Sambuka
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 “Sambuka”:
| 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
"Sambuka" by Pierce the Veil 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. Pierce the Veil 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.Pierce the Veil’s Guitar Tunings
Pierce the Veil plays 2 of 6 songs in our catalog in Drop B Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Drop B TuningB - F# - B - E - G# - C#2 songs
Gear for Drop B Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Sambuka" 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.
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“Sambuka” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sambuka" by Pierce the Veil in?
"Sambuka" 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 "Sambuka"?
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 Pierce the Veil songs use this tuning?
"Stained glass and colourful tears" — all in B - F# - B - E - G# - C#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Pierce the Veil
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Pierce the Veil:
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No 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