Guitar tuning
Drop B Tuning
Drop B is a low six-string tuning that keeps the dropped power-chord relationship on the lowest strings.
- Notes low to high
- B, F#, B, E, G#, C#
- Strings
- 6
- Default frets
- 24
- Open pitch range
- B1 to C#4
- 24-fret pitch range
- B1 to C#6
- Also called
- BF#BEG#C#
How this tuning changes the guitar
Drop B uses C sharp standard on strings 1 through 5 and lowers the sixth string another whole step to B. The lowest three open strings form B-F sharp-B.
Fretboard and chord implications
Movable one-finger power chords occupy the lowest three strings, while upper-string shapes follow the evenly lowered standard layout. The low register can require suitable tension and setup to keep notes clear and in tune.
Drop B Tuning fretboard notes
Drop B Tuning string notes
| String | Note | Pitch |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | B | B1 |
| 5 | F# | F#2 |
| 4 | B | B2 |
| 3 | E | E3 |
| 2 | G# | G#3 |
| 1 | C# | C#4 |
Common uses
- core-style heavy music
- low-tuned heavy music
- extended low-range riffing
- low-tuned riffing
Practice this tuning
- Tune from low to high as B F# B E G# C#, then play each open string while saying its note name and string number aloud.
- Map B roots, F sharp fifths, and D minor thirds across the lowest four strings before playing complete B minor arpeggios.
- Write a B-centered rhythm part that contrasts low power chords with higher chord inversions rather than remaining entirely in the bass register.
Open this tuning in the fretboard tool
Start with drop b tuning loaded, then adjust root, scale, fret count, labels, colors, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard