The Drop D Unison B tuning is a fascinating and innovative variant, blending the powerful low end of Drop D with a unique, resonant high end. It takes the familiar deep rumble of a dropped 6th string and pairs it with an intriguing unison on the highest two strings, creating a truly distinctive sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis: This tuning offers a versatile palette for guitarists looking for something beyond the standard. The dropped 6th string (D) provides a heavy foundation perfect for rock, metal, or blues, allowing for deep, resonant riffs and power chords with ease. The standout feature, however, is the high B string being tuned in unison with the 2nd string. This creates a thick, almost chorusing effect on the upper register, adding a shimmering quality to melodies and arpeggios that is both bright and full. It gives a unique textural depth, making single notes sound richer and chords more complex and harmonically dense.

Technical Analysis: From a technical standpoint, the open strings are D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-B3. The lower three strings (D-A-D) immediately establish a D power chord (D5), characteristic of Drop D, making powerful, open-string riffs instantly accessible. The subsequent G3 and B3 strings maintain standard intervals (a perfect fourth then a major third), but the true innovation lies with the 1st string being lowered significantly to B3, creating a perfect unison with the 2nd string (B3). This means that any notes played on the 1st and 2nd strings at the same fret will be the same pitch, offering incredible thickness and sustain. While the open strings themselves don't form a single conventional major or minor chord, the D-A-D provides a strong D root, and the G-B-B hint at a G major feel with a pronounced B.

Chordal Possibilities:

• Open D5 Power Chord: Easily achieved by strumming the lower three strings (D-A-D). This allows for quick shifts between power chords on the lower strings, mimicking the ease of Drop D.
• Unison Shimmer: The B3-B3 unison means that chords that traditionally use the top two strings will have an exceptionally thick, resonant quality. Barre chords that encompass these two strings will sound remarkably full.
• Rich B Voicings: Any chord featuring a B note prominently will benefit from the double B on the highest strings, giving it extra weight and presence.
• Accessible Power Chords: Like Drop D, single-finger barres across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (e.g., 3rd fret for G5) become incredibly easy, making this tuning excellent for heavy rhythm work.
• Unique Melodies: Melodies played on the 1st and 2nd strings can be harmonized by playing the same note on both, creating a natural doubling effect similar to a 12-string guitar or a chorusing pedal, but entirely acoustic.

Tuning Notes:

These are the target notes for each string, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• 6th String: D2 (Low D)
• 5th String: A2 (A)
• 4th String: D3 (D)
• 3rd String: G3 (G)
• 2nd String: B3 (B)
• 1st String: B3 (High B)

How to Tune:

To achieve the Drop D Unison B tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. This drops your low E string to a D, giving you the signature Drop D low end.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. This is a significant drop from the standard E4. Caution: Dropping a string by 5 semitones is a substantial change. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 1st string to maintain proper tension and tone and prevent potential intonation issues or string breakage.