This is a unique and resonant guitar tuning, identified as "B6," designed for a deep, full sound. As the tuning creator noted, "This is a tuning I have used a few times." It strategically emphasizes a B root note across multiple octaves, creating a rich harmonic foundation suitable for genres ranging from heavy metal and alternative to ambient soundscapes and sophisticated chord voicings. The significant down-tuning on the lower strings, coupled with specific major intervals, provides a distinct character.

Technical Analysis

• The open strings are tuned to B1 - F3# - B2 - G4# - B3 - D5# (from the thickest 6th string to the thinnest 1st string).
• When strummed open, this tuning forms a rich B Major 6th chord (containing the notes B, D#, F#, and G#). The specific voicing with B1, F3#, B2, G4#, B3, and D5# creates a beautifully resonant and full sound, making it ideal for open chord playing.
• A notable characteristic is the strategic placement of the B note on three different strings (6th, 4th, and 2nd string positions) across different octaves (B1, B2, B3). This "unison octave" arrangement provides an incredibly stable and powerful foundation for chords and riffs, making it easy to play open octaves and robust power chords.
• The presence of D# (major third) on the 1st string and F# (perfect fifth) on the 5th string firmly establishes the major tonality, while the G# (major sixth) on the 3rd string adds a sophisticated, slightly jazzy, or open-ended flavor.
• Due to the open B Major 6th chord, many chord shapes will naturally resolve to B-based chords. Barre chords across the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings will retain the powerful B octave sound. Experimenting with shapes that utilize the open 5th (F#) and 3rd (G#) strings will unlock unique harmonic possibilities and textures.

How to Tune

Please note the specific string movements below. Pay particular attention to strings with significant semitone changes, as they may benefit from different string gauges for optimal tension and tone.

• 6th String (Low E position): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a very significant change. To maintain proper string tension, intonation, and tone, a heavier gauge string set is strongly advised.
• 5th String (A position): Tune down 3 semitones to F3#.
• 4th String (D position): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G position): Tune up 1 semitone to G4#.
• 2nd String (B position): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• 1st String (High E position): Tune down 1 semitone to D5#.

Here are the target notes for each string in the B6 tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

String 6: B1

String 5: F3#

String 4: B2

String 3: G4#

String 2: B3

String 1: D5#