Drop D Tuning (DADGBE)
Standard tuning with the lowest string dropped one whole step from E to D. From the thickest to the thinnest string the notes are D A D G B E.
| String | Note | Standard | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th (low) | D (D2) | E | changed |
| 5th | A (A2) | A | – |
| 4th | D (D3) | D | – |
| 3rd | G (G3) | G | – |
| 2nd | B (B3) | B | – |
| 1st (high) | E (E4) | E | – |
Tune to Drop D Tuning step by step
- Start from standard tuning.
- Lower the 6th string from E to D. Check it against the 4th string: the open 4th string (D) should sound exactly one octave above the 6th.
- Leave the other five strings alone.
Online tuner for this tuning
What is it used for?
Heavy riffs: one-finger power chords on the three lowest strings, and a deeper bass note. Common in hard rock, metal, grunge and folk-rock.
Everlong by Foo Fighters and Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden are well-known examples.
New to tuning? Read how to tune a guitar.
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FAQ
What are the notes of Drop D Tuning?
From the 6th (thickest) string to the 1st (thinnest): D, A, D, G, B, E.
What is Drop D Tuning used for?
Heavy riffs: one-finger power chords on the three lowest strings, and a deeper bass note. Common in hard rock, metal, grunge and folk-rock.
How do I tune my guitar to this tuning?
Start from standard tuning. Lower the 6th string from E to D. Check it against the 4th string: the open 4th string (D) should sound exactly one octave above the 6th. Leave the other five strings alone.
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