B Standard (Fourth Down) Tuning

Standard tuning dropped a full fourth to B — the go-to for baritone-style riffing, deathcore and heavy modern metal, with all standard shapes intact. Low to high: B E A D F# B.

B6th (low)
E5th
A4th
D3rd
F#2nd
B1st (high)
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How to tune to B Standard (Fourth Down)

  1. Start in standard tuning.
  2. Lower every string by two and a half steps (five semitones — a perfect fourth).
  3. Result, low to high: B E A D F# B. This is exactly standard tuning shifted down a fourth, so all your shapes transfer — it just sounds far heavier.
  4. A baritone-scale guitar and heavy strings (.013–.062+) keep this tuning tight and playable.
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B Standard (Fourth Down) tuning — FAQ

What are the string notes for B Standard (Fourth Down) tuning?

B Standard (Fourth Down) tuning is, from the low (6th) string to the high (1st) string, B E A D F# B.

How do I tune my guitar to B Standard (Fourth Down)?

Start in standard tuning. Lower every string by two and a half steps (five semitones — a perfect fourth). Result, low to high: B E A D F# B. This is exactly standard tuning shifted down a fourth, so all your shapes transfer — it just sounds far heavier. A baritone-scale guitar and heavy strings (.013–.062+) keep this tuning tight and playable.

What is B Standard (Fourth Down) tuning good for?

Standard tuning dropped a full fourth to B — the go-to for baritone-style riffing, deathcore and heavy modern metal, with all standard shapes intact.

More tunings: see all 15 tunings · standard tuning chart

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