Drop D (D A D G B E) lowers only the 6th string from E down a whole step to D and leaves the other five strings at standard pitch. It is the most popular alternate tuning and the easiest one to try: one-finger power chords and an extra low D.
What is Drop D tuning?
Start from standard E A D G B E and drop the thickest string by two semitones to get D A D G B E. The bottom three strings now form D–A–D (root, fifth, octave), so barring them at any fret with one finger gives a full power chord, and the open strings give D5.
Because only one string changes, every chord and scale shape on strings 1–5 stays exactly the same. Just remember that notes on the 6th string are a whole step lower — the old open E is now at the 2nd fret.
Drop D tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Standard | Drop D | Change | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 82.41 | D2 73.42 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 5 | A2 110.00 | A2 110.00 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 4 | D3 146.83 | D3 146.83 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 3 | G3 196.00 | G3 196.00 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 2 | B3 246.94 | B3 246.94 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 1 | E4 329.63 | E4 329.63 Hz | unchanged | — |
How to tune from standard to Drop D tuning
- Tune all six strings to standard E A D G B E first (A4 = 440 Hz).
- String 6: E2 → D2, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 73.42 Hz.
- Ear check: the 12th-fret harmonic on the 6th string (D3) should match the open 4th string (D3) exactly — or the open 6th string should sound exactly one octave below the open 4th.
- Recheck every string from low to high: the change in neck tension pulls the other strings slightly out.
Where it is used
Drop D is everywhere in alternative rock, grunge, nu-metal and post-hardcore: sliding one-finger power chords around the low strings sounds heavy and takes very little effort.
It is just as common on acoustic guitar. Folk and fingerstyle arrangements in D major or D minor use the low D as a droning bass note, and many classical guitar pieces ask for the 6th string tuned to D.
String tension and feel
Dropping the 6th string a whole step cuts its tension by about 21%, so it feels looser and can buzz or rattle against the frets when you strum hard. Regular 10–46 or 11–52 sets are fine; if you live in Drop D and play aggressively, a slightly heavier low string (.048–.050) helps.
Switching between Drop D and standard barely changes the load on the neck, so no truss-rod adjustment is needed. The 6th string intonation can shift a little — compare the 12th-fret note with the open string after re-tuning.
How to get back to standard tuning
- String 6: D2 → E2, up a whole step (2 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 need different strings for Drop D?
No. Drop D lowers only one string by a whole step, so a normal 10–46 or 11–52 set works. Only consider a heavier 6th string if it feels floppy or buzzes when you dig in.
How do I play power chords in Drop D?
Barre the 6th, 5th and 4th strings at the same fret with one finger: open is D5, 2nd fret is E5, 5th fret is G5 and 7th fret is A5. Root notes on the 6th string sit two frets higher than in standard tuning.
What is the difference between Drop D and D standard?
Drop D lowers only the 6th string (D A D G B E). D standard lowers all six strings by a whole step (D G C F A D), so everything is lower but chord shapes stay the same as standard. The guitar tuner on this site has both.
