar chord shapes, scale patterns, and arpeggios will still function identically in terms of their relative finger positions, but the resulting pitch will be a minor third lower. For example, a standard E major chord shape will now produce a C# major chord (three semitones below E), and an A minor shape will yield an F# minor chord. The open strings are C#3, F#3, B2, E3, G#4, C#5. While a full major or minor open chord isn't formed by all six open strings, the intervals between them remain consistent with standard tuning. Power chords, particularly on the lower strings (e.g., C#5 using the 6th and 5th strings), are readily accessible and contribute effectively to the heavy, resonant character of this tuning. This cohesive and musically logical alteration provides a foundation for powerful riffs and a darker overall sound.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): C#3
• String 5 (A): F#3
• String 4 (D): B2
• String 3 (G): E3
• String 2 (B): G#4
• String 1 (High E): C#5

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Standard Tone+Semi Down' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

Important Note: All strings are tuned down 3 semitones. This is a significant drop in pitch from standard tuning. As indicated in the original description, it is highly recommended to use heavier gauge strings for this tuning. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and a clear tone, preventing the strings from feeling too loose or sounding 'flubby'.