Drop D Tuning

Drop D is the easiest alternate tuning there is: you only change one string. Lower your 6th string from E to D and you get a deeper low end and one-finger power chords on the bottom three strings.

What is drop D tuning?

In Drop D the low E string is tuned down a whole step (two frets) to D. The other five strings stay exactly where they are in standard tuning, so everything you already know on the top five strings still works.

With the 6th string on D, the bottom three strings are D, A and D. Lay one finger flat across them at any fret and you get a power chord, which is why Drop D is everywhere in rock, grunge and metal. It is just as popular with acoustic and fingerstyle players, who love the low D ringing under songs in the key of D.

Drop D tuning notes

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

How to tune to Drop D

Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E) and change one string:

1. Lower the 6th string (E) a whole step to D.

The tuner at the top of this page is already set to Drop D. 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 Drop D

• One-finger power chords make fast riffs much easier to play.
• The low D adds weight and a big open drone in the key of D.
• You can switch to it and back in seconds, since only one string moves.

Learn to play in Drop D

Hear it played and try it yourself with these video lessons from the Infinite Guitar library:

Tuning - Drop D Tuning Sean Conklin Drilling Drop D - Intro Chris Feener Drilling Drop D - Chords Chris Feener Drilling Drop D - Riffin'! Chris Feener

Other guitar tunings

Back to the online guitar tuner

Drop D tuning FAQ