Target notes
C#2 - G#2 - C#3 - F#3 - A#3 - D#4
Low to high
Drop C Sharp Tuning target notes
6C#25G#24C#33F#32A#31D#4
Open Drop C Sharp Tuning Tuner The full tuner opens with this tuning already selected.
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Guitar Tuning Guide
Drop C Sharp Tuning Guide and Online Guitar Tuner
Tune a guitar to Drop C# (C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D#) with exact string targets and a preset online microphone tuner.
What Is Drop C Sharp Tuning?
A drop-tuned low C# with the upper five strings one semitone below standard.
Drop C Sharp Tuning uses C#2 - G#2 - C#3 - F#3 - A#3 - D#4 from the lowest sixth string to the highest first string.
Change from standard
Lower all six strings by one semitone, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step to C#2.
Sound and feel
A drop-tuned low C# with the upper five strings one semitone below standard.
Common uses
Rock and metal arrangements between Drop D and Drop C, especially songs written around C# power chords.
How to Tune a Guitar to Drop C Sharp Tuning
Make small adjustments, let each string settle, and repeat the complete guitar after the neck tension changes.
- 1
Start near standard tuning
Check that the current string pitches are known before making larger changes.
- 2
Follow the target sequence
Lower all six strings by one semitone, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step to C#2. The final low-to-high targets are C#2 - G#2 - C#3 - F#3 - A#3 - D#4.
- 3
Use the microphone tuner
Open the preset tuner, play one string at a time, and move the cents reading toward zero.
- 4
Recheck every string
Retuning changes total neck tension. Repeat the sequence until earlier strings no longer drift.
What Drop C Sharp Tuning Is Used For
Rock and metal arrangements between Drop D and Drop C, especially songs written around C# power chords.
Drop-tuned riffs
Use movable one-finger power chords across the three lowest strings.
C# song keys
Match recordings and bands centered around C# without transposing the performance.
Moderate tension reduction
The upper strings sit only one semitone below standard while the sixth string supplies the deeper drop note.
Transition between tunings
It provides a practical midpoint between the feel of Drop D and the lower tension of Drop C.
Drop C Sharp Tuning vs. Standard Guitar Tuning
The same guitar can use either setup, but open strings, tension, chord shapes, and usable drones change.
| Drop C Sharp Tuning | Standard tuning | |
|---|---|---|
| Open strings | C#2 - G#2 - C#3 - F#3 - A#3 - D#4 | E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4 |
| How to change | Lower all six strings by one semitone, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step to C#2. | No retuning required |
| Character | A drop-tuned low C# with the upper five strings one semitone below standard. | Balanced and familiar across most styles |
| Best for | Rock and metal arrangements between Drop D and Drop C, especially songs written around C# power chords. | General chords, scales, lessons, and repertoire |
After a large tuning change, check string tension, fret buzz, intonation, and whether a different string gauge would suit a permanent setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in Drop C Sharp Tuning?
From the lowest string to the highest, use C#2 - G#2 - C#3 - F#3 - A#3 - D#4.
How do I change from standard tuning?
Lower all six strings by one semitone, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step to C#2.
What is Drop C Sharp Tuning best for?
Rock and metal arrangements between Drop D and Drop C, especially songs written around C# power chords.
Do I need different guitar strings?
Occasional moderate retuning usually works with an existing set. Permanent low or high tunings may need a different gauge and a setup for stable tension, action, and intonation.
Should I tune up or down to the target?
Approach the final note from slightly below when possible. This helps the string settle around the tuning-post tension instead of immediately slipping flat.
Can I use the tuner on a phone?
Yes. Open the preset tuner, allow microphone access, keep the phone near the guitar, and play one clear open string at a time.
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