Drop B tuning: B F♯ B E G♯ C♯
A very low drop tuning, a fifth below standard on the bottom string. Thicker string gauges, or a baritone guitar, keep the low B from feeling floppy.
Drop B notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | Change from standard | Listen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | B1Down a fourth | 61.74 Hz | Down a fourth | |
| 5 | F♯2Down three semitones | 92.50 Hz | Down three semitones | |
| 4 | B2Down three semitones | 123.47 Hz | Down three semitones | |
| 3 | E3Down three semitones | 164.81 Hz | Down three semitones | |
| 2 | G♯3Down three semitones | 207.65 Hz | Down three semitones | |
| 1 | C♯4Down three semitones | 277.18 Hz | Down three semitones |
String 6 is the lowest (thickest) string. Frequencies use A4 = 440 Hz.
How to tune to Drop B from standard
- String 6: E → B (down a fourth).
- String 5: A → F♯ (down three semitones).
- String 4: D → B (down three semitones).
- String 3: G → E (down three semitones).
- String 2: B → G♯ (down three semitones).
- String 1: E → C♯ (down three semitones).
Tune down past the note and come back up to it: the string settles and holds pitch better. After a big change, check every string again because the neck tension shifts.
Questions
What are the notes in Drop B tuning?
From the lowest (thickest) string to the highest: B F♯ B E G♯ C♯.
How do I tune to Drop B?
Open the Fartguitar tuner with Drop B selected, allow the microphone and play one string at a time until the needle sits in the middle. You can also play each reference note on this page and match it by ear.