D Standard Tuning

Mic off

D standard D G C F A D

Uses your microphone. Nothing is recorded or sent anywhere.

Tuning

Pitch

Normal

Strings

Detect string

A4 calibration

440Hz
  • Space Start / stop
  • 1-6 Play a string
  • A Auto detect

D standard, also called full step down or whole step down tuning, lowers every string by two frets. You keep every shape from standard tuning and get a deep, heavy sound.

What is D standard tuning?

Each string drops a whole step: the strings become D G C F A D from low to high. Because every string moves by the same amount, chords, scales and riffs use exactly the same shapes as standard tuning, just two frets lower in pitch.

The strings are noticeably looser this low, so many players move to a slightly heavier set of strings to keep them from feeling floppy or buzzing.

D standard tuning notes

D standard from the thickest string to the thinnest is D G C F A D. The frequencies are for standard pitch, A4 = 440 Hz.

StringNoteFrequency
6th (thickest)D273.42 Hz
5thG298.00 Hz
4thC3130.81 Hz
3rdF3174.61 Hz
2ndA3220.00 Hz
1st (thinnest)D4293.66 Hz

How to tune to D standard

Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E) and change 6 strings:

  1. Lower the 6th string (E) a whole step to D.
  2. Lower the 5th string (A) a whole step to G.
  3. Lower the 4th string (D) a whole step to C.
  4. Lower the 3rd string (G) a whole step to F.
  5. Lower the 2nd string (B) a whole step to A.
  6. Lower the 1st string (E) a whole step to D.

The tuner at the top of this page is already set to D standard. Press the mic button, play each open string and let it ring, then turn the tuning peg until the string lights up green. When you lower a string, go a little below the note and tune back up to it so it stays in tune.

Why guitarists use D standard

  • A big, heavy sound for rock and metal without learning new shapes.
  • Easier bends and a lower range for singers.
  • A natural step toward Drop C, which only lowers the 6th string one more step.

Other guitar tunings

Drop DD A D G B E Half step downE♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭ Drop CC G C F A D Drop C#C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯ Drop BB F♯ B E G♯ C♯ DADGADD A D G A D Open GD G D G B D Open DD A D F♯ A D Open EE B E G♯ B E Open CC G C G C E 7-string standardB E A D G B E 7-string Drop AA E A D G B E 8-string standardF♯ B E A D G B E 9-string standardC♯ F♯ B E A D G B E

Back to the online guitar tuner

D standard tuning FAQ

How do I tune to D standard tuning?

Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E). Lower the 6th string (E) a whole step to D. Lower the 5th string (A) a whole step to G. Lower the 4th string (D) a whole step to C. Lower the 3rd string (G) a whole step to F. Lower the 2nd string (B) a whole step to A. Lower the 1st string (E) a whole step to D. The tuner on this page is already set to D standard, so play each string and turn it until it lights up green.

How do I get back to standard tuning?

Raise the 6th string from D back to E. Raise the 5th string from G back to A. Raise the 4th string from C back to D. Raise the 3rd string from F back to G. Raise the 2nd string from A back to B. Raise the 1st string from D back to E. Or pick Standard under the tuner and tune each string until it turns green.

Do I need heavier strings for D standard?

Not always, but many players use a slightly heavier set. Tuning a whole step down makes the strings looser, and heavier strings bring the tension and feel back closer to standard.