Drop B tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | B1 | 61.74 Hz |
| 5 | F♯2 | 92.50 Hz |
| 4 | B2 | 123.47 Hz |
| 3 | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| 2 | G♯3 | 207.65 Hz |
| 1 | C♯4 | 277.18 Hz |
Sound and genres
The low B is the same note as the lowest string of a seven-string guitar in standard, a perfect fourth below a standard low E. Because it keeps the drop D layout, one finger still plays a power chord, so tight, low riffing stays easy to play at speed.
The trade-off is tension. On a normal scale guitar with regular strings, a string tuned five semitones down has lost close to half its tension, so it flaps, buzzes and wanders in pitch as you pick. Drop B only sounds tight with strings and a setup chosen for it.
- Metal
- Metalcore
- Deathcore
- Hardcore
- Nu metal
How to tune to Drop B
- If you are fitting heavier strings for drop B, restring first and tune the new set straight to drop B instead of bringing it up to standard.
- From standard, lower strings 5 to 1 three semitones each: A to F♯, D to B, G to E, B to G♯ and E to C♯.
- Lower string 6 five semitones, from E2 to B1. Turn Detect String off and tap the string 6 peg first, so the tuner keeps reading that string while it passes notes that belong to other strings.
- Tune each string up to its note from slightly below. Big drops leave slack wraps on the tuning posts, and approaching from below pulls them tight.
- Check by ear: string 6 at fret 7 should match open string 5 (F♯), and open string 6 should sound an octave below open string 4.
- Run the final recheck pass, play for a few minutes, then check again. A neck that has just lost this much tension keeps moving for a while.
Changing from standard tuning
String by string, from standard tuning. Pick a different starting tuning to see its changes, or open the tuning changer.
6 strings change
| String | Change | Semitones | Peg | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 → B1 | −5 | ↓ Loosen | −44% |
| 5 | A2 → F♯2 | −3 | ↓ Loosen | −29% |
| 4 | D3 → B2 | −3 | ↓ Loosen | −29% |
| 3 | G3 → E3 | −3 | ↓ Loosen | −29% |
| 2 | B3 → G♯3 | −3 | ↓ Loosen | −29% |
| 1 | E4 → C♯4 | −3 | ↓ Loosen | −29% |
Strings, scale length and baritones
On a 25.5 inch scale, drop B usually needs at least a 12–56 set, and many players use 13–62 or a custom set with an extra-heavy string 6. On a 24.75 inch scale, go heavier still, because a shorter scale gives less tension for the same note and gauge.
Baritone guitars, with scales of about 27 inches or longer, are built for this range. The longer string gives the low B more tension and clarity with gauges that still feel normal under the fingers. A seven-string reaches the same low B on a dedicated string and keeps the other six in standard.
Setup for drop B
Expect to adjust more than the strings. Heavy gauges need wider nut slots, neck relief changes with the new tension, and the saddles usually move back to keep the intonation accurate. Lowering the pickups slightly on the bass side stops the magnets pulling on the thick strings and keeps the low end from sounding boomy.
Floating tremolos need the springs rebalanced for the new string pull. If you play in standard as well, keeping one guitar set up for drop B saves a full setup every time you switch.
Playing in drop B
Power chords rooted on string 6 are one finger across strings 6, 5 and 4: open is B5, fret 1 is C5, fret 3 is D5 and fret 5 is E5. Drop D chord shapes carry over and sound three semitones lower, so the drop D minor grip gives B minor.
Mute unused strings with your picking hand and spare fretting fingers. A slack low B rings loudly when you leave it, and that ringing blurs fast riffs.
Chord shapes in Drop B
Songs in Drop B
- Duality — Slipknot (2004)Source: Fender
- Whispers in the Dark — Skillet (2006)Source: Fender
- Locust — Machine Head (2011)Source: MusicRadar, 2012
Frequently asked questions
Can I tune to drop B without changing strings?
You can, but on a standard scale guitar with 10s the low B will be loose, buzzy and unstable in pitch. It is fine for trying the tuning; for regular use, fit heavier strings.
What gauge strings do I need for drop B?
On a 25.5 inch scale, 12–56 is a common minimum and 13–62 is popular. Shorter scales, and players who want a stiff low end, go heavier.
Do I need a baritone guitar for drop B?
No, plenty of players use standard scale guitars with heavy strings. A baritone makes the low B tighter and clearer and is worth considering if you stay in drop B or go lower.
How is drop B related to drop D?
Drop B is drop D lowered three semitones on every string, so every drop D shape works and sounds three semitones lower. It is also C♯ standard with string 6 dropped a further whole step.
Will drop B damage my guitar?
No. Lowering pitch reduces the load on the neck. Problems come from mismatches, such as strings too light for the tuning or heavy strings in nut slots cut for lighter ones.
Why does my tuner read the low B as the wrong note?
Very low, slack strings have strong overtones and can be read as another string. Turn Detect String off, tap the string 6 peg, and keep the microphone close to the guitar.