What is Drop D tuning?
Drop D lowers only the thick sixth string of standard tuning by one whole step, from E2 to D2. The other five strings stay at A2, D3, G3, B3, and E4. The result is D A D G B E, low to high. Because the fifth and fourth strings do not move, familiar chord shapes on the upper five strings still work normally.
How to tune from standard to Drop D
- Start in standard E A D G B E tuning.
- Pluck the low E string by itself and slowly loosen it.
- Stop when the tuner reads D2 and the meter is centered.
- Check the remaining strings, which should stay at A2, D3, G3, B3, and E4.
- Recheck the low D after playing for a minute because the change in tension can make it drift slightly.
As a quick ear check, the seventh fret of the newly lowered sixth string should match the open fifth-string A. Use the microphone tuner for the final adjustment.
Drop D target frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | E2 down to D2 |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz | Unchanged |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | Unchanged |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | Unchanged |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | Unchanged |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | Unchanged |
Why guitarists use Drop D
The three lowest strings form D, A, and D. Fretting them at the same fret produces compact power-chord shapes, while the open low D extends the guitar one whole step below standard tuning. This combination is useful for rock, metal, folk, fingerstyle, and arrangements centered on D.
Setup and tuning tips
- A normal string set usually handles Drop D without a setup change.
- Pick the low string with moderate force; a hard attack briefly makes it register sharp.
- If the low D feels unusually loose, a slightly heavier sixth string can improve stability.
- Remember to raise only the sixth string back to E2 when returning to standard tuning.