What are the notes for Drop B tuning?

Drop B tuning is B-F#-B-E-G#-C# from lowest to highest string. The lowest three strings form a B5 power chord: B-F#-B.

How do I tune a guitar to Drop B from standard?

From standard E-A-D-G-B-E, tune the strings down to B1, F#2, B2, E3, G#3, and C#4. Work gradually, then recheck the low B because it often settles flat after a few minutes.

Is Drop B the same as B Standard tuning?

No. Drop B is B-F#-B-E-G#-C# and keeps the one-finger power chord layout of Drop D. B Standard is B-E-A-D-F#-B and keeps standard tuning intervals at a much lower pitch.

Is Drop B the same as Open B tuning?

No. Drop B is B-F#-B-E-G#-C# for heavy drop-tuned riffs. Open B is B-F#-B-F#-B-D# and forms a B major chord when all open strings ring together.

Can I tune a regular 6-string guitar to Drop B?

Yes, but Drop B works best with heavier strings and a setup that can handle the low B. Many players start around .012-.056 or use a heavier low string such as .058 or .060.

What notes are in Drop B tuning?

Drop B tuning uses B1-F#2-B2-E3-G#3-C#4 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 Drop B tuning best for?

Drop B is especially useful for tuning Drop B online, using a Drop B guitar tuner, checking B-F#-B-E-G#-C# notes. 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 Drop B tuning good for beginners?

Drop B is an intermediate 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 Drop B tuning?

Popular examples in Drop B include Davidian by Machine Head, Halo by Machine Head, Composure by August Burns Red. Use the song list on this page to filter by difficulty and pick a first practice target.

Back to Drop B Tuner

Guitar

Drop B Songs for Guitar

Tuning:

B1F#2B2E3G#3C#4

Explore 12 songs in Drop B tuning for groove metal, metalcore, djent-influenced riffs, and low 6-string guitar. Tune B1-F#2-B2-E3-G#3-C#4 first, then compare heavy Drop B songs by difficulty and genre.

Definitive Drop B songs

Davidian and Halo

Machine Head examples that show the groove-metal weight of Drop B tuning.

Metalcore Drop B songs

Composure, White Washed, Carrion, and This Calling

Riff-heavy examples for alternate picking, breakdowns, and tight low-string rhythm work.

Modern low tuning

Doomsday and Gone With the Wind

Atmospheric Drop B songs that use the low register for emotional, modern metalcore parts.

Showing 12 of 12 songs

IntermediateMetalcore2012

Carrion

Parkway Drive

Anthemic metalcore track with massive Drop B chorus riffs and breakdowns.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedShoegaze2015

Chlorine

Title Fight

Complex Drop B arrangement with intricate layering and effects.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedMetalcore2009

Composure

August Burns Red

Technical metalcore featuring complex Drop B riffs with breakdowns and melodic sections.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedGroove Metal1994

Davidian

Machine Head

One of the definitive Drop B songs. Heavy palm-muted riffs that defined groove metal.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedMetalcore2016

Doomsday

Architects

Emotionally charged metalcore in Drop B with djent-influenced riffing.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedMetalcore2016

Gone With the Wind

Architects

Progressive metalcore using Drop B for heavy low-end and atmospheric sections.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedGroove Metal1999

Halo

Machine Head

Crushing Drop B riffing with melodic passages and dynamic song structure.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedMetalcore2010

Idols and Anchors

Parkway Drive

High-energy Drop B with technical lead work over heavy rhythm sections.

Perfect for drop b practice

IntermediateShoegaze2015

Secret

Title Fight

Heavy Drop B tuning with shoegaze textures and wall of sound approach.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedMetalcore2007

The Sound of Truth

As I Lay Dying

Technical Drop B metalcore with dual guitar harmonies and blast beats.

Perfect for drop b practice

IntermediateMetalcore2006

This Calling

All That Remains

Melodic metalcore hit combining Drop B heaviness with singalong choruses.

Perfect for drop b practice

AdvancedMetalcore2009

White Washed

August Burns Red

Fast-paced Drop B metalcore with intricate guitar work and time signature changes.

Perfect for drop b practice

In tune. Now learn a song.

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Drop B Songs FAQ

What are popular songs in Drop B tuning?

Popular Drop B songs include Davidian, Halo, Composure, White Washed, Carrion, Doomsday, This Calling, and The Sound of Truth.

What is an easy Drop B song to start with?

Carrion and This Calling are useful starting points because they balance heavy low-string riffs with clear song sections before the more technical Drop B examples.

What notes do I need for Drop B songs?

Tune from low to high as B-F#-B-E-G#-C#. Drop B is very low for a 6-string guitar, so heavier strings and a careful setup help the low B stay clear.

Ready to tune your guitar to Drop B?

Use our free online tuner to get your guitar perfectly tuned to Drop Band start playing these amazing songs.

Tune to Drop B