Verbal Analysis

The "Linkin Park - B Tuning" is a profoundly powerful and guttural low tuning, perfectly suited for aggressive rock, nu-metal, and heavy metal genres. It delivers a deep, resonant tone that emphasizes crushing riffs, heavy rhythmic playing, and a dark, imposing sonic landscape. The tuning description notes it's like a standard six-string baritone tuning (often B-E-A-D-F#-B) but with the F# on the second string raised a half-step to G. This alteration gives it a distinctive character, balancing an extreme low end with a familiar melodic feel on the higher strings due to the retained major third interval.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar's open strings to B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3 (from thickest to thinnest string). Let's break down its intervals and implications:

• Intervals: The tuning features a series of perfect fourths (5 semitones) across the lower five strings (B-E, E-A, A-D, D-G), mirroring the bottom strings of standard E tuning. Crucially, a major third (4 semitones) exists between the 2nd (G) and 1st (B) strings, just like in standard E tuning (G-B). This specific pattern is essentially standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) shifted down a perfect fourth (5 semitones) on most strings, with the second string altered from F# (which would be the result of a direct perfect fourth drop from B) to G.
• Open Chords: The open strings themselves (B-E-A-D-G-B) do not form a simple major or minor chord. However, the consistent perfect fourth intervals across the lower strings make it exceptionally easy to play power chords. By fretting two adjacent strings (e.g., the 6th and 5th, or 5th and 4th) at the same fret, you immediately achieve a root-fifth interval, which is fundamental for heavy rhythm playing.
• Chords within Reach: The presence of the G-B major third on the 2nd and 1st strings, combined with the D on the 3rd string, means that many standard E-shape and A-shape voicings can be readily adapted. For instance, an open D (3rd string), G (2nd string), B (1st string) forms a G major chord in its first inversion (G/D). Familiar major and minor chord shapes will translate relatively easily on the higher strings, albeit at a lower pitch and with the lowest root often being perceived from the 3rd string D or higher. The overall low pitch also facilitates massive, open power chords using the lower strings.
• Genre Suitability: As its name suggests, this tuning is a staple in genres requiring immense low-end power and aggression. It's ideal for chugging riffs, heavy palm-muting, and creating a dense, impactful soundscape.
• String Gauge Recommendation: Due to the significant drop in pitch on all strings (ranging from 4 to 5 semitones), a much heavier gauge of strings is strongly recommended across the entire set. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability, preventing floppiness and fret buzz.

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard E2 to B1. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard A2 to E2. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard D3 to A2. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard G3 to D3. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 4 semitones from its standard B3 to G3. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard E4 to B3. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.

6th String: B1

5th String: E2

4th String: A2

3rd String: D3

2nd String: G3

1st String: B3