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 “My Sweet Shadow”:
| 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
"My Sweet Shadow" by In Flames 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. In Flames uses this same tuning on 3 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Tunings Close to Drop Bb / Drop A#
Already tuned to Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.
In Flames’s Guitar Tunings
In Flames plays 4 of 13 songs in our catalog in Drop Bb / Drop A#. Most-used tunings:
- Drop Bb / Drop A#Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C4 songs
Gear for Drop Bb / Drop A#
Strings and tools that make playing "My Sweet Shadow" 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.
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“My Sweet Shadow” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "My Sweet Shadow" by In Flames in?
"My Sweet Shadow" 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 "My Sweet Shadow"?
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.
Which other In Flames songs use this tuning?
"Alias", "Meet Your Maker", "Take This Life" — all in Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by In Flames
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by In Flames:
Other Songs in Drop Bb / Drop A#
Once tuned to Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, try playing these tracks next: