B Standard Tuning
This tuner is preset to B Standard tuning. The instrument type and tuning are locked for this page.
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Learn B Standard After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to B1-E2-A2-D3-F#3-B3, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make B Standard useful.
Advanced
Best approached as a advanced guitar tuning.
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
low standard-tuning shapes, baritone-style rhythm parts, metal riffs, lower vocal keys
First practice targets
This tuning does not have a song list yet. Start by learning the target notes, then compare nearby tunings and chord shapes.
Open the chord libraryAbout B Standard Tuning
B Standard tuning (B-E-A-D-F#-B) lowers a 6-string guitar down to the range normally associated with the lowest six strings of a 7-string guitar. The intervals stay the same as standard tuning, so familiar chord and scale shapes still work.
This is not the same as Open B tuning. B Standard keeps standard tuning relationships, just much lower, while Open B uses B-F#-B-F#-B-D# to form a B major chord when the open strings ring together.
B Standard is useful for heavy rhythm parts, baritone-style riffs, and songs that need low-register guitar without switching to a 7-string. The lower pitch asks for heavier strings and careful intonation, especially on the low B.
B Standard Tuning Notes
From lowest to highest: B1-E2-A2-D3-F#3-B3
6th string
61.74 Hz
Low B, the foundation of B Standard and the string most likely to need a heavier gauge.
5th string
82.41 Hz
E string, the same pitch as the low E in normal standard tuning.
4th string
110.00 Hz
A string, moved down from the 5th-string position in standard tuning.
3rd string
146.83 Hz
D string, keeping the standard fourths-based spacing intact.
2nd string
185.00 Hz
F# string, the major-third interval point in B Standard.
1st string
246.94 Hz
High B, two octaves above the low B string.
Recommended String Gauges for B Standard
B Standard needs heavier strings than normal E standard. A .060 low string is a practical starting point on many 25.5-inch scale guitars, while shorter scale guitars may need a thicker low B or a dedicated baritone setup.
Common Chords in B Standard
B5 Power Chord
Use the familiar E-shape power chord at the open position. It now sounds as a deep B5.
E5 at 5th String
Open 5th-string power chord shapes work naturally because the 5th string is tuned to E2.
Standard Barre Shapes
Major, minor, and power chord shapes keep the same fingering but sound a perfect fourth lower.
Low B Drone
Let the 6th string ring under riffs or chord fragments for a heavier, extended-range sound.
How to Tune to B Standard (B1-E2-A2-D3-F#3-B3)
Start from standard tuning and lower every string by a perfect fourth, or start from a baritone-style setup if your guitar already has heavier strings.
Tune the 6th string down to B1. Tune slowly because this is much lower than normal low E.
Tune the 5th string to E2.
Tune the 4th string to A2.
Tune the 3rd string to D3, the 2nd string to F#3, and the 1st string to B3.
Recheck B-E-A-D-F#-B after the strings settle. Low tunings often drift sharp or flat for a few minutes after large pitch changes.
B Standard Tuning FAQ
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
Is B Standard the same as Open B tuning?
No. B Standard is B-E-A-D-F#-B and keeps the same intervals as standard tuning, just much lower. Open B is B-F#-B-F#-B-D# and forms a B major chord when the open strings ring together.
Can I tune a regular 6-string guitar to B Standard?
Yes, but it works best with heavier strings and a setup that can handle the low B. Very light strings often feel loose, buzz, or intonate poorly when tuned down to B Standard.
What notes are in B Standard tuning?
B Standard tuning uses B1-E2-A2-D3-F#3-B3 from lowest to highest string on guitar. Tune each string to those target notes, then double-check the low strings because they can drift after the neck tension changes.
What is B Standard tuning best for?
B Standard is especially useful for low standard-tuning shapes, baritone-style rhythm parts, metal riffs. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.
Is B Standard tuning good for beginners?
B Standard is an advanced tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.
What songs use B Standard tuning?
B Standard is used for a range of alternate-tuning arrangements. Start by practicing simple chord shapes and related tunings before moving to full songs.
Do I need different strings for B Standard?
Lower tunings often feel better with slightly heavier strings, especially on the lowest string. If the pitch wobbles or the string buzzes, move up a gauge or dedicate one guitar to that tuning.