Drop C (C G C F A D) is essentially Drop D tuned down another whole step: strings 1–5 go down a whole step and the 6th string drops two whole steps to C. It sounds deep and heavy and is a signature tuning of metalcore, nu-metal and post-hardcore.
What is Drop C tuning?
Compared with standard: 6th string E→C (down 4 semitones); 5th A→G, 4th D→C, 3rd G→F, 2nd B→A and 1st E→D (each down 2 semitones). The relationship between strings is exactly the same as Drop D, so every Drop D shape and one-finger power chord carries straight over — just a whole step lower.
The bottom three strings, C–G–C, give a power chord under one finger: open is C5, 2nd fret D5, 3rd fret E♭5, 5th fret F5.
Drop C tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Standard | Drop C | Change | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 82.41 | C2 65.41 Hz | down 4 semitones | -37% |
| String 5 | A2 110.00 | G2 98.00 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 4 | D3 146.83 | C3 130.81 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 3 | G3 196.00 | F3 174.61 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 2 | B3 246.94 | A3 220.00 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 1 | E4 329.63 | D4 293.66 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
How to tune from standard to Drop C tuning
- Tune all six strings to standard E A D G B E first (A4 = 440 Hz).
- String 6: E2 → C2, down 4 semitones — target 65.41 Hz.
- String 5: A2 → G2, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 98.00 Hz.
- String 4: D3 → C3, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 130.81 Hz.
- String 3: G3 → F3, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 174.61 Hz.
- String 2: B3 → A3, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 220.00 Hz.
- String 1: E4 → D4, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 293.66 Hz.
- Ear check: the 12th-fret harmonic on the 6th string (C3) should match the open 4th string (C3), and the 5th string at the 5th fret (C3) should also match the open 4th. The other strings check against each other exactly as in Drop D.
- Recheck every string from low to high: the change in neck tension pulls the other strings slightly out.
Where it is used
Drop C is everywhere in metalcore, nu-metal, alternative metal, post-hardcore and modern hard rock; the low open C is perfect for tight chugs and heavy riffs.
Slower heavy styles such as stoner and doom often sit in Drop C or lower, and if a song is written in Drop D but sits high for the singer, Drop C is the whole-step-down version.
String tension and feel
This is the biggest tension change of the six tunings here: the 6th string loses about 37% and the others about 21%. A normal 10–46 set gets floppy, buzzes and drifts out of tune, so use a heavier set (11–56, 12–56 or a dedicated "drop tuning" set), or consider a longer-scale or baritone guitar.
After moving to heavier strings, do a basic setup: neck relief, action and intonation. Thick strings can bind in the nut slots and "ping" out of tune; a tech can widen the slots slightly if needed.
How to get back to standard tuning
- String 1: D4 → E4, up a whole step (2 semitones) (329.63 Hz).
- String 2: A3 → B3, up a whole step (2 semitones) (246.94 Hz).
- String 3: F3 → G3, up a whole step (2 semitones) (196.00 Hz).
- String 4: C3 → D3, up a whole step (2 semitones) (146.83 Hz).
- String 5: G2 → A2, up a whole step (2 semitones) (110.00 Hz).
- String 6: C2 → E2, up 4 semitones (82.41 Hz).
- Raising pitch adds tension. Approach each target from slightly below and turn slowly rather than overshooting — fewer broken strings and the tuning settles faster.
FAQ
Do I really need heavier strings for Drop C?
Strongly recommended. The 6th string drops two whole steps and loses about a third of its tension, so light strings feel loose and buzz. An 11–56 or 12–56 set works much better — re-check neck relief and intonation when you change.
What is the difference between Drop C and C standard?
Drop C is C G C F A D, with C–G–C on the bottom for one-finger power chords. C standard is C F B♭ E♭ G C: all six strings two whole steps down, with the same shapes as standard tuning. The guitar tuner here has both.
How do I play Drop D songs on a guitar tuned to Drop C?
Put a capo on the 2nd fret and Drop C becomes Drop D pitch (D A D G B E) with identical shapes. The other way round, Drop D tabs work as-is in Drop C, just a whole step lower.
