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 “You Satisfy Me / Impossible Octopus”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2Eb2Tune down a half step
String 5A2Ab2Tune down a half step
String 4D3Db3Tune down a half step
String 3G3Gb3Tune down a half step
String 2B3Bb3Tune down a half step
String 1E4Eb4Tune down a half step
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"You Satisfy Me / Impossible Octopus" by Boston Spaceships 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. 108 other songs in our catalog use Half-Step Down / Eb Standard.

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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.

Gear for Half-Step Down / Eb Standard

Strings and tools that make playing "You Satisfy Me / Impossible Octopus" 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.

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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.

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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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“You Satisfy Me / Impossible Octopus” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "You Satisfy Me / Impossible Octopus" by Boston Spaceships in?

"You Satisfy Me / Impossible Octopus" 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 "You Satisfy Me / Impossible Octopus"?

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.

Other Songs in Half-Step Down / Eb Standard

Once tuned to Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb, try playing these tracks next:

Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)Advanced
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)Beginner
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)Advanced
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)Intermediate
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)Advanced
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardIntermediate
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardIntermediate
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardIntermediate
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo