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Drop B tuner

Tune a six-string to Drop B (B F♯ B E G♯ C♯) with your microphone or by ear.

Drop B

Start tuner

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Tap a string to hear it and tune that string.

6B1
5F#2
4B2
3E3
2G#3
1C#4

Drop B takes a six-string guitar close to baritone range: every string drops three semitones, and the 6th string drops two more, down to B. It gives modern metal its low, tight chug without a seven-string.

That is a big drop in tension. On a normal string set the low strings go floppy and slip out of tune, so most players switch to a heavier set before tuning this low.

Drop B: notes and frequencies

StringNotePitchFrequency
6BB161.74 Hz
5F♯F♯292.50 Hz
4BB2123.47 Hz
3EE3164.81 Hz
2G♯G♯3207.65 Hz
1C♯C♯4277.18 Hz

From standard tuning to Drop B

  • String 6: lower it from E2 to B1, 5 semitones down.
  • String 5: lower it from A2 to F♯2, 3 semitones down.
  • String 4: lower it from D3 to B2, 3 semitones down.
  • String 3: lower it from G3 to E3, 3 semitones down.
  • String 2: lower it from B3 to G♯3, 3 semitones down.
  • String 1: lower it from E4 to C♯4, 3 semitones down.

Tap each string in the tuner before tuning it. The 6th string has to come down five semitones, and in auto mode it would be read as another string on the way.

Tune to Drop B by ear

Tune string 6 (B1) to a reference first: tap it in the tuner above, or use a piano or another instrument. Then tune each string to one that is already in tune:

  1. Play string 6 at fret 7, then tune open string 5 until the two sound the same (F♯2).
  2. Play string 5 at fret 5, then tune open string 4 until the two sound the same (B2).
  3. Play string 4 at fret 5, then tune open string 3 until the two sound the same (E3).
  4. Play string 3 at fret 4, then tune open string 2 until the two sound the same (G♯3).
  5. Play string 2 at fret 5, then tune open string 1 until the two sound the same (C♯4).

Learning a song in Drop B?

Record it or upload it, and Tabtify turns it into tab you can play along with. Choose Drop B under Tuning in the converter's options so the frets match your guitar.

Turn a recording into tab

Drop B tuner FAQ

What are the notes of Drop B?

From string 6 to string 1: B1, F♯2, B2, E3, G♯3, C♯4. With A4 at 440 Hz, that is 61.74 Hz, 92.50 Hz, 123.47 Hz, 164.81 Hz, 207.65 Hz, 277.18 Hz.

What strings should I use for Drop B?

A heavier set keeps the tension close to normal. Many players use 12 to 56, or a set made for drop tunings with a low string of 60 or more.

Is Drop B the same note as a 7-string's low B?

The 6th string in Drop B is the same note as the low B of a 7-string guitar, B1. The rest differs: a 7-string keeps standard E A D G B E above it.

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