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♭. Needs heavy strings to stay in tune.
The open strings ring E♭6 (with 9 as the lowest note), with the dropped string as a deep root.
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | C4 | 261.63 Hz | -4 from E |
| 2nd | G3 | 196.00 Hz | -4 from B |
| 3rd | E♭3 | 155.56 Hz | -4 from G |
| 4th | B♭2 | 116.54 Hz | -4 from D |
| 5th | F2 | 87.31 Hz | -4 from A |
| 6th (lowest) | B♭1 | 58.27 Hz | -6 from E |
Lay one finger flat across the three lowest strings. At each fret you get a power chord: fret 0 = B♭5, fret 2 = C5, fret 3 = C♯5, fret 5 = E♭5, fret 7 = F5.
Strings 1 to 5 are 4 semitones lower than standard, so your usual shapes still work and sound 4 semitones lower: a G shape sounds as E♭, a D shape as B♭.
Starting from standard tuning: 6th string down 6 semitones to Bb; 5th string down 4 semitones to F; 4th string down 4 semitones to Bb; 3rd string down 4 semitones to Eb; 2nd string down 4 semitones to G; 1st string down 4 semitones to C. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: Bb1, F2, Bb2, Eb3, G3, C4 (Bb F Bb Eb G C).
Reverse the changes: 6th string up 6 semitones to E; 5th string up 4 semitones to A; 4th string up 4 semitones to D; 3rd string up 4 semitones to G; 2nd string up 4 semitones to B; 1st string up 4 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.