Open B
Open B Tuning Mode
Open B tuning (B F# B F# B D#) turns the open strings into a B major chord, combining a low root with clear, repeating drones.
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About Open B Tuning
Open B tuning (B F# B F# B D#) turns the open strings into a B major chord, combining a low root with clear, repeating drones.
Benefits of Open B Tuning
- Produces a complete B major chord without fretting
- Makes major chords available with a straight barre across all six strings
- Supports slide, droning accompaniment, and low open voicings
Notable Users
Open B appears in slide, progressive metal, ambient, and low-tuned rock arrangements, including guitar work associated with Devin Townsend.
Open B target notes
Tune the strings from low to high to B F# B F# B D#.
| Order | Target note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B1 | 61.74 Hz |
| 2 | F#2 | 92.50 Hz |
| 3 | B2 | 123.47 Hz |
| 4 | F#3 | 185.00 Hz |
| 5 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 6 | D#4 | 311.13 Hz |
How Open B is built
Open B tunes the strings from low to high to B1, F#2, B2, F#3, B3, and D#4. B, F#, and D# spell B major, so the unfretted strings produce a complete major chord and a straight barre moves that chord chromatically up the neck.
Open B is not B Standard or Drop B. B Standard preserves normal string intervals at B E A D F# B, Drop B uses B F# B E G# C#, and Open B deliberately rearranges the strings around the B major triad.
String tension and a clean tuning pass
The low E string falls to B1 and the A string to F#2. Light strings can become loose on a standard scale, so heavier low strings, suitable nut slots, and corrected intonation make a long-term Open B setup more stable.
Approach every target from below and check at least two full passes. Pick B1 and F#2 gently so the microphone does not jump to an overtone, then strum all six open strings and listen for one clear B major chord.
How to Tune to Open B
To tune your guitar to Open B, follow these steps:
- Start with your guitar in standard tuning if possible
- Use our online tuner above to help you hit the correct pitch for each string
- Tune each string carefully, checking the pitch accuracy as you go
- For drop tunings, be careful not to drop the pitch too far as it may cause fret buzz
- Once tuned, play some chords or scales to ensure everything sounds harmonious
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this tuning require different string gauges?
For lower tunings like Drop C or below, heavier gauge strings (11-56 or thicker) are recommended to maintain proper tension and prevent fret buzz.
Will I need to adjust my guitar's truss rod?
Significant changes in tuning, especially when going to lower tunings, may require truss rod adjustments to compensate for changes in string tension.
Can I use standard chord shapes in this tuning?
For drop tunings, power chords are easier, but other chord shapes will require different fingerings. For open tunings, standard chord shapes won't apply, but you can use simple bar positions.
English guides
Learn Open B faster
These guides explain when to use this tuning, how it compares with standard tuning, and what to check if your instrument still sounds off.
Open C Tuning Guide
Compare Open B with the same open-major layout one semitone higher before choosing string tension and setup.
Slide Guitar for Beginners
Learn the muting, intonation, and straight-barre movement that make an open-major tuning useful for slide.
Guitar String Gauge Guide
Choose enough low-string tension for B1 and F#2 instead of expecting a light standard set to stay focused.
Related Tuning Modes
Explore other tuning modes that complement Open B tuning
Open C
Open C tuning (C G C G C E) creates a C major chord on open strings, offering a bright, resonant sound.
B Standard
B Standard tuning (B E A D F# B) lowers every string five semitones while preserving the intervals and fingering logic of standard tuning.
Drop B
Drop B tuning (B F# B E G# C#) takes the guitar to significantly lower territory, ideal for extreme metal genres.