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 “The Unnamed Feeling”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2Bb1Tune down 6 semitones
String 5A2F2Tune down 4 semitones
String 4D3Bb2Tune down 4 semitones
String 3G3Eb3Tune down 4 semitones
String 2B3G3Tune down 4 semitones
String 1E4C4Tune down 4 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

"The Unnamed Feeling" by Metallica 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. 23 other songs in our catalog use Drop Bb / Drop A#.

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Tunings Close to Drop Bb / Drop A#

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

Metallica’s Guitar Tunings

Metallica plays 1 of 23 songs in our catalog in Drop Bb / Drop A#. Most-used tunings:

Gear for Drop Bb / Drop A#

Strings and tools that make playing "The Unnamed Feeling" 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.

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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 Unnamed Feeling” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "The Unnamed Feeling" by Metallica in?

"The Unnamed Feeling" 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 "The Unnamed Feeling"?

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.

More Songs by Metallica

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Metallica:

View all 23 songs
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Standard EIntermediate
E - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo

Other Songs in Drop Bb / Drop A#

Once tuned to Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, try playing these tracks next:

Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo