Baritone Guitars: Go Lower, Go Deeper
Discover the rich, powerful tones that only extended scale lengths and lower tunings can provide. From thunderous metal riffs to haunting cinematic soundscapes.
Baritone Advantages:
Baritone Advantages
Extended range without additional strings. Powerful low-end for heavy music. Unique tonal character in standard range. Perfect for down-tuned styles. Excellent string tension at low tunings.
What Defines a Baritone Guitar?
Scale Length
The defining characteristic of baritone guitars is their extended scale length, typically 27-30 inches compared to standard guitars' 24.75-25.5 inches.
Standard Guitar: 24.75" - 25.5"
Baritone Guitar: 27" - 30"
Bass Guitar: 34"
Tuning Range
Baritones are typically tuned a fourth or fifth lower than standard guitars, providing access to much deeper frequencies while maintaining playability.
Standard Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E
Baritone Standard: B-E-A-D-F#-B
Low Range: Down to A or even lower
Construction & Design
Scale Length Options
- • 27" Scale: Shorter baritone scale, closer to standard guitar feel
- • 28-28.5" Scale: Most common baritone scale length, balanced tension
- • 30" Scale: Extended scale for maximum low-end clarity
- • Multi-Scale/Fanned: Different scale lengths per string for optimal tension
Construction Differences
- • Reinforced Neck: Stronger construction to handle increased string tension
- • Larger Body: Often bigger than standard guitars for better low-end resonance
- • Heavy-Gauge Strings: Typically .013-.072 or heavier for proper tension
- • Adjusted Bracing: Internal bracing optimized for lower frequencies
Popular Tuning Options
Standard Baritone
Tuning: B-E-A-D-F#-B
Description: Most common baritone tuning. Perfect fourth down from standard guitar.
Benefits: Familiar chord shapes, easy transition from standard guitar
Drop A Baritone
Tuning: A-E-A-D-F#-B
Description: Baritone version of drop D tuning. Lowest string tuned to A.
Benefits: Power chords on lowest two strings, heavy metal applications
Low C Tuning
Tuning: C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C
Description: Extended range tuning for maximum low end.
Benefits: Deep, powerful sound, extended range for composition
Nashville Tuning
Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (octaved)
Description: Standard tuning with thinner strings tuned an octave higher.
Benefits: Chimey, bell-like tones, complements standard guitars
Acoustic vs Electric Baritones
Acoustic Baritone
Characteristics: Rich, woody low-end resonance; perfect for fingerpicking and folk; natural compression and sustain; ideal for songwriting and recording
Best for: Country, folk, Americana, cinematic music, solo performance
Notable models: Martin D-28BTE, Taylor Custom Baritone, Santa Cruz Baritone
Electric Baritone
Characteristics: Aggressive attack and definition; perfect for heavy, distorted tones; extended range for lead work; effects processing possibilities
Best for: Metal, progressive rock, experimental music, film scoring
Notable models: Fender Bass VI, PRS SE 277, Schecter Hellraiser
Musical Applications
Metal & Heavy Rock
Baritones excel in heavy music genres where low tunings are essential.
Key Techniques: Down-tuned riffing, extended range solos, heavy rhythm work, djent and progressive styles
Notable Artists: Meshuggah, Periphery, Animals as Leaders, TesseracT
Alternative & Indie
Unique tonal character adds depth to alternative and experimental music.
Key Techniques: Atmospheric textures, chord voicings, melodic bass lines, ambient soundscapes
Notable Artists: Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Country & Americana
Baritones provide rich, deep accompaniment in country and folk contexts.
Key Techniques: Fingerpicking patterns, open chord voicings, slide guitar, rhythmic strumming
Notable Artists: Duane Eddy, Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Isbell
Film & Game Scoring
Perfect for creating atmospheric and cinematic soundscapes.
Key Techniques: Ambient textures, drone notes, harmonic intervals, effects processing
Notable Artists: Hans Zimmer, Trent Reznor, Gustavo Santaolalla, Austin Wintory
The Legendary Fender Bass VI
A Unique Instrument
The Fender Bass VI, originally introduced in 1961, is perhaps the most famous baritone guitar. With its 30-inch scale and unique tuning (E-E, one octave below standard guitar), it occupies a special place between guitar and bass.
Specifications: 30" scale length; E-A-D-G-B-E tuning (octave below guitar); three single-coil pickups; Jaguar-style body and electronics; floating bridge with vibrato
Famous Users: The Beatles (various songs), The Cure (Robert Smith), Radiohead, Jack White, Peter Hook (New Order, Joy Division)
Recommended Baritone Guitars
Entry Level ($400-1000)
$400-1000Professional ($1000-3000)
$1000-3000High-End ($3000+)
$3000+Baritone Playing Techniques
Rhythm Techniques
- • Power chords: Massive, thick sound in low register
- • Open chords: Rich, complex voicings
- • Palm muting: Percussive attack for metal styles
- • Drone notes: Sustained low notes under melodies
- • Chord extensions: Use the extended range for unique voicings
Lead Techniques
- • Extended range solos: Access to lower melodic register
- • Harmonic intervals: Rich two-note harmonies
- • Slide guitar: Excellent for atmospheric textures
- • Ambient picking: Spacious, cinematic soundscapes
- • Cross-picking: Complex fingerpicking patterns
Setup & Maintenance
Setup Considerations
- • String gauge: Heavier strings needed for proper tension
- • Intonation: Critical due to extended scale length
- • Action height: May need adjustment for comfortable playing
- • Nut slots: Must accommodate heavier strings
- • Bridge adjustment: Important for tuning stability
String Recommendations
Standard Baritone (B-B): .013-.017-.026-.036-.046-.060
Low A Tuning: .014-.018-.028-.042-.056-.072
Bass VI Style: .024-.034-.044-.056-.072-.084
Getting Started with Baritone
For Guitar Players
Familiar Territory: Same chord shapes, different pitches; standard guitar techniques apply; familiar fretboard patterns; easy transition from 6-string guitar
New Considerations: Heavier string tension requires adjustment; extended scale affects finger stretches; different tonal palette to explore; may need to adjust playing style
Practice Tips
- • Start with familiar songs: Learn songs you know in new tuning
- • Explore the low end: Take advantage of the extended range
- • Experiment with effects: Reverb and delay sound great on baritones
- • Play with others: Baritones complement standard guitars well
- • Record your playing: Hear how the baritone sits in a mix