The Sentinel

Required String Notes:Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - Bb

How to Tune from Standard to Bb Standard Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “The Sentinel”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	A#1	Tune down 6 semitones
String 5	A2	D#2	Tune down 6 semitones
String 4	D3	G#2	Tune down 6 semitones
String 3	G3	C#3	Tune down 6 semitones
String 2	B3	F3	Tune down 6 semitones
String 1	E4	A#3	Tune down 6 semitones

Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"The Sentinel" by Car Bomb is played in Bb Standard Tuning (Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - Bb). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A#, string 5 down to D#, string 4 down to G#, string 3 down to C#, string 2 down to F, string 1 down to A#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 6 semitones down. Car Bomb uses this same tuning on 17 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to Bb Standard Tuning

Already tuned to Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - Bb? These tunings are just one small change away.

B Standard / Baritone75 songs

B - E - A - D - F# - BSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

C Standard Tuning49 songs

C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#)19 songs

G#D#G#C#FA#Only string 6 differs: G# instead of A#.

Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)7 songs

ADGCEASame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Car Bomb’s Guitar Tunings

Car Bomb plays 18 of 35 songs in our catalog in Bb Standard Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Bb Standard TuningBb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - Bb18 songs
Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#)G#D#G#C#FA#16 songs
Custom Tuning (D#D#G#C#FA#)D#D#G#C#FA#1 song

Gear for Bb Standard Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "The Sentinel" in Bb Standard Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)

Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.

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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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“The Sentinel” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "The Sentinel" by Car Bomb in?

"The Sentinel" is played in Bb Standard Tuning: Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - Bb, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "The Sentinel"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 6 semitones (E2 → A#1). String 5: tune down 6 semitones (A2 → D#2). String 4: tune down 6 semitones (D3 → G#2). String 3: tune down 6 semitones (G3 → C#3). String 2: tune down 6 semitones (B3 → F3). String 1: tune down 6 semitones (E4 → A#3).

What string gauge should I use for Bb Standard Tuning?

Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.

Which other Car Bomb songs use this tuning?

"Best Intentions", "Bra-C-Ket", "Cellophane Stiletto", "Cielo Drive", "Finish It", "Garrucha" and 11 more — all in Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - Bb, so you can play them without retuning.