Drop B Tuning

by Andrew
(Guyton, GA, United States)

I have a Squier Bullet Strat and I am wanting to tune it to Drop B. I know i need thick strings, but will tuning it to this affect my Squier guitar in any way? Will i have to adjust anything on my guitar besides the tuning?

ANSWER

Hi, Andrew--

The Squier guitars really are not made to handle a drastic change in tuning. What will happen is that when you tune down, you will have to keep tuning it for about 5 or 6 times because the neck will try to readjust to its original position.

Then when you go to tune back, the same thing will happen. In general, you need a much beefier guitar for this low a tuning. Squiers can handle Drop D pretty well, but anything below that is a problem.

Best Wishes,
Lynne

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Mar 15, 2009
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by: Andrew

Thank you Lynne. I am glad you informed me about this. Could you recommend a certain type of guitar that could take this tuning the best?

ANSWER

Hi, Andrew--

As strange as it seems, the old Les Paul "tunomatic" bridge, which hasn't changed in YEARS is the one I have found to be the most adaptable to lower tunings. Some of my students even have Epiphone Les Paul or SG guitars and they seem to be good also.

Check this one out--it's on sale right now and is BEAUTIFUL, especially considering the price:

Epiphone Les Paul Custom

Let me know what you think!

Lynne

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