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Try Guitar Tricks free for 14 daysThis 7-string Drop G tuner is preset to GDGCFAD tuning. Tune G1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4 from low G to high D for extended-range metal riffs.
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Use this page as a short practice route: tune to G1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make 7-String Drop G useful.
Advanced
Best approached as a advanced 7-string guitar tuning.
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
Drop G tuning 7 string, using a 7-string Drop G tuner, checking G-D-G-C-F-A-D notes, low G extended-range riffs
This tuning does not have a song list yet. Start by learning the target notes, then compare nearby tunings and chord shapes.
Open the chord library7-string Drop G tuning is G-D-G-C-F-A-D from lowest to highest string. It drops the low 7th string to G1 and tunes the rest of the guitar around a deep G power-chord shape.
Use this 7-string Drop G tuner online as a GDGCFAD note check: 7th string G1, 6th string D2, 5th string G2, 4th string C3, 3rd string F3, 2nd string A3, and 1st string D4.
Drop G on a 7-string is common for modern metal, djent, deathcore, progressive metal, and extended-range riffing. It gives you one-finger G5 power chords on the lowest strings while keeping familiar fourth-based relationships higher up the neck.
This is different from 6-string Drop G, which usually uses G-D-G-C-E-A. The 7-string version adds another string and uses G-D-G-C-F-A-D, so string gauges and setup matter more.
Target tuning
G-D-G-C-F-A-D
7-string Drop G tuning notes from the 7th string to the 1st string.
Compact spelling
GDGCFAD
The same Drop G 7-string tuning written without octave numbers.
Best for
Low metal riffs
G5 power chords, extended-range palm-mutes, and modern 7-string rhythm parts.
From lowest to highest: G1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4
49.00 Hz
Low G, the root note for open Drop G power chords and the string most likely to need extra tension.
73.42 Hz
D string, a perfect fifth above the low G and part of the open G5 shape.
98.00 Hz
G string, one octave above the lowest string.
130.81 Hz
C string, keeping the upper string set in fourths.
174.61 Hz
F string, one whole step below the normal 7-string G string.
220.00 Hz
A string, lowered from standard B for the Drop G interval set.
293.66 Hz
High D, lowered from standard high E and matching the 6th string two octaves higher.
Drop G usually needs a heavier 7th string than standard 7-string tuning. Many players start around .010-.064, .011-.070, or .012-.074 depending on scale length. A 26.5-inch, 27-inch, baritone, or multiscale guitar helps the low G stay clearer.
Strum the 7th, 6th, and 5th strings open for the core 7-string Drop G sound.
Bar the lowest two or three strings at any fret to move the Drop G power-chord shape around the neck.
Bar the lowest strings at the 5th fret for a heavy C5 shape that keeps the same Drop G fingering.
Use the low G1 and G2 strings together for octave jumps, chugs, and extended-range metal hooks.
Select the 7-String Drop G preset so the tuner is locked to G1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4.
Tune the 7th string down to G1 slowly. If the string feels very loose, use a heavier low string before relying on the tuning for recording or stage volume.
Tune the 6th string to D2, then tune the 5th string to G2. The lowest three strings now form an open G5 power chord: G-D-G.
Tune the 4th string to C3 and the 3rd string to F3.
Tune the 2nd string to A3 and the 1st string to D4.
Palm-mute the low G, then strum the lowest three strings open. Recheck the low G after a minute because large pitch drops often settle flat.
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
7-string Drop G tuning is G-D-G-C-F-A-D from lowest to highest string. With exact octaves, tune G1, D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, and D4.
Yes. GDGCFAD is the compact way to write the same 7-string Drop G notes: G-D-G-C-F-A-D from the 7th string to the 1st string.
Start from 7-string standard, lower the 7th string from B1 to G1, then tune the remaining strings to D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, and D4. Retune the low G after it settles.
Many players use a 7-string set with a low .068 to .074 for Drop G. A longer scale or multiscale guitar can keep the low G clearer and more stable.
7-String Drop G is especially useful for Drop G tuning 7 string, using a 7-string Drop G tuner, checking G-D-G-C-F-A-D notes. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.
7-String Drop G is an advanced tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.
7-String Drop G is used for a range of alternate-tuning arrangements. Start by practicing simple chord shapes and related tunings before moving to full songs.