Drop C Bass Tuning
Drop C tuning is C G C F, from string 4 to string 1. Tune each string with the online tuner below, or tap a string on the headstock to hear its note.
- Free, no sign-up
- 4 strings
- Lowest note C1
- Mic stays on your device
Reference pitch (A4)
Hz
Lower it in noisy rooms
Press Start tuning, then play a string
0/4 tuned
Drop C notes
A4 = 440 Hz| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | C1 | 32.70 Hz |
| 3 | G1 | 49.00 Hz |
| 2 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 1 | F2 | 87.31 Hz |
About Drop C tuning
Low string dropped to C for one-finger power chords.
- Range: C1 (32.70 Hz) to F2 (87.31 Hz).
Intervals between strings
- C → G perfect fifth
- G → C perfect fourth
- C → F perfect fourth
How to tune from Standard to Drop C
Lower every string a whole step, then lower string 4 a further whole step.
| String | Standard | Drop C | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | E1 | C1 | Lower 4 semitones |
| 3 | A1 | G1 | Lower a whole step |
| 2 | D2 | C2 | Lower a whole step |
| 1 | G2 | F2 | Lower a whole step |
Tuning this far down makes the low strings loose. Thicker strings (a heavier gauge) keep the tension, tone and tuning stable.
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Start the tuner
Press Start tuning and allow microphone access. The tuner is already set to Drop C.
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Play one string at a time
Let a string ring and watch the needle. Auto mode finds the closest string in Drop C tuning for you.
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Turn the peg until green
Needle on the left means flat (too low), so tighten. Needle on the right means sharp (too high), so loosen. Green means the string is in tune.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of Drop C tuning?
From string 4 to string 1, Drop C tuning on the bass is C1, G1, C2, F2.
What are the string frequencies of Drop C tuning?
At the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz, the strings are tuned to C1 32.70 Hz, G1 49.00 Hz, C2 65.41 Hz, F2 87.31 Hz. If you change A4 in the tuner settings, every target changes too.
How do I get from Standard tuning to Drop C tuning?
Lower every string a whole step, then lower string 4 a further whole step. Tuning this far down makes the low strings loose. Thicker strings (a heavier gauge) keep the tension, tone and tuning stable.
Can I tune to Drop C tuning without a microphone?
Yes. Tap a string on the headstock to hear its note and match it by ear. You can also switch on Repeat to hear the note every few seconds while you turn the peg.
Similar tunings
- Bass Tuner 4 strings from E1 to G2. E A D G
- Half Step Down Bass Tuning Standard intervals, every string a half step lower. E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭
- D Standard Bass Tuning Standard intervals, every string a whole step lower. D G C F
- C Standard Bass Tuning Standard intervals, every string 4 semitones lower. C F B♭ E♭
- Drop D Bass Tuning Low string dropped to D for one-finger power chords. D A D G
- Drop C♯ Bass Tuning Low string dropped to C♯ for one-finger power chords. C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯
- Drop B Bass Tuning Low string dropped to B for one-finger power chords. B F♯ B E
- Drop A Bass Tuning Low string dropped to A for one-finger power chords. A E A D
- BEAD Bass Tuning A 4-string bass tuned a fourth lower, like the lowest four strings of a 5-string. B E A D
- Tenor Bass Tuning Tuned a fourth higher than standard, for playing melodies and chords on bass. A D G C
All bass tunings
More tuners
- Guitar Tuner Acoustic, electric and 12-string with 45 tunings. E A D G B E
- Bass Tuner 4, 5 and 6-string bass, from drop D to BEAD. E A D G
- Ukulele Tuner Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukulele. G C E A
- Violin Tuner G D A E with bowed reference tones. G D A E
- Viola Tuner C G D A, a fifth below the violin. C G D A
- Cello Tuner C G D A, an octave below the viola. C G D A
- Double Bass Tuner Upright bass in orchestral and solo tuning. E A D G
- Banjo Tuner Open G, double C, sawmill, tenor and Irish tenor. G D G B D
- Mandolin Tuner Mandolin, mandola and octave mandolin. G D A E
- Chromatic Tuner Any instrument or voice, with B♭/E♭/F transposition.
Music tools
- Metronome Accurate online metronome with accents and subdivisions.
- Tone Generator Play any frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Tuning Fork 415, 432, 440, 442 and 444 Hz forks.
- Pitch Detector See the exact note and frequency you play. C
- Custom Tuning Tuner Build any tuning with 3 to 12 strings. E A D G B E
- Tune Guitar by Ear Repeating reference notes for every string. E A D G B E