Drop C takes D standard, with every string a whole step down, and lowers the 6th string one more whole step to C: C G C F A D. The three low strings make a power chord under one finger, just like drop D, but two semitones lower. It is a staple of metalcore, nu-metal and modern hard rock.
This page opens the guitar tuner with Drop C selected. Coming from standard, five strings drop a whole step and the 6th drops two, so plan on two passes.
How to use it
- Tap Turn on microphone. Start with the 6th string and lower it from E to C, four semitones.
- Lower the 5th to G, the 4th to C, the 3rd to F, the 2nd to A and the 1st to D.
- Go back to the 6th string and repeat the round: the neck relaxes as the tension drops.
- Let the low C ring for a second before trusting the needle: a slack string goes sharp on the attack.
Strings and setup for drop C
Standard 9s or 10s are too slack for a low C; most players use 11–56 or 12–56 sets, or a drop-tuning set with a heavier low string. After a big change in gauge, have the nut, intonation and truss rod checked. To return, choose Standard in the Tuning menu and tune up in two passes.
Tips
- Coming from drop D? Lower every string one more whole step and you are in drop C.
- Palm-mute lightly: heavy picking makes a low C sound out of tune.
- Tell your bassist: drop C riffs usually need the bass in drop C too.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of drop C?
C G C F A D from low to high.
What is the difference between drop C and C standard?
C standard lowers all six strings two whole steps (C F B♭ E♭ G C). Drop C keeps the top five in D standard and drops only the 6th to C.
Why does my low C sound buzzy or out of tune?
The string is too light for the tuning. Move to a heavier gauge or a set made for drop tunings and pick a little softer.
Can I tune to drop C♯ or C standard here?
Use the chromatic tuner: it reads any note, so you can tune C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯ or C F B♭ E♭ G C string by string.