Knives

Required String Notes:B - F# - B - E - G# - C#

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 “Knives”:

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

"Knives" by Bullet for my Valentine 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. Bullet for my Valentine uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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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.

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.

Bullet for my Valentine’s Guitar Tunings

Bullet for my Valentine plays 2 of 8 songs in our catalog in Drop B Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Drop B TuningB - F# - B - E - G# - C#2 songs
D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
EADGAE TuningE - A - D - G - A - E1 song
Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)EBGDAE1 song

Gear for Drop B Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Knives" 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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“Knives” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Knives" by Bullet for my Valentine in?

"Knives" 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 "Knives"?

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).