The 'badgbe' tuning transforms the standard guitar into an instrument with a profound low end and unique intervallic relationships, perfect for creating heavy, dark, or experimental soundscapes. This tuning is characterized by an exceptionally deep B on the 6th string and a significant octave drop on the 2nd string, while maintaining the middle and highest strings at standard pitch. This combination results in a highly resonant and expansive tonal palette.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Tuning Name: badgbe
• Final Notes (Low to High): B1-A2-D3-G3-B2-E4
• Low End: The 6th string is tuned down five semitones from standard E2 to B1, providing an exceptionally deep and guttural bass foundation, often associated with heavier music genres.
• Mid-Range Stability: The 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings remain at their standard pitches (A2, D3, G3), offering familiar melodic and harmonic anchor points.
• Unique Octave Drop: The 2nd string is drastically tuned down a full octave from standard B3 to B2. This creates a wide, open interval between the G3 and B2 strings, fundamentally altering common chord voicings and open string possibilities in this register.
• High End: The 1st string retains its standard E4 pitch, providing a familiar high register for melodies and lead lines.
• Overall Character: This tuning boasts a very wide tonal range. The deep B1 combined with the octave-dropped B2 creates a unique sonic signature, pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar voicings and offering a rich tapestry for creative exploration.

Open String Chords & Voicings

The open strings B1-A2-D3-G3-B2-E4 (from low to high) present a rich harmonic cluster. Interpreted from the lowest B, these notes collectively form a B minor 11sus4 chord (B D E G A B), providing a resonant, complex, and slightly melancholic open sound. The two B notes (B1 and B2) establish a powerful root foundation. The distinctive major sixth interval between the G3 and B2 strings, in contrast to the standard major third, will reshape familiar chord shapes, encouraging more open voicings, unusual arpeggios, and expansive, drone-like textures. Power chords utilizing the low B (6th string), A (5th string), and D (4th string) are readily accessible, offering a solid base for heavy riffing.

How to Tune

• 6th String (E String): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant alteration. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended to maintain proper tension, intonation, and tone, preventing the string from becoming too floppy.
• 5th String (A String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain at A2.
• 4th String (D String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain at D3.
• 3rd String (G String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain at G3.
• 2nd String (B String): Tune down 12 semitones from B3 to B2. Warning: Dropping a full octave (12 semitones) will make this string extremely loose if using a standard gauge. A much heavier gauge string is absolutely essential for acceptable playability, intonation, and to prevent buzzing.
• 1st String (E String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain at E4.