Darkness within
Required String Notes:B - F# - B - E - G# - C#
Tune to Drop B TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Drop B Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Darkness within”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Darkness within" by Machine head is played in Drop B Tuning (B - F# - B - E - G# - C#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Machine head uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Drop B Tuning
Already tuned to B - F# - B - E - G# - C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop C Tuning130 songs
C - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.C# Standard Tuning52 songs
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#Only string 6 differs: C# instead of B.Drop Bb / Drop A#24 songs
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Machine head’s Guitar Tunings
Machine head plays 1 of 5 songs in our catalog in Drop B Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Drop B TuningB - F# - B - E - G# - C#1 song
Gear for Drop B Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Darkness within" in Drop B Tuning 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.
“Darkness within” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Darkness within" by Machine head in?
"Darkness within" is played in Drop B Tuning: B - F# - B - E - G# - C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Darkness within"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for Drop B Tuning?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Machine head songs use this tuning?
"Davidian" — all in B - F# - B - E - G# - C#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Machine head
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Machine head:
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Drop B Tuning
Once tuned to B - F# - B - E - G# - C#, try playing these tracks next:
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo