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.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:
| 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 |
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
Gear for Bb Standard Tuning
Tools that make tuning to Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - Bb easier.
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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