Verbal Analysis

This tuning, which we've named "Low B & E Standard," offers a unique blend of deep, resonant bass notes with the familiarity of standard tuning in the higher registers. The two lowest strings are significantly dropped, creating a powerful, heavy foundation perfect for metal, hard rock, or any genre requiring a profound low end. The remaining four strings are kept at their standard pitch, allowing guitarists to retain many of their familiar chord shapes and lead patterns on the D, G, B, and high E strings.

The open strings (B1 E2 D3 G3 B3 E4) present an intriguing sonic landscape. While they don't form a simple major or minor open chord, they contain notes that hint at a deep G major (G-B-D) or Em7 (E-G-B-D) tonality, with the added low B and E giving it a distinctive character. The substantial drop on the 6th string to B1, coupled with the 5th string at E2, provides a wide, impactful bass range. This tuning encourages creative exploration, allowing for heavy, droning riffs on the lower strings while providing a clear canvas for melodies and chords on the upper strings.

Technical Analysis

This is a 6-string Guitar tuning. Compared to standard E A D G B E tuning, the modifications are as follows:

• The 6th (low E) string is tuned down 5 semitones to B1.
• The 5th (A) string is tuned down 5 semitones to E2.
• The 4th (D) string remains at D3.
• The 3rd (G) string remains at G3.
• The 2nd (B) string remains at B3.
• The 1st (high E) string remains at E4.

The open string notes are B1 E2 D3 G3 B3 E4. The presence of D, G, B, and E on the top four strings means that most standard chord voicings and scale patterns will remain familiar and playable in this range. The significant drops on the two lowest strings will likely require a heavier string gauge to maintain proper tension and intonation, especially for the 6th string which is tuned a perfect fourth below standard E. Open chords that leverage the lower strings might include variations of Em7 (E G B D) or G major with additional notes, providing rich harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune

To achieve "Low B & E Standard" tuning from standard E A D G B E, follow these steps, adjusting each string to its specified note:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. (Note: As this involves tuning down 5 semitones, which is a significant adjustment, a heavier string gauge is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone stability.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment. A heavier string gauge is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone stability.)
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

Always tune carefully, checking intonation as you go. For strings with significant tuning changes, such as the 6th and 5th strings in this tuning, adjusting your string gauge will greatly enhance playability and prevent buzzing or poor intonation.

Here are the notes for each string in "Low B & E Standard" tuning, from thickest to thinnest:

• String 6: B1
• String 5: E2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4