How 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 “Death Blooms”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2B1Tune down 5 semitones
String 5A2F#2Tune down 3 semitones
String 4D3B2Tune down 3 semitones
String 3G3E3Tune down 3 semitones
String 2B3G#3Tune down 3 semitones
String 1E4C#4Tune 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

"Death Blooms" by Mudvayne 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. 38 other songs in our catalog use Drop B Tuning.

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Tunings Close to Drop B Tuning

Already tuned to B - F# - B - E - G# - C#? These tunings are just one small change away.

Gear for Drop B Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Death Blooms" 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.

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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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“Death Blooms” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Death Blooms" by Mudvayne in?

"Death Blooms" 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 "Death Blooms"?

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.

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
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo