What notes are in Drop C tuning?

Drop C tuning uses C-G-C-F-A-D from lowest to highest string. With exact octaves, the notes are C2, G2, C3, F3, A3, and D4.

Is Drop C the same as CGCFAD tuning?

Yes. Drop C and CGCFAD tuning refer to the same open-string notes: C-G-C-F-A-D from lowest to highest string.

Is Drop C lower than Drop D?

Yes. Drop C is one whole step lower than Drop D. Drop D is D-A-D-G-B-E, while Drop C is C-G-C-F-A-D.

Is Drop C the same as C standard tuning?

No. Drop C is C-G-C-F-A-D and keeps drop-tuning power chord shapes. C standard is C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C and keeps standard tuning intervals two whole steps lower.

Is Drop C the same as Drop C# tuning?

No. Drop C is C-G-C-F-A-D. Drop C# is one half step higher at C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D#, so make sure you choose the right target notes before tuning.

What is Drop C tuning used for?

Drop C tuning is used for metal, hard rock, metalcore, post-hardcore, and heavy riff writing. The lowest three strings form an open C5 power chord, so you can play one-finger power chords while keeping the whole guitar lower than Drop D.

How do I tune from standard tuning to Drop C?

From standard tuning, tune the 6th string from E2 down to C2, the 5th string from A2 down to G2, the 4th string from D3 down to C3, the 3rd string from G3 down to F3, the 2nd string from B3 down to A3, and the 1st string from E4 down to D4.

What string gauge works best for Drop C?

Many players start with .011-.050 or .012-.054 for Drop C. If the low C feels loose, buzzes, or wobbles sharp after picking, try a heavier low string such as .052 or .054.

What is Drop C tuning best for?

Drop C is especially useful for Drop C tuning, Drop C tuning guitar, Drop C guitar tuner. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.

Is Drop C tuning good for beginners?

Drop C is an intermediate tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.

What songs use Drop C tuning?

Popular examples in Drop C include Bodies by Drowning Pool, Chop Suey! by System of a Down, Duality by Slipknot. Use the song list on this page to filter by difficulty and pick a first practice target.

Back to Drop C Tuner

Guitar

Drop C Songs for Guitar

Tuning:

C2G2C3F3A3D4

Explore 12 songs in Drop C tuning for nu metal, metalcore, alternative metal, and heavy rock guitar. Tune C2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4 first, then compare beginner Drop C songs, palm-muted riffs, and faster metalcore examples.

Beginner Drop C songs

One Step Closer and Numb

Linkin Park examples that keep the riffs direct while you get used to the low C string.

Nu metal Drop C songs

Bodies, Duality, Before I Forget, and Toxicity

High-energy songs for practicing low-string chugs, accents, and tight muting.

Metalcore practice

My Curse and Tears Don't Fall

Melodic heavy examples that mix Drop C rhythm guitar with lead parts and chorus hooks.

Showing 12 of 12 songs

IntermediateNu Metal2004

Before I Forget

Slipknot

Heavy Drop C riffing with intricate palm muting patterns.

Perfect for drop c practice

IntermediateNu Metal2001

Bodies

Drowning Pool

Aggressive Drop C riffing, great for palm muting practice.

Perfect for drop c practice

AdvancedAlternative Metal2001

Chop Suey!

System of a Down

Complex rhythms and dynamic changes in Drop C.

Perfect for drop c practice

IntermediateNu Metal2004

Duality

Slipknot

Catchy Drop C progression with memorable riffs.

Perfect for drop c practice

IntermediateNu Metal2000

In the End

Linkin Park

Massive hit song in Drop C, extremely high search volume for tutorials.

Perfect for drop c practice

AdvancedMetalcore2006

My Curse

Killswitch Engage

Combines Drop C power chords with melodic lead sections.

Perfect for drop c practice

BeginnerNu Metal2003

Numb

Linkin Park

One of the most popular rock songs of the 2000s, huge search traffic.

Perfect for drop c practice

BeginnerNu Metal2000

One Step Closer

Linkin Park

Simple Drop C progression perfect for metal beginners.

Perfect for drop c practice

AdvancedAlternative Metal2001

Prison Song

System of a Down

Fast-paced Drop C with unconventional rhythmic patterns.

Perfect for drop c practice

IntermediateMetalcore2005

Tears Don't Fall

Bullet for My Valentine

Melodic metalcore hit with memorable Drop C riffs and dual guitar harmonies.

Perfect for drop c practice

AdvancedMetalcore2004

The End of Heartache

Killswitch Engage

Technical Drop C song with clean and heavy sections.

Perfect for drop c practice

IntermediateAlternative Metal2001

Toxicity

System of a Down

Iconic Drop C riff with memorable hook and dynamics.

Perfect for drop c practice

In tune. Now learn a song.

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Drop C Songs FAQ

What are popular songs in Drop C tuning?

Popular Drop C songs include Bodies, Chop Suey!, Duality, Before I Forget, My Curse, Toxicity, One Step Closer, Numb, and Tears Don't Fall.

What is an easy Drop C song to start with?

One Step Closer and Numb are useful beginner Drop C songs because the riffs are direct enough to focus on timing, muting, and the low C power-chord sound.

What notes do I need for Drop C songs?

Tune from low to high as C-G-C-F-A-D. This keeps the lower strings in a one-finger power-chord layout while the rest of the guitar sits one whole step below standard.

Ready to tune your guitar to Drop C?

Use our free online tuner to get your guitar perfectly tuned to Drop Cand start playing these amazing songs.

Tune to Drop C