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Drop G Tuning Online
Drop G tuning notes:
G1D2G2C3E3A3
This Drop G guitar tuner is preset to GDGCEA tuning. Tune G1-D2-G2-C3-E3-A3 from low G to high A for low metal riffs and one-finger G5 power chords.
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Learn Drop G After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to G1-D2-G2-C3-E3-A3, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make Drop G useful.
Difficulty
Advanced
Best approached as a advanced guitar tuning.
Songs
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
Best for
tuning Drop G online, using a Drop G guitar tuner, checking GDGCEA notes, 6-string low G metal riffs
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 G Guitar Tuning (GDGCEA)
Drop G tuning for 6-string guitar (G-D-G-C-E-A) is an extreme low tuning built for modern metal, djent, and heavy progressive riffs. The lowest three strings form a G5 power chord, so you can play massive one-finger power chords the same way you would in Drop D, Drop C, Drop B, or Drop A.
Use this Drop G tuning online page as a GDGCEA note check: 6th string G1, 5th string D2, 4th string G2, 3rd string C3, 2nd string E3, and 1st string A3.
Think of Drop G as Drop A tuned down one whole step. The top five strings keep familiar standard-tuning intervals, just much lower, while the 6th string drops to G1 for low pedal tones, chugs, and octave riffs.
A regular 25.5-inch guitar can reach Drop G, but it usually needs heavy strings, careful intonation, and sometimes a setup adjustment. Shorter-scale guitars often feel loose at G1 unless you use a heavier low string or a baritone-scale instrument.
Drop G Tuning Notes (GDGCEA)
From lowest to highest: G1-D2-G2-C3-E3-A3
6th string
49.00 Hz
Low G, the root of the open power chord and the main riffing string.
5th string
73.42 Hz
D, the fifth above the low G.
4th string
98.00 Hz
G, one octave above the lowest string.
3rd string
130.81 Hz
C, keeping the upper strings in familiar standard-style intervals.
2nd string
164.81 Hz
E, the major-third interval used in standard-tuning chord shapes.
1st string
220.00 Hz
A, the highest string in this low 6-string tuning.
Recommended String Gauges for Drop G Guitar Tuning
.013-.064 or .014-.068
Drop G needs a heavy low string to stay focused. A .064 or .068 low string is a practical starting point on a 25.5-inch scale guitar, while baritone guitars can often use slightly lighter tension for the same pitch.
Common Power Chords in Drop G Tuning
G5 Power Chord
Strum the bottom three strings open for the core Drop G sound.
One-Finger Power Chords
Bar the lowest two or three strings at any fret for movable power chords.
A5 at 2nd Fret
Bar the lowest strings at the 2nd fret for a tight A5 shape.
C5 at 5th Fret
Bar the lowest strings at the 5th fret for a common low-register metal position.
How to Tune a Guitar to Drop G (G1-D2-G2-C3-E3-A3)
1
Start from Drop A and tune every string down one whole step, or start from standard and lower each string gradually.
2
Tune the 6th string down to G1. This is very low, so pick gently while the string settles.
3
Tune the 5th string down to D2.
4
Tune the 4th string down to G2, one octave above the lowest string.
5
Tune the 3rd string to C3, the 2nd string to E3, and the 1st string to A3.
6
Strum the lowest three strings open and listen for a tight G5 power chord: G-D-G.
7
Retune after a few minutes of playing. Heavy strings and large pitch drops often need a short settling period.
Drop G Tuning FAQ
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
What notes are in Drop G tuning?
Drop G tuning is G-D-G-C-E-A from lowest to highest string. The lowest three strings form a G5 power chord: G-D-G.
Is Drop G the same as GDGCEA tuning?
Yes. Drop G and GDGCEA tuning refer to the same open-string notes: G-D-G-C-E-A from the 6th string to the 1st string.
Is Drop G the same as Drop A?
No. Drop G is G-D-G-C-E-A. Drop A is A-E-A-D-F#-B, so Drop G is one whole step lower than Drop A.
Can I tune a regular 6-string guitar to Drop G?
Yes, but Drop G works best with heavy strings and a setup that can handle the low G. Many players start around .013-.064 or .014-.068, and baritone-scale guitars usually handle the tuning more easily.
Is Drop G better on a baritone guitar?
Often, yes. A longer baritone scale gives the low G more tension, better intonation, and a tighter attack. A standard-scale guitar can work, but it usually needs heavier strings and careful setup.
What is Drop G tuning best for?
Drop G is especially useful for tuning Drop G online, using a Drop G guitar tuner, checking GDGCEA 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.
Is Drop G tuning good for beginners?
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.
What songs use Drop G tuning?
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.