Thereof, is E flat tuning half-step down?
The open sixth string, E, is tuned one half-step lower to E♭ (hence the name “E flat tuning“), the open fifth string, A, is tuned one half-step lower to A♭, and so on with the rest of the strings. E♭ tuning may be used for a couple of reasons: You can play in a lower key and use open strings.
In respect to this, should I tune half step down? Tuning down a 1/2 step can be useful for many reasons. It can switch a song to a more desirable key for a singer. It also can change the tension of the strings and thus the tone of the guitar. As a result, you may find that you will need to tune down to be able to play along with the original recording of a song.
Keeping this in view, why do people tune half-step down?
Use heavier gauge guitar strings. One of the main reasons that guitarists choose to tune down a half step, is that it allows them to use heavier gauge guitar strings.