Drop B Tuning
Tune your 4-string bass to Drop B — B0, F#1, B1, E2
About Drop B Tuning
Drop B bass tuning (B0-F#1-B1-E2) takes the bass into sub-bass territory. The low B0 at 30.87 Hz sits at the very bottom of human hearing range, producing a physical sensation as much as an audible note. This tuning is standard in djent, progressive metal, and extreme metal genres.
Bands like Periphery, Meshuggah (on some recordings), and August Burns Red pushed Drop B into the mainstream metal vocabulary. The tuning allows single-finger power chords (like Drop D and Drop C) but at brutally low frequencies. Combined with modern extended-range amp and cab setups, Drop B creates the thunderous low end that defines contemporary metal.
Playing in Drop B requires careful attention to string gauge, setup, and technique. Standard bass strings simply cannot produce usable tone at B0 — you need dedicated heavy-gauge strings and likely a professional setup to handle the changed tension and intonation requirements.
String Notes
4-String Bass
Recommended Strings
The low B0 needs a very heavy string — .130 minimum, and some players go up to .145 for maximum clarity. Standard bass strings are not designed for this tuning. Look for dedicated drop-tuning sets from Kalium, D'Addario NYXL, or Dunlop Heavy Core. A tapered-core low string is strongly recommended for proper saddle contact and intonation at the nut.
How to Tune to Drop B
- 1.Install appropriate heavy-gauge strings before attempting this tuning. Standard strings will not work at Drop B pitch.
- 2.Tune the lowest string to B0 (30.87 Hz). Use a chromatic tuner — this frequency is hard to hear clearly by ear alone.
- 3.Tune the second string to F#1 (46.25 Hz). Verify: fret the low B at the 7th fret — it should match the open F#.
- 4.Tune the third string to B1 (61.74 Hz). This should be exactly one octave above the lowest string.
- 5.Tune the highest string to E2 (82.41 Hz). Standard tuning's lowest note is now your highest open string.
- 6.Check power fifths: open lowest two strings should form B-F#. Bar at any fret for power chords.
Techniques for Drop B
Djent Palm Mutes
Tight palm muting with a pick produces the characteristic 'djent' attack. Drop B's low range makes this technique especially impactful.
Clean Technique
At B0, sloppy playing is immediately audible as mud. Use a light touch, mute unused strings carefully, and let the amp provide volume.
Amp/EQ Settings
High-pass filter around 30-40 Hz to remove sub-bass rumble. Boost upper mids for definition. The low B needs careful EQ to sound tight, not boomy.
One-Finger Power Chords
Same drop-tuning power chord technique, just at extremely low frequencies. Keep these tight and rhythmically precise.
Other Bass Tunings
Standard
4-String · E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
Drop D
4-String · D1 - A1 - D2 - G2
Half Step Down
4-String · D#1 - G#1 - C#2 - F#2
Full Step Down
4-String · D1 - G1 - C2 - F2
Drop C
4-String · C1 - G1 - C2 - F2
DADG
4-String · D1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Standard
5-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Drop A
5-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Drop G
5-String · G0 - D1 - G1 - C2 - F2
6-String Standard
6-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3
6-String Drop A
6-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3