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Guitar
Drop C# Tuning
Notes:
C#2G#2C#3F#3A#3D#4
This tuner is preset to Drop C# tuning. The instrument type and tuning are locked for this page.
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Learn Drop C# After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to C#2-G#2-C#3-F#3-A#3-D#4, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make Drop C# useful.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Best approached as a intermediate guitar tuning.
Songs
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
Best for
Drop Db metal riffs, C#5 power chords, C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D# tuning, hard rock and metalcore rhythm
First practice targets
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 libraryRelated guides
About Drop C# Tuning
Drop C# tuning (C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D#), also called Drop Db tuning, sits one half step below Drop D and one half step above Drop C. It keeps the same one-finger power chord layout as Drop D while giving the guitar a darker, heavier feel.
This tuning is useful for hard rock, alternative metal, post-hardcore, and metalcore players who want more weight than Drop D without moving all the way down to Drop C. The open lowest three strings form a C#5 power chord: C#-G#-C#.
Drop C# is easier to manage than very low tunings like Drop B or Drop A, but the lower tension still matters. A slightly heavier low string helps palm-muted riffs stay tight and keeps the low C# from sounding buzzy or sharp after hard picking.
Drop C# is often written as C#G#C#F#A#D# tuning. If a tab uses flats, the same tuning may appear as Db-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb.
Drop C# Tuning Notes
From lowest to highest: C#2-G#2-C#3-F#3-A#3-D#4
6th string
69.30 Hz
Low C#, the root note for open Drop C# power chords and the string most likely to need extra tension.
5th string
103.83 Hz
G#, the fifth above the low C# and part of the open C#5 shape.
4th string
138.59 Hz
C#, one octave above the lowest string and the third note in the open power chord.
3rd string
185.00 Hz
F#, lowered one half step from standard G.
2nd string
233.08 Hz
A#, lowered one half step from standard B and also written as Bb.
1st string
311.13 Hz
D#, lowered one half step from standard high E and also written as Eb.
Recommended String Gauges for Drop C#
.011-.052 or .012-.054
Many players can use a hybrid or light-heavy set for Drop C#. A .052 or .054 low string keeps the C# tighter than a normal .046, while .011 or .012 top strings keep the half-step-down upper strings from feeling too loose.
Common Chords in Drop C#
C#5 Power Chord
Strum the bottom three strings open for the core Drop C# sound.
One-Finger Power Chords
Bar the lowest two or three strings at any fret, just like Drop D or Drop C.
D#5 at 2nd Fret
Bar the lowest strings at the 2nd fret for a tight D#5 shape.
F#5 at 5th Fret
Bar the lowest strings at the 5th fret for a common hard rock and metal position.
How to Tune to Drop C# (C#2-G#2-C#3-F#3-A#3-D#4)
1
Start from Drop D and lower every string by one semitone, or start from standard tuning and tune every string down one half step before dropping the 6th string to C#.
2
Tune the 6th string down to C#2. If your tuner shows Db2, that is the same pitch.
3
Tune the 5th string down to G#2.
4
Tune the 4th string down to C#3, one octave above the lowest string.
5
Tune the 3rd string to F#3, the 2nd string to A#3, and the 1st string to D#4.
6
Strum the lowest three strings open and listen for a C#5 power chord: C#-G#-C#.
7
Retune after a few minutes of playing. The low C# can settle slightly flat after a large pitch change.
Drop C# Tuning FAQ
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
What notes are in Drop C# tuning?
Drop C# tuning is C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D# from lowest to highest string. The lowest three strings form a C#5 power chord: C#-G#-C#.
Is Drop C# the same as Drop Db tuning?
Yes. Drop C# and Drop Db use the same pitches. C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D# can also be written as Db-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb.
Is Drop C# the same as C#G#C#F#A#D# tuning?
Yes. C#G#C#F#A#D# is a compact way to write the same Drop C# notes from the 6th string to the 1st string.
Is Drop C# higher or lower than Drop C?
Drop C# is one semitone higher than Drop C and one semitone lower than Drop D. It is a good middle ground when Drop D feels too high but Drop C feels too loose.
What string gauge works best for Drop C#?
Many players start around .011-.052 or .012-.054 for Drop C#. If the low C# feels loose or buzzes after hard picking, use a heavier 6th string.
What is Drop C# tuning best for?
Drop C# is especially useful for Drop Db metal riffs, C#5 power chords, C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D# tuning. 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?
Drop C# is used for a range of alternate-tuning arrangements. Start by practicing simple chord shapes and related tunings before moving to full songs.