Drop G# Tuning
This tuner is preset to Drop G# tuning. The instrument type and tuning are locked for this page.
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Learn Drop G# After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to G#1-D#2-G#2-C#3-F3-A#3, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make Drop G# useful.
Advanced
Best approached as a advanced guitar tuning.
0
Start with chord shapes and related tunings while the song list grows.
Drop Ab metal riffs, G#5 power chords, G#-D#-G#-C#-F-A# tuning, low 6-string setup
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 libraryAbout Drop G# Tuning
Drop G# tuning (G#-D#-G#-C#-F-A#) is an ultra-low 6-string tuning used for modern metal, metalcore, djent, and heavy progressive riffs. The lowest three strings form a G#5 power chord, so the same one-finger shapes from Drop D, Drop C, Drop B, Drop A, and Drop G still work.
You may also see this tuning written as Drop Ab: Ab-Eb-Ab-Db-F-Bb. G# and Ab are the same pitches with different note names, so this tuner targets the same sound even if your tab uses flats.
Drop G# sits one half step above Drop G and one half step below Drop A. It can feel a little tighter than Drop G on a standard-scale guitar, but it still usually needs heavier strings, careful intonation, and a stable setup.
Drop G# Tuning Notes
From lowest to highest: G#1-D#2-G#2-C#3-F3-A#3
6th string
51.91 Hz
Low G#, the root of the open power chord and the main riffing string.
5th string
77.78 Hz
D#, the fifth above the low G#.
4th string
103.83 Hz
G#, one octave above the lowest string.
3rd string
138.59 Hz
C#, keeping the upper strings in familiar standard-style intervals.
2nd string
174.61 Hz
F, the major-third interval used in standard-tuning chord shapes.
1st string
233.08 Hz
A#, the highest string in Drop G# tuning.
Recommended String Gauges for Drop G#
Drop G# usually needs a heavier low string than Drop A. A .062 or .064 low string is a common starting point on a 25.5-inch scale guitar, while baritone guitars can often keep the low G# tighter with less effort.
Common Chords in Drop G#
G#5 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.
A#5 at 2nd Fret
Bar the lowest strings at the 2nd fret for a tight A#5 shape.
C#5 at 5th Fret
Bar the lowest strings at the 5th fret for a common low-register metal position.
How to Tune to Drop G# (G#1-D#2-G#2-C#3-F3-A#3)
Start from Drop A and lower every string by one semitone, or start from Drop G and raise every string by one semitone.
Tune the 6th string to G#1. If your tuner shows Ab1, that is the same pitch.
Tune the 5th string to D#2.
Tune the 4th string to G#2, one octave above the lowest string.
Tune the 3rd string to C#3, the 2nd string to F3, and the 1st string to A#3.
Strum the lowest three strings open and listen for a tight G#5 power chord: G#-D#-G#.
Retune after a few minutes of playing, especially if the low G# was just lowered from standard or Drop A.
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#-F-A# from lowest to highest string. The lowest three strings form a G#5 power chord: G#-D#-G#.
Is Drop G# the same as Drop Ab tuning?
Yes. Drop G# and Drop Ab use the same pitches. G#-D#-G#-C#-F-A# can also be written as Ab-Eb-Ab-Db-F-Bb.
Is Drop G# the same as G#D#G#C#FA# tuning?
Yes. G#D#G#C#FA# is a compact way to write the same Drop G# notes from the 6th string to the 1st string.
Is Drop G# higher or lower than Drop G?
Drop G# is one semitone higher than Drop G and one semitone lower than Drop A. It often feels slightly tighter than Drop G on the same guitar and string gauge.
What string gauge works best for Drop G#?
Many players start around .012-.062 or .013-.064 for Drop G#. A baritone-scale guitar can make the low G# feel tighter, but a standard-scale guitar can work with heavier strings and a proper setup.
What is Drop G# tuning best for?
Drop G# is especially useful for Drop Ab metal riffs, G#5 power chords, G#-D#-G#-C#-F-A# 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 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.