Baritone guitars solve a problem most players run into when tuning lower.
When you tune a standard guitar down too far, the strings lose tension, feel loose, and start to lose clarity. Baritone guitars are designed to fix that.
With a longer scale length typically between 26.5 and 30 inches, they maintain proper string tension in lower tunings. The result is a deeper tone that still feels tight, responsive, and controlled.
Today, baritones are commonly used in B Standard, A Standard, and Drop A tunings whether for modern heavy styles, ambient textures, or expanding the range of a standard guitar.
In this guide, we will break down the most practical baritone tunings and how to match them with the right strings so the guitar feels balanced, stable, and playable.
If you are exploring lower tunings on a standard guitar, check out our complete guide to drop tunings for guitar for a full breakdown.
Best Strings for Baritone Guitar (Quick Answer)
The best strings for baritone guitars typically include:
• .013 to .062 for B Standard
• .013 to .068 or heavier for A Standard or Drop A
• Custom gauges for dialing in tension across longer scale lengths
Heavier gauges help maintain proper tension, improve tuning stability, and keep low end notes clear and defined.
What Is a Baritone Guitar?
At a glance, a baritone looks like a standard electric guitar, but the scale length changes everything.
Most baritones fall between 26.5 and 30 inches, compared to 24.75 to 25.5 inches on a typical guitar. That extra length increases string tension, allowing the instrument to stay tight and responsive in lower tunings.
Instead of forcing a standard guitar into low tunings, a baritone is designed so those tunings feel stable, clear, and usable.
Why Guitarists Use Baritone Guitars
Most players turn to a baritone after running into the limits of a standard guitar.
You can tune a regular guitar down, but at a certain point the strings lose tension and definition. A baritone keeps everything tighter, which makes a big difference in how notes respond especially for palm muted riffs and low end playing.
Originally, baritone guitars were used more for texture and layering. Over time, as tunings got lower, they became a practical solution for maintaining clarity and control.
Today, they are used across everything from ambient and cinematic styles to modern rock and heavy music.
Common Baritone Guitar Tunings
Baritone guitars make lower tunings feel stable and playable. These are tunings that would often feel loose on a standard guitar.
B Standard Tuning
B E A D F# B
B Standard is one of the most common baritone tunings.
It keeps the same interval structure as standard tuning while being tuned significantly lower. This allows you to use familiar chord shapes while getting a deeper, heavier tone.
A Standard Tuning
A D G C E A
A Standard takes things even lower.
This tuning creates a deeper, heavier tone and is commonly used in heavier styles of music. Baritone guitars help maintain the tension needed to keep this tuning tight and controlled.
Drop A Tuning
A E A D F# B
Drop A is widely used for heavy riffing.
It allows you to play power chords with a single finger across the lowest strings while keeping the rest of the guitar in a familiar layout.
If you want to go deeper into this tuning, check out our guide on best strings for Drop A tuning.
Drop B Tuning
B F# B E G# C#
Drop B offers a slightly tighter and more controlled feel than Drop A while still delivering a heavy, low end focused tone.
It is a great option for players who want the benefits of drop tuning without going quite as low as A.
For string recommendations and setup tips, check out our guide on best strings for Drop B tuning.
Choosing the Right Strings for Baritone Guitar
Because baritone guitars use longer scale lengths and lower tunings, string gauge plays a major role in feel and performance.
Choosing the right strings for baritone guitar tunings comes down to balancing tension, tone, and playability.
Heavier gauges help maintain tension, improve tuning stability, and keep notes clear especially on the low end.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how gauges affect tension and tone, read our guide on electric guitar string gauges for different tunings.
Recommended Strings for Baritone Guitar Tunings
Using the right strings is critical for getting the most out of a baritone guitar.
Many players prefer using purpose built baritone string sets to maintain proper tension and feel.
S.I.T. offers baritone specific options designed for lower tunings:
• S.I.T. Power Wound Nickel Baritone SB1358 13 to 58. One of the most reliable options for B Standard and Drop A, offering balanced tension and strong low end clarity
• S.I.T. Power Wound Nickel Baritone S1362 13 to 62. A great option for players who want additional low end tension and a tighter feel when tuning even lower
S.I.T. also offers Reverend Signature Baritone String Sets, developed in collaboration with Reverend Guitars for specific baritone models and tuning ranges.
These sets are designed around longer scale lengths and lower tunings, with carefully selected gauges to maintain proper tension and feel.
Options include:
• A heavier 12 to 68 set designed for tight, controlled response in lower tunings
• A lighter 11.5 to 56 set designed for a more comfortable feel while still handling down tuned applications
Both sets feature an unwound G string, giving players a more familiar feel for bending and lead playing compared to traditional baritone setups.
For a brighter tone with increased durability, many players choose S.I.T. Power Steel Stainless Steel electric guitar strings.
If you prefer a more traditional feel with balanced tone, S.I.T. Power Wound Nickel electric guitar strings are a reliable choice
Some players also build custom string sets using individual strings to fine tune tension across the fretboard.
You can explore the full range of options here.
Baritone Guitar vs Standard Guitar
The biggest difference between baritone and standard guitars is scale length.
Standard guitars typically range from 24.75 to 25.5 inches, while baritone guitars range from 26.5 to 30 inches.
This longer scale allows baritone guitars to handle lower tunings more comfortably while maintaining proper string tension.
Players who frequently use tunings like Drop B, Drop A, or C Standard often find baritone guitars provide better clarity and stability.
If you are experimenting with these tunings on a standard guitar, you can also check out our guides on best strings for C Standard tuning and best strings for Drop B tuning.
Tips for Playing in Baritone Tunings
Baritone guitars naturally produce more low end frequencies, so small adjustments can improve overall tone.
Using heavier strings helps maintain clarity and tension when tuning down.
Because baritone guitars have more tension, they may feel stiffer than a standard guitar. Some players adjust by using a lighter touch or slightly changing their picking technique.
Pickup height and amplifier settings may also need adjustment to balance the increased low end response.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baritone Guitars
What tuning is a baritone guitar normally in?
Most baritone guitars are tuned to B Standard: B E A D F# B
Can a baritone guitar use standard tuning?
Yes, but it is less common. Baritone guitars are designed for lower tunings, and standard tuning can feel overly tight.
Do baritone guitars need heavier strings?
Yes. Lower tunings require heavier string gauges to maintain proper tension, tone, and tuning stability.
Can a standard guitar be tuned like a baritone?
It is possible, but extremely low tunings can feel loose and unstable on a standard guitar due to the shorter scale length.
