Drop D Tuning

The most popular alternate tuning — just drop the low E to D for heavy, one-finger power chords. Low to high: D A D G B E.

How to tune to Drop D

1. Start in standard tuning (E A D G B E).
2. Lower only the thick 6th string (low E) a whole step down to D.
3. Check it against the open 4th string (D) — they should be the same note an octave apart.

Famous songs in Drop D

• Everlong — Foo Fighters · get the tone →
• Killing in the Name — Rage Against the Machine · get the tone →
• Slither — Velvet Revolver
• Dear Prudence — The Beatles
• Moby Dick — Led Zeppelin

More tunings: see all 12 tunings · standard tuning chart