Drop D is the easiest alternate tuning there is: only the low 6th string goes down a whole step, from E to D, and the rest stays in standard. The result is D A D G B E, with power chords under one finger on the bottom three strings and a deep low D for riffs and fingerstyle arrangements. It is everywhere in rock, grunge and metal, and common in acoustic folk.
This page opens the guitar tuner with Drop D already selected, so the 6th string's target is D2 (73.4 Hz) and the needle tells you exactly when to stop turning.
How to use it
- Check the other five strings first: they stay at A D G B E.
- Tap Turn on microphone, play the 6th string and loosen its peg. The note slides from E through E♭ to D; stop when the needle centers on D.
- If you go too low, tighten back up to D: tuning up to the note holds better.
- Strum the three low strings open to hear a clean D power chord.
Drop D by ear, and back to standard
No tuner nearby? Play the 12th-fret harmonic on the 6th string together with the open 4th string, which is D, and lower the 6th until the wobble between them disappears. Some players fit a drop D tuner, a lever on the low E machine head, for instant switching. To go back, choose Standard in the Tuning menu and bring the 6th string up to E.
Tips
- In drop D, the 6th string at the 2nd fret is the old open E.
- If the low D buzzes, pick a little softer or use a heavier 6th string.
- Bass player in the band? They can drop their E to D as well.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of drop D?
D A D G B E, low to high. Only the 6th string changes.
How far do I lower the 6th string?
A whole step, two frets: from E to D.
Does drop D hurt the guitar?
No. Lowering one string slightly reduces the tension on the neck, which is harmless.
What is the difference between drop D and D standard?
In drop D only the low string goes down. In D standard all six strings go down a whole step.
Can I tune a bass to drop D?
Yes, the bass tuner has a Drop D option: D A D G.