Target notes
D2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4
Low to high
Drop D Tuning target notes
6D25A24D33G32B31E4
Open Drop D Tuning Tuner The full tuner opens with this tuning already selected.
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Guitar Tuning Guide
Drop D Tuning Guide and Online Guitar Tuner
Tune a guitar to Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E), learn which string changes, and open a microphone tuner preset for accurate Drop D tuning.
What Is Drop D Tuning?
A lower D bass note with familiar chord and scale shapes on the upper five strings.
Drop D Tuning uses D2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4 from the lowest sixth string to the highest first string.
Change from standard
Lower only the sixth string from E2 to D2; the other five strings remain in standard tuning.
Sound and feel
A lower D bass note with familiar chord and scale shapes on the upper five strings.
Common uses
Rock, metal, folk, fingerstyle, power chords, and songs built around a low D pedal tone.
How to Tune a Guitar to Drop D 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 only the sixth string from E2 to D2; the other five strings remain in standard tuning. The final low-to-high targets are D2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4.
- 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 D Tuning Is Used For
Rock, metal, folk, fingerstyle, power chords, and songs built around a low D pedal tone.
One-finger power chords
The three lowest strings form root-fifth-octave shapes that can be moved with one finger.
Low D drone
Keep the open sixth or fourth string ringing beneath riffs and fingerstyle patterns.
Fast tuning changes
Only one string moves, so Drop D is easy to enter and leave during practice or a set.
Standard upper strings
Lead shapes and familiar chord voicings remain available on strings one through five.
Drop D Tuning vs. Standard Guitar Tuning
The same guitar can use either setup, but open strings, tension, chord shapes, and usable drones change.
| Drop D Tuning | Standard tuning | |
|---|---|---|
| Open strings | D2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4 | E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4 |
| How to change | Lower only the sixth string from E2 to D2; the other five strings remain in standard tuning. | No retuning required |
| Character | A lower D bass note with familiar chord and scale shapes on the upper five strings. | Balanced and familiar across most styles |
| Best for | Rock, metal, folk, fingerstyle, power chords, and songs built around a low D pedal tone. | 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 D Tuning?
From the lowest string to the highest, use D2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4.
How do I change from standard tuning?
Lower only the sixth string from E2 to D2; the other five strings remain in standard tuning.
What is Drop D Tuning best for?
Rock, metal, folk, fingerstyle, power chords, and songs built around a low D pedal tone.
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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