Drop B tuning

Getting there from standard

6 of 6 strings move.

• String 6 E2 → B1 5 semitones down
• String 5 A2 → F#2 3 semitones down
• String 4 D3 → B2 3 semitones down
• String 3 G3 → E3 3 semitones down
• String 2 B3 → G#3 3 semitones down
• String 1 E4 → C#4 3 semitones down

What it does to your playing

The interval pattern is Drop D's again, so the shapes are unchanged and only the register has moved. What does change is what the guitar is good for down here: single-note riffing and power chords stay clear, while anything harmonically dense turns to mud, because the intervals are now low enough that the notes are inside each other's critical bands. This is a rhythm tuning, and most players in it treat the top strings as lead territory rather than part of the chord.

Strings and setup

Heavy strings are not optional at this pitch — .011–.058 at the absolute minimum, and .012–.060 is common. A longer scale length helps enormously, which is why baritone guitars exist; on a standard 25.5" scale the low B will always be somewhat slack no matter what you fit. Expect to adjust the truss rod, and expect the intonation at the bridge to need resetting, since heavier strings sharpen more when fretted.