The Kitsune Drop-B G Major 6 tuning (BGDGBe) is a powerful and versatile setup, notably utilized by the San Diego alternative metal band Kitsune in tracks such as "Marmalade," "(Story of a) Secret Encounter," and "Spin the Wheel." This tuning provides a deep, heavy foundation combined with rich harmonic possibilities, making it ideal for genres demanding both crushing lows and melodic complexity.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to B1-G2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (low to high). This arrangement features several interesting intervals:

• Low B (B1): This extremely low string provides a powerful, resonant pedal tone, setting a dark and heavy mood.
• G2-D3-G3-B3: These four middle strings form an open G Major chord (G-B-D), making the tuning highly resonant and harmonically rich. The repeated G and B notes create a natural sustain and harmonic clarity.
• High E (E4): The standard high E string adds brightness and extends the upper range, allowing for melodic contrast and intricate voicings against the lower, heavier strings.

Overall, the tuning can be characterized as a G Major 6th chord (G-B-D-E) with a low B pedal tone, creating a unique harmonic landscape. The wide interval between the 6th string (B1) and 5th string (G2) — a Major 6th (9 semitones) — contributes to its expansive sound.

Open Chords & Playability:

• Open G Major 6th / B: Strumming all open strings yields a powerful G Major 6th chord with a B in the bass (B-G-D-G-B-E). This provides an instant full, resonant sound, perfect for anthemic passages or foundational riffing.
• Power Chords: The dropped B on the 6th string, combined with the other lower strings, makes forming heavy power chords effortless. Two-finger power chords (root-5th) can be easily played on the 6th and 5th strings (e.g., at the same fret for B-F# if the 5th string was F#) or 5th and 4th strings (e.g., G-D). Three-finger power chords are also very accessible.
• Barre Chords: The contiguous G-D-G-B string set (5th through 2nd strings) facilitates easy barre chord shapes for major and suspended chords, especially when rooted on the 5th string (G). For example, a simple barre across these four strings at the 5th fret would yield a C Major chord (C-G-C-E).
• Melodic Leads: The standard high E string allows for familiar lead guitar techniques and scales, providing a familiar territory for soloing over the unique open string voicings.
• Heavy Riffing: The low B string is perfect for chugging, palm-muted riffs, and creating a formidable sonic presence characteristic of alternative and metal genres.

Tuning Notes:

String 6 (low E string): B1

String 5 (A string): G2

String 4 (D string): D3

String 3 (G string): G3

String 2 (B string): B3

String 1 (high E string): E4

How to Tune:

• String 6 (Low E to B1): From standard E, tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.
• String 5 (A to G2): From standard A, tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).