42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.
Drop B tuning is B F♯ B E G♯ C♯, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 6 strings change.
C♯ standard with the 6th string dropped to B. Very low; a heavier gauge or a baritone guitar works best.
The open strings ring E6 (with 9 as the lowest note), with the dropped string as a deep root.
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | C♯4 | 277.18 Hz | -3 from E |
| 2nd | G♯3 | 207.65 Hz | -3 from B |
| 3rd | E3 | 164.81 Hz | -3 from G |
| 4th | B2 | 123.47 Hz | -3 from D |
| 5th | F♯2 | 92.50 Hz | -3 from A |
| 6th (lowest) | B1 | 61.74 Hz | -5 from E |
Lay one finger flat across the three lowest strings. At each fret you get a power chord: fret 0 = B5, fret 2 = C♯5, fret 3 = D5, fret 5 = E5, fret 7 = F♯5.
Strings 1 to 5 are 3 semitones lower than standard, so your usual shapes still work and sound 3 semitones lower: a G shape sounds as E, a D shape as B.
Starting from standard tuning: 6th string down 5 semitones to B; 5th string down 3 semitones to F#; 4th string down 3 semitones to B; 3rd string down 3 semitones to E; 2nd string down 3 semitones to G#; 1st string down 3 semitones to C#. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: B1, F#2, B2, E3, G#3, C#4 (B F# B E G# C#).
Reverse the changes: 6th string up 5 semitones to E; 5th string up 3 semitones to A; 4th string up 3 semitones to D; 3rd string up 3 semitones to G; 2nd string up 3 semitones to B; 1st string up 3 semitones to E.
Tuning down a lot makes strings slack, which can buzz. If it does, use a heavier string set or play a little lighter.