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Open B Tuning Guitar Tuner

Open B Tuning
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
F#92
B123
F#185
B247
D#311

How to Tune to Open B Tuning

A massive open B major tuning (B-F#-B-F#-B-D#) that Devin Townsend uses to build his signature wall of sound. Every open string belongs to a B major chord, and the very low B gives an enormous, chiming foundation for layered ambient guitar. Strumming open produces a huge, ringing B major that suits Townsend's cinematic, reverb-drenched productions.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2B1Tune down 5 semitones
String 5A2F#2Tune down 3 semitones
String 4D3B2Tune down 3 semitones
String 3G3F#3Tune down a half step
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4D#4Tune down a half step
Printable Open B Tuning chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Devin Townsend layers dozens of guitar tracks in open tunings like this to create his trademark 'wall of sound.' Because every open string is part of the chord, he can stack shimmering, capoed and harmonic-laden parts that all lock together into one gigantic, choir-like texture.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Heavy strings (.011-.056 or a baritone set) are important because the low string drops all the way to B, well below standard. Extra mass keeps the low B and F# tight and defined rather than floppy.

Gear for Open B Tuning

Tools that make tuning to B - F# - B - F# - B - D# 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Open B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - F# - B - D#No Capo
Song Details
Open B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - F# - B - D#No Capo
Song Details
Open B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - F# - B - D#No Capo
Song Details
Open B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - F# - B - D#No Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Open B tuning?
Open B (B-F#-B-F#-B-D#) tunes all six strings to notes of a B major chord, so strumming the open strings sounds a full, low B major. It is essentially Open E or Open D shifted down to a deep, heavy register.
How do I tune to Open B?
This is a big detune from standard — the low E drops to B, and most strings move down substantially. Use heavier strings and tune slowly: B-F#-B-F#-B-D#. The tuner above will help you reach each low target.
Who uses Open B tuning?
Devin Townsend is closely associated with low open tunings like this for his ambient, wall-of-sound style. The deep open B major is ideal for layered, atmospheric rhythm and lead work.
What are the frequencies for Open B?
B1 = 61.74 Hz, F#2 = 92.50 Hz, B2 = 123.47 Hz, F#3 = 185.00 Hz, B3 = 246.94 Hz, D#4 = 311.13 Hz.