This unique tuning, aptly named "BBBEBB," is a deep, resonant, and drone-oriented setup for your guitar. It deviates from standard tunings to create a powerful low-end foundation, drawing inspiration from very low tunings like B Ostrich but with its own distinct character.

Verbal Analysis

As the creator describes, while experimenting with B Ostrich (a tuning typically featuring all B's), the decision was made to tune the G string down to E instead of up to B. This slight alteration profoundly impacts the tuning's sonic landscape. The result is a heavy, almost industrial feel, dominated by multiple B notes across the instrument. The E on the 3rd string provides a haunting, suspended quality, preventing the tuning from being a monolithic drone and adding a touch of melodic possibility.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: B1 B2 B2 E3 B3 B3 (from low to high)
• Intervals:
  • 6th string (B1) to 5th string (B2): An octave up (12 semitones). This creates a massive, thick low B.
  • 5th string (B2) to 4th string (B2): Unison. Another layer of B, further enhancing the drone.
  • 4th string (B2) to 3rd string (E3): A perfect fourth up (5 semitones). This E is the characteristic element, creating a Bsus4 feel.
  • 3rd string (E3) to 2nd string (B3): A perfect fifth up (7 semitones). This interval is common and harmonically strong.
  • 2nd string (B3) to 1st string (B3): Unison. Yet another B, providing a bright, ringing top end to the drone.
• Open Chord: When strummed open, this tuning produces a thick B drone with an implied suspended fourth (Bsus4) due to the open E string. The abundance of B notes across multiple octaves creates a huge, resonant sound. It lacks a major or minor third, making it versatile for both dark and atmospheric passages.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Power Chords: Given the low B's and the arrangement of P4 and P5 intervals, power chords will be incredibly easy and potent. Simply barring two or three adjacent lower strings will often yield massive B power chords or related intervals.
  • Drone and Ambient: The multiple B unisons make this ideal for sustained drones and atmospheric soundscapes, especially when combined with delay and reverb.
  • Riffs: Excellent for heavy, single-note riffs on the lower strings, leveraging the low B. The E on the 3rd string allows for interesting melodic counterpoints.
  • Suspended Harmonies: The open E on the 3rd string naturally lends itself to Bsus4 harmonies, which can be explored by moving this E to D# (major 3rd) or D (minor 3rd) with a single finger.

How to Tune

This section describes how to adjust your guitar from its current state to the BBBEBB tuning, based on the specified semitone movements. Please exercise caution when tuning, especially with larger adjustments.

• 6th String: Tune down 5 semitones to B1. This is a significant drop. For optimal tension and tone, especially for sustained play, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 5th String: Tune up 2 semitones to B2. Take care when tuning up, ensuring the string remains stable.
• 4th String: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String: Tune down 5 semitones to B3. Similar to the 6th string, this is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is recommended for improved playability and sound quality.

Here are the open notes for each string, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• 6th String: B1 (Low B, one octave below standard Low E)
• 5th String: B2 (B, same octave as standard Low E)
• 4th String: B2 (B, same octave as standard Low E, unison with 5th string)
• 3rd String: E3 (E, same octave as standard D string)
• 2nd String: B3 (B, same octave as standard G string)
• 1st String: B3 (B, one step above standard G string, unison with 2nd string)