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.

D6th (low)

A5th

D4th

G3rd

B2nd

E1st (high)

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How to tune to Drop D

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

Famous songs in Drop D

Killing in the Name — Rage Against the Machine · get the tone →
Everlong — Foo Fighters · get the tone →
Hunger Strike — Temple of the Dog · get the tone →
Blackest Eyes — Porcupine Tree · get the tone →
Honey Bucket — Melvins · get the tone →

Artists who use Drop D

Rage Against the Machine · their tunings & tones →

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Drop D tuning — FAQ

What are the string notes for Drop D tuning?

Drop D tuning is, from the low (6th) string to the high (1st) string, D A D G B E.

How do I tune my guitar to Drop D?

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

What songs use Drop D tuning?

Popular songs in Drop D tuning include Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine, Everlong by Foo Fighters, Hunger Strike by Temple of the Dog, Blackest Eyes by Porcupine Tree, Honey Bucket by Melvins.

What artists use Drop D tuning?

Artists who use Drop D tuning include Rage Against the Machine.

What is Drop D tuning good for?

The most popular alternate tuning — just drop the low E to D for heavy, one-finger power chords.

More tunings: see all 19 tunings · standard tuning chart

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