How to Tune to Bb Standard Tuning
A full three-and-a-half steps below standard (Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-F-Bb), Bb Standard keeps every standard interval but drops the whole guitar into crushingly low territory. It preserves normal chord shapes while delivering a massive, downtuned weight favored by mathcore, doom and sludge bands like Car Bomb and Boris.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | A#1 | 58.27 Hz |
| String 5 | D#2 | 77.78 Hz |
| String 4 | G#2 | 103.83 Hz |
| String 3 | C#3 | 138.59 Hz |
| String 2 | F3 | 174.61 Hz |
| String 1 | A#3 | 233.08 Hz |
Fun Fact
Tuning this low on a standard-scale guitar makes the strings slack and rubbery, so bands either use very heavy gauges or, more commonly, longer baritone-scale guitars. The extra scale length restores tension and keeps the ultra-low Bb tight and articulate for palm-muted riffing.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:Very heavy strings (.013-.062+) or a dedicated baritone set are essential. On a standard 25.5" scale these gauges keep Bb Standard playable; a 26.5"-27" baritone scale is even better for clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bb Standard tuning?
Bb Standard tunes all six strings down three and a half steps from standard, to Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-F-Bb. It keeps the same relative intervals as standard tuning, so all your chord and scale shapes still work — just far lower and heavier.
Do I need special strings for Bb Standard?
Yes. Standard gauges will feel loose and sound muddy this low. Use heavy strings (.013-.062 or thicker) and ideally a baritone-scale guitar to keep the low Bb tight and defined.
Who plays in Bb Standard?
Mathcore band Car Bomb, and doom/sludge acts like Boris, use extremely low standard tunings like this for maximum heaviness while retaining normal fretting shapes.
What are the frequencies for Bb Standard?
Bb1 = 58.27 Hz, Eb2 = 77.78 Hz, Ab2 = 103.83 Hz, Db3 = 138.59 Hz, F3 = 174.61 Hz, Bb3 = 233.08 Hz.