Drop D Guitar Tuning

Drop D guitar tuning is D-A-D-G-B-E — the same as standard tuning except the 6th (lowest) string is tuned down one whole step from E to D. That single change gives you a deep low root on the bottom string while leaving familiar chord shapes on the upper five strings mostly intact.

Drop D is one of the most common alternate tunings in rock and metal. Bands from Foo Fighters to Deftones have used it for heavier riffs and easier power-chord shapes on the bottom three strings.

If your guitar is already in standard tuning, you only need to retune the 6th string. Select Drop D in the tuner sidebar (or open this page with Drop D pre-selected), tap 🔊 on the 6th string to hear a low D reference tone, then lower the peg until the strobe dial locks on D2.

Strings 2 through 6 in player order (A, D, G, B, E) can stay where they are — double-check them if you have not tuned in a while. Use Tap to tune and pluck each open string; the tuner walks you through every string with auto-advance, or pick strings manually in the sidebar.

• Start in standard E-A-D-G-B-E if you are unsure of your current pitch.
• Lower the 6th string slowly — a full step down to D2 (~73.4 Hz).
• Confirm the bottom three strings spell D-A-D for a one-finger power chord.

The low D string adds weight to riffs and lets you barre the bottom three strings (D-A-D) with one finger for power chords. It is faster to switch from standard than full down-tuning setups, which is why Drop D is a staple for practice, recording, and live rock sets.

Drop D is not the same as Drop C or DADGAD — each tuning changes different strings for a different sound. Use the tuning selector above to compare reference pitches before you commit to a setup. Wondering how Drop D compares to standard EADGBE? Read Drop D vs Standard Tuning for sound, genres, and when to use each.