About Drop B tuning
Drop B is C# standard with the sixth string dropped to B: one-finger power chords with serious weight. It's a signature tuning of nu-metal and metalcore — thick enough to hit hard, but still playable on a 6-string with the right strings.
From Drop C, lower every string one semitone. Watch intonation: this far down, fretted notes go sharp easily if your setup isn't dialed in.
Drop B tuning notes & frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| 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 |
How to tune to Drop B from standard
- String 6 (E2): tune down 5 semitones to B1.
- String 5 (A2): tune down 3 semitones to F#2.
- String 4 (D3): tune down 3 semitones to B2.
- String 3 (G3): tune down 3 semitones to E3.
- String 2 (B3): tune down 3 semitones to G#3.
- String 1 (E4): tune down 3 semitones to C#4.
After changing string tension this much, make a second tuning pass — the neck settles slightly and the first strings you tuned will have drifted.
Songs & artists in Drop B
- Duality — Slipknot
- Before I Forget — Slipknot
- Davidian — Machine Head
String gauge advice
.012–.060 or a dedicated drop set with a .062+ sixth string.
FAQ
What are the notes of Drop B tuning on guitar?
Drop B tuning is B1, F#2, B2, E3, G#3, C#4 from the lowest string to the highest.
How do I tune my guitar to Drop B?
Starting from standard tuning: String 6 (E2): tune down 5 semitones to B1. String 5 (A2): tune down 3 semitones to F#2. String 4 (D3): tune down 3 semitones to B2. String 3 (G3): tune down 3 semitones to E3. String 2 (B3): tune down 3 semitones to G#3. String 1 (E4): tune down 3 semitones to C#4. Use the tuner above — it highlights the string it hears and shows exactly how many cents you are from the target.
Is this tuner free and private?
Yes — no ads, no signup, and all audio is processed locally in your browser. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
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