How to Tune from Standard to Half-Step Down / Eb Standard
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Bulls On Parade”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | Eb2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | Ab2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | Db3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | Gb3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | Bb3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | Eb4 | Tune down a half step |
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Bulls On Parade" by Rage Against The Machine is played in Half-Step Down / Eb Standard (Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to Eb, string 5 down to Ab, string 4 down to Db, string 3 down to Gb, string 2 down to Bb, string 1 down to Eb. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 1 semitone down. Rage Against The Machine uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Tunings Close to Half-Step Down / Eb Standard
Already tuned to Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb? These tunings are just one small change away.
Rage Against The Machine’s Guitar Tunings
Rage Against The Machine plays 3 of 16 songs in our catalog in Half-Step Down / Eb Standard. Most-used tunings:
- Half-Step Down / Eb StandardEb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb3 songs
Gear for Half-Step Down / Eb Standard
Strings and tools that make playing "Bulls On Parade" in Half-Step Down / Eb Standard easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Bulls On Parade” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Bulls On Parade" by Rage Against The Machine in?
"Bulls On Parade" is played in Half-Step Down / Eb Standard: Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Bulls On Parade"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → Eb2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → Ab2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → Db3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → Gb3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → Bb3). String 1: tune down a half step (E4 → Eb4).
What string gauge should I use for Half-Step Down / Eb Standard?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Rage Against The Machine songs use this tuning?
"Microphone Fiend", "War Within A Breath" — all in Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Rage Against The Machine
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Rage Against The Machine:
Other Songs in Half-Step Down / Eb Standard
Once tuned to Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb, try playing these tracks next: