Drop Guitar Tunings - Complete Guide
Master every drop tuning from Drop D to Drop E with our free online tuners and comprehensive guides
What Are Drop Tunings?
Drop tunings are alternative guitar tunings where the lowest string (6th string) is “dropped” or tuned down, typically one whole step lower than the rest of the tuning. This creates a unique interval relationship that makes power chords incredibly easy to play—just one finger across three strings instead of the traditional two-finger shape.
The most famous drop tuning is Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E), but guitarists have pushed the boundaries with increasingly heavier variations like Drop C, Drop B, and even Drop G for crushing, low-end heavy tones.
Why Use Drop Tunings?
- Easier Power Chords: Play power chords with one finger
- Heavier Sound: Lower tuning creates darker, more aggressive tones
- Extended Range: Access lower notes without a 7-string guitar
- Unique Voicings: Create chord shapes impossible in standard tuning
Drop Tuning History & Popularity
Drop tunings gained mainstream popularity in the 1990s grunge and alternative rock scenes. Bands like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Rage Against the Machine used Drop D extensively for its powerful, heavy sound. The 2000s saw metalcore and progressive metal bands push even lower with Drop C and Drop B becoming genre standards.
Today, drop tunings are essential in hard rock, metal, metalcore, djent, and progressive genres. Modern bands regularly use Drop G and below, especially with extended-range guitars and baritone instruments designed for these ultra-low tunings.
How to Tune to Drop Tunings
- Start with Standard Tuning: Make sure your guitar is in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) first
- Tune Down All Strings: For Drop C and lower, tune all strings down by the required amount. For example, Drop C requires all strings down one whole step first.
- Drop the Low String: Lower your 6th string (low E in standard) by the specified amount. For Drop D, tune it down one whole step to D.
- Use Our Free Tuner: Select your target drop tuning from our free online tuner for accurate chromatic detection.
- Verify All Strings: Check each string individually to ensure accurate tuning across the entire guitar.
⚠️ Important: String Gauge Considerations
Lower drop tunings require heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension. Using standard gauge strings (.009-.042 or .010-.046) in Drop C or lower will result in floppy, buzzing strings with poor tone.
- Drop D / Drop C: Standard gauge OK, or upgrade to .010-.052
- Drop B / Drop A: Use .011-.056 or .012-.060 minimum
- Drop G and lower: Requires .012-.062+ or baritone string sets
All Drop Tunings
Click any tuning to access the free online tuner
Drop D
D-A-D-G-B-E
The most popular drop tuning. Lower the 6th string one whole step for easier power chords.
Genres
Famous Artists
Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Tool, Rage Against the Machine
Drop C
C-G-C-F-A-D
Heavier than Drop D. Tune all strings down one whole step, then drop the 6th string another whole step.
Genres
Famous Artists
Bullet For My Valentine, Killswitch Engage, System of a Down
Drop B
B-F♯-B-E-G♯-C♯
Heavy tuning for aggressive playing. Standard tuning down 2.5 steps with dropped 6th string.
Genres
Famous Artists
Periphery, Bring Me The Horizon, Architects
Drop A
A-E-A-D-F♯-B
Very heavy tuning. Requires thicker gauge strings (.012-.056 or heavier recommended).
Genres
Famous Artists
Meshuggah, After The Burial, Born of Osiris
Drop G
G-D-G-C-E-A
Extremely heavy tuning. Best with baritone guitar or very heavy strings (.013-.062+).
Genres
Famous Artists
Animals As Leaders, Unearth, Chelsea Grin
Drop G♯
G♯-D♯-G♯-C♯-F-A♯
Sits between Drop A and Drop G. Popular in modern metalcore.
Genres
Famous Artists
Veil of Maya, Northlane
Drop F♯
F♯-C♯-F♯-B-D♯-G♯
Ultra-low tuning requiring baritone guitar or extremely heavy strings.
Genres
Famous Artists
Monuments, Volumes
Drop E
E-B-E-A-C♯-F♯
Lowest practical drop tuning. Requires baritone scale length.
Genres
Famous Artists
Deftones (select songs)
7-String & Bass Drop Tunings
7-String Drop Tunings
7-string guitars add a low B string (B1), giving you access to even heavier tones without sacrificing the higher register. Drop tunings on 7-strings are particularly popular in djent and progressive metal.
- 7-String Drop A - A-E-A-D-G-B-E
- 7-String Drop G - G-D-G-C-F-A-D
Bass Drop Tunings
Drop tunings aren't just for guitar! Bass players use drop tunings for the same benefits—easier power chords and extended low end. Drop D bass is extremely common across all rock and metal genres.
- Bass Drop D - D-A-D-G
- Bass Drop C - C-G-C-F
- Bass Drop B - B-F♯-B-E
Drop Tuning Tips & Best Practices
Setup Adjustments
When switching to drop tunings, especially Drop C or lower, you may need a setup. Lower string tension can cause fret buzz and require truss rod adjustment. A professional setup ensures optimal playability.
Multiple Guitars
Many guitarists keep separate instruments for different tunings. Constantly changing tunings stresses strings and hardware. If you frequently play in both standard and drop tunings, consider dedicating one guitar to each.
Amplifier Settings
Lower tunings often sound muddy with standard amp settings. Reduce bass, increase mids, and use tighter gain structures. Many modern metal amps have specific “tight” or “modern” modes designed for drop tunings.
Related Resources
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