Target notes
C2 - G2 - C3 - F3 - A3 - D4
Low to high
Drop C Tuning target notes
6C25G24C33F32A31D4
Open Drop C Tuning Tuner The full tuner opens with this tuning already selected.
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Guitar Tuning Guide
Drop C Tuning Guide and Online Guitar Tuner
Tune a 6-string guitar to Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D), follow every target note, and open a preset microphone tuner for Drop C.
What Is Drop C Tuning?
A deep low C with drop-tuning power-chord shapes and lower overall string tension.
Drop C Tuning uses C2 - G2 - C3 - F3 - A3 - D4 from the lowest sixth string to the highest first string.
Change from standard
Lower every string one whole step to D Standard, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step from D2 to C2.
Sound and feel
A deep low C with drop-tuning power-chord shapes and lower overall string tension.
Common uses
Modern metal, hard rock, metalcore, heavy riffs, and arrangements that need a C2 bass note.
How to Tune a Guitar to Drop C 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 every string one whole step to D Standard, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step from D2 to C2. The final low-to-high targets are C2 - G2 - C3 - F3 - A3 - D4.
- 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 Tuning Is Used For
Modern metal, hard rock, metalcore, heavy riffs, and arrangements that need a C2 bass note.
Heavy rhythm guitar
Use the low CGC strings for wide power chords and palm-muted riffs.
Lower song keys
Keep familiar interval relationships while moving the complete guitar into a lower register.
DAFCGC notation
Some references list strings from high to low as D-A-F-C-G-C; low to high this is C-G-C-F-A-D.
Setup awareness
Heavier strings and an intonation check can improve stability when Drop C becomes a permanent setup.
Drop C Tuning vs. Standard Guitar Tuning
The same guitar can use either setup, but open strings, tension, chord shapes, and usable drones change.
| Drop C Tuning | Standard tuning | |
|---|---|---|
| Open strings | C2 - G2 - C3 - F3 - A3 - D4 | E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4 |
| How to change | Lower every string one whole step to D Standard, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step from D2 to C2. | No retuning required |
| Character | A deep low C with drop-tuning power-chord shapes and lower overall string tension. | Balanced and familiar across most styles |
| Best for | Modern metal, hard rock, metalcore, heavy riffs, and arrangements that need a C2 bass note. | 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 Tuning?
From the lowest string to the highest, use C2 - G2 - C3 - F3 - A3 - D4.
How do I change from standard tuning?
Lower every string one whole step to D Standard, then lower the sixth string one additional whole step from D2 to C2.
What is Drop C Tuning best for?
Modern metal, hard rock, metalcore, heavy riffs, and arrangements that need a C2 bass note.
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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