Tuning Overview: BABGBE

This unique guitar tuning, which we'll call BABGBE, offers a powerful, low-end sound profile deeply rooted in the key of B. Inspired by modern heavy genres and the progressive sounds of bands like Periphery, Mastodon, Tool, and Architects, it features a significantly dropped low E string and a re-tuned D string. The most striking characteristic is the presence of three B notes across the lower-mid range of the guitar (B1, B2, B3), creating a massive, resonant foundation perfect for heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes. The remaining strings largely retain their standard intervals, offering familiar ground for lead work and melodic expression while anchored by the deep B.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes (low to high): B1 A2 B2 G3 B3 E4
• Comparison to Standard EADGBe Tuning:
• 6th String (Low E): Tuned down 5 semitones to B1. This is a substantial drop, giving the tuning its deep, growling character.
• 5th String (A): Remains at A2. This string maintains its standard pitch, creating an interesting minor 7th interval with the low B.
• 4th String (D): Tuned down 3 semitones to B2. This creates an octave with the 6th string's B1 and another B octave with the 2nd string's B3.
• 3rd String (G): Remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Remains at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Remains at E4.
• Key Features: The core of this tuning is the three B octaves (B1, B2, B3), providing unparalleled depth and sustain for power chords and open string drones. The low B-A-B configuration on the bottom strings allows for unique riffing opportunities, while the higher G-B-E provides familiar melodic possibilities.

Chordal & Playability Insights

• Massive Power Chords: The presence of B1 on the 6th string and B2 on the 4th string means that fretting these two strings at the same fret will yield incredibly thick, octave-doubled power chords. For example, a single finger barring the 2nd fret on strings 6 and 4 produces a C# octave chord with immense presence. This makes crafting heavy, chugging riffs intuitive and powerful.
• Open String Harmonies: While the full open tuning (B-A-B-G-B-E) doesn't form a conventional major or minor chord, the top four strings (B2 G3 B3 E4) contain the notes of an E minor chord (E-G-B) with an added B root on the 4th string. This makes accessible open E minor voicings a natural fit for this tuning, providing a contrast to the heavy low end.
• Riffing Potential: The low B combined with the A on the 5th string (B1-A2) creates a powerful minor 7th interval, which is excellent for creating dissonant, modern, and progressive riffs. This tuning encourages wide, open voicings and the use of the open B strings as drones.
• Genre Suitability: This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for metal, djent, progressive rock, and other heavy genres where a deep, resonant low end and intricate, powerful chords are desired.

How to Tune

To achieve the BABGBE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change in tension; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance and to prevent string breakage or intonation issues.)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string will remain at A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string will remain at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string will remain at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string will remain at E4.