Drop B Tuning
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Popular Songs in Drop B
Practice these carefully selected songs to get familiar with Drop B tuning. Each song showcases different techniques and chord progressions possible with this tuning.
View all 12 songs in Drop BDavidian
Machine Head
One of the definitive Drop B songs. Heavy palm-muted riffs that defined groove metal.
Halo
Machine Head
Crushing Drop B riffing with melodic passages and dynamic song structure.
Composure
August Burns Red
Technical metalcore featuring complex Drop B riffs with breakdowns and melodic sections.
White Washed
August Burns Red
Fast-paced Drop B metalcore with intricate guitar work and time signature changes.
Carrion
Parkway Drive
Anthemic metalcore track with massive Drop B chorus riffs and breakdowns.
Idols and Anchors
Parkway Drive
High-energy Drop B with technical lead work over heavy rhythm sections.
Why These Songs Work Well in Drop B
These songs were specifically chosen because they take advantage of Drop B tuning's unique characteristics. Whether it's the open chord voicings, easier fingering patterns, or the distinctive sound that this tuning provides, each song demonstrates why many guitarists choose Drop B for their music. Practice these songs to develop your ear for this tuning and discover new playing techniques.
š” Practice Tips for Drop B
- ā¢ Start with the beginner-level songs to get comfortable with the tuning
- ā¢ Focus on how chord shapes differ from standard tuning
- ā¢ Listen to the original recordings to understand the intended sound
- ā¢ Practice transitioning between Drop B and standard tuning
- ā¢ Experiment with the open strings to discover new chord voicings
About Drop B Tuning
Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) lowers all strings one and a half steps from standard, then drops the lowest string an additional whole step. This creates an extremely heavy, aggressive tone that has become a staple in modern metal, metalcore, and djent.
The tuning gained widespread popularity in the mid-1990s through bands like Machine Head, whose album "Burn My Eyes" used Drop B extensively. Since then, it has become the default tuning for many metalcore and progressive metal bands including Parkway Drive, August Burns Red, and Architects.
Drop B maintains the same intervallic relationship as Drop D ā the lowest string is a perfect fifth below the second string ā which means all your power chord shapes from Drop D still work. You just get a much heavier, lower sound. The trade-off is that standard gauge strings (.009-.042) will feel very loose, so heavier strings are essential.
Recommended String Gauges for Drop B
Heavier gauges are essential for Drop B to maintain proper string tension and prevent fret buzz. A set like 12-16-24-32-42-54 is a good starting point. If you find the low B still feels too loose, try a .056 or .060 for the sixth string. Some players use a dedicated baritone set.
Common Chords in Drop B
B5 Power Chord
Open 6th, 5th, and 4th strings. The easiest power chord in Drop B ā just strum the bottom three strings open.
One-Finger Power Chords
Bar the bottom two or three strings at any fret. Just like Drop D, you can play power chords with a single finger across the lowest strings.
C#5
Bar the 6th and 5th strings at the 2nd fret. Slide this shape anywhere on the neck for instant power chords.
E5
Bar the 6th and 5th strings at the 5th fret. A common position in many metalcore and djent riffs.
How to Tune to Drop B (B1-F#2-B2-E3-G#3-C#4)
Start by tuning all strings down one and a half steps from standard: EāC#, AāF#... etc. An easier approach is to start from the low string.
Tune your 6th (lowest) string down to B1. This is a significant drop from standard E2 ā pluck the string and lower the pitch steadily.
Tune your 5th string down to F#2. Compare it with the 6th string ā fretting the 6th string at the 7th fret should produce the same note.
Tune your 4th string down to B2. This should be exactly one octave above your 6th string.
Tune your 3rd string down to E3, your 2nd string down to G#3, and your 1st string down to C#4.
Double-check by strumming the open strings ā they should form a B5 power chord (B-F#-B) on the bottom three strings.