Drop D tuning
Drop D changes just one string: the 6th goes down a whole step, from E to D. In under a minute you get a deeper bass and one-finger power chords.
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How to tune to drop D
- First make sure the other five strings are in standard tuning, especially the 4th string, D.
- Loosen the 6th string well below D, then bring it slowly back up to D2 at 73.42 Hz.
- Check by ear: the 12th-fret harmonic on the 6th string should sound exactly like the open 4th string, with no beating.
- Play the 5th string again: the drop in tension may have moved it slightly.
Notes and frequencies
| String | Note (A4 = 440) | Solfège (La3 = 440) | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D2 | Ré1 | 73.42 |
| 2 | A2 | La1 | 110.00 |
| 3 | D3 | Ré2 | 146.83 |
| 4 | G3 | Sol2 | 196.00 |
| 5 | B3 | Si2 | 246.94 |
| 6 | E4 | Mi3 | 329.63 |
Strings in physical order, from the lowest in playing position. Frequencies calculated at A = 440 Hz in equal temperament. Tune to “Drop D”
| String | Note (A4 = 440) | Solfège (La3 = 440) | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D2 | Ré1 | 73.42 |
| 2 | A2 | La1 | 110.00 |
| 3 | D3 | Ré2 | 146.83 |
| 4 | G3 | Sol2 | 196.00 |
| 5 | B3 | Si2 | 246.94 |
| 6 | D4 | Ré3 | 293.66 |
Strings in physical order, from the lowest in playing position. Frequencies calculated at A = 440 Hz in equal temperament. Tune to “Double drop D”
What drop D changes in your playing
The three lowest strings give D, A, D: an open D power chord. By laying one finger flat across those three strings at any fret, you can slide that chord up and down the neck, which makes fast riffs much easier. That is why drop D is everywhere in rock and metal.
It is not just for distorted guitars: on classical and acoustic guitar, it adds a deep open bass to songs in D major or D minor. Chord shapes on the top five strings stay the same; only the notes played on the 6th string shift by two frets.
The tuner spots drop D for you
If you stay in standard tuning and your low string is on D, the tuner does not push you to bring it back up to E: it notices that this looks like drop D and offers to switch tunings.
A phone microphone struggles with notes below 80 to 100 Hz, and the low D sits right in that range. Hold the phone closer to the guitar or use the 12th-fret harmonic option: the measurement then happens at 146.83 Hz, where the microphone is reliable.
Frequently asked questions
Does drop D damage the guitar?
No. Only one string is slackened, so total tension drops a little. You can switch between standard and drop D as often as you like.
Why does my low D string buzz?
With less tension, it vibrates more widely and can hit the frets, especially with light strings or very low action. Pick more gently or switch to a heavier 6th string.
What is double drop D?
Both E strings, the low one and the high one, go down to D. You get D A D G B D, which rings out beautifully for songs in D.
Is there a drop D tuning for bass?
Yes, the bass E string goes down to D, at 36.71 Hz. The bass tuner includes this tuning.