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Drop Tunings

Drop tunings lower the lowest string a whole step below the rest, so you can play power chords with one finger. Here is every drop tuning, from drop D down to drop E, with notes and an online tuner.

Drop Tunings

Tuning Notes Semitones from standard Lowest note
Drop D Tuning D A D G B E −2 0 0 0 0 0 D2 · 73.42 Hz
Drop C♯ Tuning C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯ −3 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 C♯2 · 69.30 Hz
Drop C Tuning C G C F A D −4 −2 −2 −2 −2 −2 C2 · 65.41 Hz
Drop B Tuning B F♯ B E G♯ C♯ −5 −3 −3 −3 −3 −3 B1 · 61.74 Hz
Drop A♯ Tuning A♯ F A♯ D♯ G C −6 −4 −4 −4 −4 −4 A♯1 · 58.27 Hz
Drop A Tuning A E A D F♯ B −7 −5 −5 −5 −5 −5 A1 · 55.00 Hz
Drop G♯ Tuning G♯ D♯ G♯ C♯ F A♯ −8 −6 −6 −6 −6 −6 G♯1 · 51.91 Hz
Drop G Tuning G D G C E A −9 −7 −7 −7 −7 −7 G1 · 49.00 Hz
Drop F♯ Tuning F♯ C♯ F♯ B D♯ G♯ −10 −8 −8 −8 −8 −8 F♯1 · 46.25 Hz
Drop E Tuning E B E A C♯ F♯ −12 −10 −10 −10 −10 −10 E1 · 41.20 Hz
Double Drop D Tuning D A D G B D −2 0 0 0 0 −2 D2 · 73.42 Hz

Drop tunings for bass

Tuning Notes Semitones from standard Lowest note
Drop D Bass Tuning D A D G −2 0 0 0 D1 · 36.71 Hz
Drop C♯ Bass Tuning C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ −3 −1 −1 −1 C♯1 · 34.65 Hz
Drop C Bass Tuning C G C F −4 −2 −2 −2 C1 · 32.70 Hz
Drop B Bass Tuning B F♯ B E −5 −3 −3 −3 B0 · 30.87 Hz
Drop A Bass Tuning A E A D −7 −5 −5 −5 A0 · 27.50 Hz
5-String Drop A Bass Tuning A E A D G −2 0 0 0 0 A0 · 27.50 Hz
6-String Drop A Bass Tuning A E A D G C −2 0 0 0 0 0 A0 · 27.50 Hz

What is a drop tuning?

In drop D, only the 6th string moves. It goes down a whole step, from E to D. The lowest three strings then form a power chord you can play with one finger. That is why drop tunings are so popular in rock and metal.

Lower drop tunings start from a lower standard tuning and drop the 6th string one more whole step. Drop C is D standard with the 6th string at C. Drop B is C♯ standard with the 6th string at B. The top five strings keep the chord shapes you already know.

Which drop tuning should I use?

Start with drop D, because it works on any guitar with regular strings. Drop C♯ and drop C suit heavier styles and usually feel better with slightly heavier strings. Drop B and lower are easiest on baritone or 7-string guitars.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between drop C and C standard?

Drop C is C G C F A D, which is D standard with the 6th string dropped to C. C standard is C F A♯ D♯ G C, with every string two whole steps below standard. Drop C lets you play power chords on the low strings with one finger.

Is drop D the same as DADGBE?

Yes. DADGBE is drop D written out by its notes from the 6th string to the 1st.

Do I need new strings for drop tunings?

Not for drop D. For drop C and lower, use a heavier set (or one made for drop tunings). It stops the low strings from feeling loose and buzzing.

What is double drop D?

Double drop D lowers both E strings to D: D A D G B D. It gives a fuller, droning sound for folk and rock.

Drop Tunings

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