Baritone Guitar Tunings Explained: A Comprehensive Guide

Baritone guitar tuning refers to the lowered pitch range of a baritone guitar, typically tuned a perfect fourth (B standard) or a perfect fifth (A standard) below a standard guitar. This extended-range instrument, with its longer scale length and heavier strings, produces deeper, richer tones ideal for genres from surf rock to modern metal.

Quick Facts

Etymology / Origin

The term “baritone” is borrowed from vocal classification, where it denotes a male voice between tenor and bass. Applied to the guitar, it signifies an instrument that occupies a similar middle-low register. The modern baritone guitar emerged in the late 1950s, pioneered by Danelectro. Their first baritone model was introduced in 1956, featuring a 27-inch scale length and tuned a perfect fourth below standard (B–E–A–D–F#–B). It gained prominence in surf rock and spaghetti western soundtracks, notably in Ennio Morricone’s scores. In the 1990s, the baritone experienced a resurgence in heavy metal and alternative rock, with bands like Korn and Tool exploiting its downtuned, aggressive voicings. Today, baritone guitars are produced by numerous manufacturers and are used across genres from jazz to djent.

How It Works

The baritone guitar achieves its lower pitch through a combination of increased scale length and heavier string gauges. Standard guitars have a scale length of 24.75–25.5 inches, while baritones typically range from 27 to 30.5 inches. This longer scale allows strings to be tuned lower while maintaining adequate tension, preventing fret buzz and poor intonation. The physics is straightforward: for a given string tension, a longer string vibrates at a lower frequency. To compensate for the reduced tension of down-tuning, baritone strings are thicker—commonly .013–.062 for B standard, compared to .010–.046 for standard tuning. The tuning intervals remain identical to standard guitar (E–A–D–G–B–E), but the entire pitch set is transposed down. This means chord shapes and scale patterns are the same; only the sounding pitch changes. For example, an open E chord shape on a baritone tuned B–B produces a B major chord.

Notation & Diagrams

Baritone guitar music is often notated in one of two ways: at concert pitch (sounding as written) or transposed up an octave to avoid excessive ledger lines. In tablature, the strings are labeled with their actual pitches. Below is a text-based tab for a common baritone riff in B standard tuning, demonstrating the low B string’s power:

B|-----------------|
F#|-----------------|
D|-----------------|
A|-----------------|
E|-----------------|
B|--0--0--3--0--5--|

Chord diagrams are identical to standard guitar, but the resulting chord names are transposed. For instance, a standard G major shape (320003) on a baritone tuned B–B sounds a D major chord. Players can use familiar fingerings while thinking in terms of the actual key.

Step-by-Step / How to Tune a Baritone Guitar

1. Choose your target tuning. The most common is B standard (B–E–A–D–F#–B), but you may prefer A standard or a drop tuning.
2. Select appropriate strings. For B standard, a .013–.062 set is typical. For A standard, .014–.068 or heavier. Lighter gauges will feel floppy and cause intonation issues.
3. Install the strings and stretch them to minimize initial tuning instability.
4. Use a chromatic tuner. Tune the low B string first, then proceed to E, A, D, F#, and high B. If using A standard, tune A–D–G–C–E–A.
5. Check and adjust intonation at the 12th fret. The longer scale may require saddle adjustments.
6. Set the truss rod to accommodate the increased string tension. A slight forward bow is normal; too much relief causes high action.
7. Fine-tune the action at the bridge to your playing style.

Common Variations

• B Standard (B–E–A–D–F#–B): The most popular baritone tuning, a perfect fourth below standard. Ideal for rock, metal, and surf.
• A Standard (A–D–G–C–E–A): A perfect fifth below standard, offering even deeper tones. Common in extreme metal and djent.
• C Standard (C–F–Bb–Eb–G–C): A major third below standard, often used as a middle ground for players who find B too low.
• Drop A (A–E–A–D–F#–B): From B standard, drop the low B to A, creating a power chord on the bottom two strings. Favored in modern metal.
• Open G Baritone (D–G–D–G–B–D): A popular slide tuning, transposed down. Produces a massive, resonant chord when strummed open.
• Baritone 7-string (B–E–A–D–G–B–E): Some 7-string guitars are essentially baritones with an extra high string, blending extended range with standard tuning.

Common Mistakes

• Using standard guitar strings: They lack the mass to maintain tension at lower pitches, resulting in floppy, buzzing strings and poor intonation.
• Neglecting truss rod adjustment: Heavier strings exert more pull on the neck; failing to tighten the truss rod can cause excessive relief and high action.
• Ignoring intonation: The longer scale amplifies intonation errors. Always check and adjust saddle positions after changing tunings or string gauges.
• Expecting identical chord voicings: While shapes are the same, the lower pitch can make dense chords sound muddy. Open voicings and power chords often work better.
• Overlooking amplifier and effects settings: Low tunings can overwhelm speakers and distort easily. Adjust EQ to reduce low-end boom and maintain clarity.

Notable Examples in Songs

• “The Pot” – Tool
• “Freak on a Leash” – Korn
• “Change (In the House of Flies)” – Deftones
• “Surf Rider” – The Lively Ones
• “The Beautiful People” – Marilyn Manson
• “Before I Forget” – Slipknot