How to Tune from Standard to Drop Bb / Drop A#
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Body Bag”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | Bb1 | Tune down 6 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | Bb2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | Eb3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Body Bag" by Beartooth is played in Drop Bb / Drop A# (Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to Bb, string 5 down to F, string 4 down to Bb, string 3 down to Eb, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 6 semitones down. 23 other songs in our catalog use Drop Bb / Drop A#.
Tunings Close to Drop Bb / Drop A#
Already tuned to Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.
Beartooth’s Guitar Tunings
Beartooth plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Drop Bb / Drop A#. Most-used tunings:
- Drop Bb / Drop A#Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C1 song
Gear for Drop Bb / Drop A#
Strings and tools that make playing "Body Bag" in Drop Bb / Drop A# easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Body Bag” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Body Bag" by Beartooth in?
"Body Bag" is played in Drop Bb / Drop A#: Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Body Bag"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 6 semitones (E2 → Bb1). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down 4 semitones (D3 → Bb2). String 3: tune down 4 semitones (G3 → Eb3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).
What string gauge should I use for Drop Bb / Drop A#?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
More Songs by Beartooth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Beartooth:
Other Songs in Drop Bb / Drop A#
Once tuned to Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, try playing these tracks next: