Drop B tuning (B F♯ B E G♯ C♯)
Deathcore, metalcore and nu-metal players, and bands like Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot on their lower-tuned material.
Drop B is Drop D lowered by three semitones: B F♯ B E G♯ C♯. The top five strings are a minor third below standard and the sixth string drops a further whole step to B.
This is deep territory. On a standard 25.5-inch scale you need heavy strings for it to work, and many players move to a baritone or a 7-string instead. Done right it is enormous.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | B1 | 61.74 Hz | −5 semitones from E2 |
| 5 | F♯2 | 92.50 Hz | −3 semitones from A2 |
| 4 | B2 | 123.47 Hz | −3 semitones from D3 |
| 3 | E3 | 164.81 Hz | −3 semitones from G3 |
| 2 | G♯3 | 207.65 Hz | −3 semitones from B3 |
| 1 | C♯4 | 277.18 Hz | −3 semitones from E4 |
From standard tuning
- String 6: lower E2 down five semitones to B1.
- String 5: lower A2 down three semitones to F♯2.
- String 4: lower D3 down three semitones to B2.
- String 3: lower G3 down three semitones to E3.
- String 2: lower B3 down three semitones to G♯3.
- String 1: lower E4 down three semitones to C♯4.
Tuning to Drop B in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Drop B from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Strings: 12s, 13s or a dedicated drop set with a .060 or heavier sixth string. Light strings will not hold pitch here.
- Your intonation will probably need adjusting. If fretted notes read sharp on the tuner even though the open string is right, the saddles need to move.
- The low B is near the bottom of what a phone microphone hears cleanly. Pluck once, let it ring, and turn on Boost low E if the reading is unstable.
Questions
What are the notes in Drop B?
B F♯ B E G♯ C♯ from the lowest string up.
Do I need a special guitar for Drop B?
Not necessarily, but you need heavy strings and probably a truss-rod and intonation adjustment. A baritone or 7-string handles it more comfortably.
Related tunings
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