BGBEAD Guitar Tuner
BGBEAD B Gb B E Ab Db - Guitar tuning, chords & scales
This unique guitar tuning, named "B Gb B E Ab Db", drops all strings significantly below standard EADGBe, creating a deep and resonant soundscape. While the name suggests notes with flats (Gb, Ab, Db), the explicit pitches for analysis, derived from the tuning notes provided, are B1 G2 B2 E3 A3 D4. This tuning is not based on a common open chord, but rather offers a distinctive sonic character with potential for heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and unique chord voicings due to its non-standard intervals and the prominent low B.
Technical Analysis:
- String 6 (B1): The lowest string is tuned to B1, providing a very deep and powerful foundation, ideal for heavy music or a brooding drone.
- String 5 (G2): Tuned to G2, forming a minor 6th interval with the 6th string (B1).
- String 4 (B2): Tuned to B2, an octave above the 6th string (B1) and a major 3rd above the 5th string (G2). The repeated B notes (6th and 4th strings) create a strong, resonant drone effect.
- String 3 (E3): Tuned to E3, a perfect 4th above the 4th string (B2).
- String 2 (A3): Tuned to A3, a perfect 4th above the 3rd string (E3).
- String 1 (D4): Tuned to D4, a perfect 4th above the 2nd string (A3). The top three strings (E3, A3, D4) retain the perfect fourth interval relationship found in the middle strings of standard tuning, albeit shifted down.
Chords and Playability:
- Open Chords: This tuning doesn't present an obvious open major or minor chord across all strings, encouraging unique chord shapes and melodic exploration.
- Internal Chords: Despite not being a true open chord tuning, several recognizable triads can be found or easily formed:
- An E minor triad (E G B) can be formed using the 3rd (E3), 5th (G2), and 4th (B2) strings.
- A G major triad (G B D) can be formed using the 5th (G2), 4th (B2), and 1st (D4) strings.
- Drone and Power Chords: The octave B notes on strings 6 and 4 are excellent for creating powerful, droning riffs and robust power chords centered on B. The G on the 5th string can add a minor or suspended flavor.
- Heavier Styles: The overall low register and unique intervals lend themselves well to heavier rock, metal, or experimental genres, offering a full and heavy sound with distinct melodic possibilities.
How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe):
- String 6 (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop. For optimal string tension and to prevent buzzing, it is advised to use a heavier gauge string if you plan to use this tuning frequently.
- String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
- String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
- String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
- String 2 (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
- String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.
All strings are tuned down from standard, giving the instrument a much lower pitch range and a distinct sonic character.
The open notes for this tuning are:
- String 6: B1 (the lowest pitch)
- String 5: G2
- String 4: B2
- String 3: E3
- String 2: A3
- String 1: D4 (the highest pitch)
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More BGBEAD Resources
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Songs tuned to BGBEAD
Artist | Song | Album | Tab |
---|---|---|---|
Parkway Drive | Carrion | Vans Warped Tour 2010 |
Please use the below form to submit a song for BGBEAD that is not already on gtdb.org.
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Tuning Map
- Fret
- S6
- S5
- S4
- S3
- S2
- S1
- -13
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F#
- A#
- D#
- -12
- E
- A
- D
- G
- B
- E
- -11
- F
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C
- F
- -10
- F#
- B
- E
- A
- C#
- F#
- -9
- G
- C
- F
- A#
- D
- G
- -8
- G#
- C#
- F#
- B
- D#
- G#
- -7
- A
- D
- G
- C
- E
- A
- -6
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F
- A#
- -5
- B
- E
- A
- D
- F#
- B
- -4
- C
- F
- A#
- D#
- G
- C
- -3
- C#
- F#
- B
- E
- G#
- C#
- -2
- D
- G
- C
- F
- A
- D
- -1
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F#
- A#
- D#
- 0
- E
- A
- D
- G
- B
- E
- 1
- F
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C
- F
- 2
- F#
- B
- E
- A
- C#
- F#
- 3
- G
- C
- F
- A#
- D
- G
- 4
- G#
- C#
- F#
- B
- D#
- G#
- 5
- A
- D
- G
- C
- E
- A
- 6
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F
- A#
- 7
- B
- E
- A
- D
- F#
- B
- -5
- -2
- -3
- -3
- -2
- -2