Drop D tuning: D A D G B E
Drop D lowers only your thickest string, from E to D. Everything else stays in standard tuning. It takes about ten seconds and gives you a heavier low end and one-finger power chords.
Drop D (D A D G B E)
From standard tuning, lower string 6 from E down to D, a whole step. Leave the other five strings as they are.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| String 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| String 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| String 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| String 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
1. Tune to standard first
Get all six strings to E A D G B E so the rest of the guitar is right.
2. Lower string 6 to D
Loosen the thickest string past D, then bring it back up to D2 so it holds.
3. Check the others
The neck relaxes a little when one string drops. Re-check strings 5 to 1.
Measured, not claimed
On low D, our benchmark measured a median error of 0.50 cents, and 100% of clips settled within 5 cents. The full results and method are on the accuracy page.
What is Drop D tuning?
Standard tuning with the thickest string lowered a whole step, from E to D. The notes are D2, A2, D3, G3, B3 and E4. The bottom three strings then play a power chord with one finger.
How do I check my low D without a tuner?
Play the 12th-fret harmonic on string 6 and compare it with open string 4. Both are D3 and should sound the same. You can also fret string 6 at the 7th fret: it should match the open A string.
Is Drop D bad for my guitar?
No. Lowering one string reduces the tension on the neck slightly. The other strings may go a little sharp as the neck relaxes, so check them after you drop the low string.
What is double Drop D?
Drop D with the thinnest string lowered to D as well: D A D G B D. Tune Right has a Drop D preset; for double Drop D, use its chromatic mode with these notes.
Can I use Drop D on a bass?
Yes. Bass Drop D is D1, A1, D2, G2, with the E string lowered to D. See the bass tuning guide.