What is Drop D Tuning?
Drop D tuning (DADGBE) is a simple variation of standard tuning where only the 6th string is dropped from E down to D. This creates a deeper, heavier sound and is one of the most popular alternative tunings.
String Notes (6th to 1st)
- 6th String (Thickest): D2 (73.42 Hz) — lowered by 2 semitones
- 5th String: A2 (110.00 Hz) — unchanged
- 4th String: D3 (146.83 Hz) — unchanged
- 3rd String: G3 (196.00 Hz) — unchanged
- 2nd String: B3 (246.94 Hz) — unchanged
- 1st String (Thinnest): E4 (329.63 Hz) — unchanged
Why Use Drop D?
Drop D tuning is beloved for several reasons:
- Heavier Sound — The low D creates a deep, powerful bass
- Easy Power Chords — Just one finger on the 6th string creates a power chord
- Alternative Rock Staple — Widely used in rock, metal, and alternative music
- Simple Change — Just lower one string from standard tuning
- Hybrid Approach — Keep familiar chord shapes while adding a new dimension
Famous Songs in Drop D
Classic Rock & Metal
- Metallica - “Master of Puppets”
- Pantera - “Walk”
- Tool - “Schism”
- System of a Down - “Chop Suey!”
- Rage Against the Machine - “Killing in the Name”
Alternative & Modern
- Alice in Chains - “Rooster”
- Foo Fighters - “Everlong”
- Muse - “Supermassive Black Hole”
- Greta Van Fleet - “Highway Tune”
How to Tune to Drop D
Using Guitar Tuner Ultra
- Visit the Guitar Tuner app
- Select “Guitar”
- Choose “Drop D” tuning preset
- Tune the 6th string to D (lowest note)
- Keep strings 5-1 at their standard tuning
Manual Tuning from Standard
- Start with standard tuning (EADGBE)
- Lower the 6th string (E) by 2 semitones to D
- Use a tuner to match D frequency (73.42 Hz)
- Leave all other strings unchanged
By Interval Method
- Play the 6th string at the 7th fret (now in standard tuning, this is B)
- Lower the open 6th string until it matches two octaves below that B
- Alternatively, tune the 6th string so it matches the 4th string’s open D note (one octave lower)
Drop D Power Chords
One major advantage of Drop D tuning is the ease of playing power chords:
How to Play
- 6th string open (D) + 5th string open (A) = D5 power chord
- Add the 4th string (D) for a fuller sound
- Move up the neck while keeping this pattern for other keys
| Key | Frets |
|---|---|
| D5 | 6th open |
| E5 | 6th fret 2 |
| F#5 | 6th fret 4 |
| G5 | 6th fret 5 |
| A5 | 6th fret 7 |
| B5 | 6th fret 9 |
Drop D vs Standard Tuning
| Aspect | Standard | Drop D |
|---|---|---|
| 6th String | E | D |
| Lowest Note | Low E | Low D |
| Power Chords | Require barre | One finger |
| Sound | Bright, clear | Heavy, dark |
| Chord Shapes | Traditional | Some variation |
| Best For | General music | Rock, metal |
Hybrid Playing Tips
Drop D tuning lets you use a hybrid approach:
- Keep Standard Shapes — All your standard tuning chords still work (though they sound different)
- Add Drop D Techniques — Use the deep D string for new possibilities
- Mix Both — Combine standard chords with Drop D power chords in one song
- Transpose Mindfully — Some standard chord shapes now produce different intervals
Common Drop D Chords
Power Chords (Simplest)
- D5 — 6th & 5th strings open
- Dm — 6th open + 5th fret 3rd string
- G5 — 6th fret 5 + open 5th
Full Chords
- D Major — X00232
- A Major — 002220
- G Major — 3X0033
Practical Exercise Progression
Week 1: Basics
- Practice tuning to Drop D
- Play simple D5 and G5 power chords
- Transition between them smoothly
Week 2: Songs
- Learn a complete song in Drop D (e.g., “Everlong”)
- Practice bending the 6th string
- Mix open and fretted notes
Week 3: Mixing Styles
- Combine Drop D power chords with standard tuning shapes
- Create your own riffs
- Experiment with rhythm variations
Tuning Stability in Drop D
The lower tension on the 6th string means:
- More Frequent Retuning — Check tuning more often during practice
- Lighter Gauge Strings — Many players use heavier gauge strings on the 6th to compensate
- Slower Settling — New strings take longer to stabilize
- Temperature Sensitivity — Changes affect the low string more noticeably
String Gauge Tips
Consider using a .056 or .060 gauge for the 6th string instead of the standard .046 to maintain tension and tuning stability.
Transitions with Drop D
From Standard to Drop D
- Simply lower the 6th string
- No need to retune other strings
- Quick and easy to switch
Back to Standard
- Raise the 6th string 2 semitones
- Takes a few seconds
- Safe for the neck (not extreme tension change)
Next Steps:
- Explore Open G Tuning for blues and slide guitar
- Learn more guitar techniques
- Check out heavy metal chord shapes
Pro Tip: Many modern metal guitarists use even lower tunings (Drop C, Drop B) by lowering multiple strings. Drop D is the perfect starting point for exploring alternative tunings!