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Drop B Guitar Tuner

Drop B
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
F#92
B123
E165
G#208
C#277

How to Tune to Drop B

C# Standard with the low string dropped to B, creating one of the heaviest 6-string tunings in common use. Drop B is synonymous with Slipknot, who used it to devastating effect on albums like "Iowa" and "Vol. 3." It also appears across death metal, deathcore, and progressive metal.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2B1Tune down 5 semitones
String 5A2F#2Tune down 3 semitones
String 4D3B2Tune down 3 semitones
String 3G3E3Tune down 3 semitones
String 2B3G#3Tune down 3 semitones
String 1E4C#4Tune down 3 semitones
Printable Drop B chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Slipknot's Mick Thomson and Jim Root used Drop B on many of the band's heaviest recordings, including the infamously brutal "Iowa" album (2002). The album was recorded in such intense sessions that band members later described the experience as genuinely traumatic — the tuning's crushing weight matched the album's extreme emotional intensity.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:.012-.060 minimum. The low B string (at 61.74 Hz) needs a very heavy gauge to maintain clarity and prevent excessive buzz. Many players use .013-.062 or even .014-.068. A guitar setup with adjusted action and intonation is essential.

Gear for Drop B

Tools that make tuning to B - F# - B - E - G# - C# 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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Drop BIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details
Drop BIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details
Drop BIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a baritone guitar?
Not necessarily, but it helps significantly. A standard 25.5" scale guitar can handle Drop B with heavy strings (.012-.060), but a baritone scale (26.5"-27") provides better tension, clearer intonation, and less fret buzz. Many modern metal guitars are designed with extended scales specifically for low tunings like this.
How to tune to Drop B like Slipknot?
Step 1: Tune to C# Standard (every string down 3 semitones). Step 2: Drop the 6th string one more whole step from C# to B. Result: B-F#-B-E-G#-C#. Use heavy strings (.012-.060) and ensure your guitar is set up for the lower tension. The tuner above provides exact frequencies for each string.
What tuning is Duality in?
"Duality" by Slipknot is in Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#). The song's iconic opening riff takes advantage of the one-finger power chords that Drop B enables, alternating between the low B and higher melodic passages. Most of Slipknot's Vol. 3 album uses this tuning.
What string gauge for Drop B on a 6-string?
For 25.5" scale: .013-.062 or .012-.060 minimum. For 24.75" scale (Gibson-style): .013-.064 or heavier. The low B string should be at least .060 for usable tension. Popular sets include D'Addario EXL148 (.012-.060) and Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012-.056, though the low string may need upgrading to .060+).