Guitar and technique
Drop D tuning
Drop D is a guitar tuning where only the 6th string is lowered a whole step, from E to D: D A D G B E, giving a deeper bass and one-finger power chords.
What is Drop D tuning?
Drop D starts from standard tuning and changes a single string: the 6th goes from E down to D, a whole step (two semitones) lower. The result is D A D G B E.
The other five strings stay put, so every fingering on strings 5 to 1 still works. You gain a low D (D2, 73.42 Hz) that sits one octave below the open 4th string. It is the first alternate tuning most players try, and it is everywhere in rock, metal and folk songs in the key of D.
How do you tune to Drop D?
Three ways, from easiest to most precise by ear:
- Octave: lower the 6th string until it sounds one octave below the open 4th string (D).
- Harmonic: lightly touch the 6th string over the 12th fret wire; that harmonic should match the open 4th string exactly.
- 7th fret: on the 6th string, the 7th fret should give A, the same note as the open 5th string.
A tuner works too: aim for D on the 6th string. To go back to standard, bring it up until its 5th fret matches the open 5th string.
One-finger power chords in Drop D
The three low strings are now D A D: a fifth plus an octave. Lay one finger flat across strings 6, 5 and 4 at the same fret and you get a full power chord with the root on the 6th string:
| Fret | Chord |
|---|---|
| 0 | D5 |
| 2 | E5 |
| 3 | F5 |
| 5 | G5 |
| 7 | A5 |
| 10 | C5 |
Exercise: play D5, D5, F5, G5 in eighth notes at 90 BPM with light palm muting. Then try D5, C5, A5, G5 for a descending riff.
Which chords change in Drop D?
Only chords that use the 6th string change: on that string, add two frets to get the same note. Useful shapes:
- D: 0 0 0 2 3 2, now with a deep D in the bass;
- Em: 2 2 2 0 0 0, a one-finger barre on the low three strings;
- G: 5 x 0 0 0 3 (5th string muted);
- A, C, Am, Dm: unchanged, since they skip the 6th string.
To see every shape, the alternate tunings tool displays chords and scales in Drop D. Drop D is also a first step toward open tunings and DADGAD, which both start with a low D too.
Common Drop D mistakes
- Forgetting to shift 6th-string notes: a G on the 6th string is now at the 5th fret, not the 3rd.
- Floppy low string: with very light strings the 6th can buzz. Pick a little softer or use a slightly heavier gauge.
- Not checking against the 4th string: Drop D sounds off whenever the D-D octave is not perfect.
Key takeaways
- Drop D = D A D G B E: only the 6th string goes down a whole step.
- Tune the 6th string one octave below the open 4th string.
- One finger flat across strings 6-5-4 gives a power chord.
- On the 6th string, every note is two frets higher than in standard.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Drop D and D standard?
In Drop D only the 6th string goes down: D A D G B E. In D standard all six strings go down a whole step: D G C F A D. D standard keeps every standard fingering, just lower, while Drop D only changes shapes on the 6th string.
Is Drop D bad for your guitar?
No. Lowering one string slightly reduces tension on the neck. Switching between standard and Drop D regularly is perfectly safe, you just need to retune the 6th string carefully.
Can you use a capo in Drop D?
Yes. With a capo at the 2nd fret you are effectively in Drop E (E B E A C# F#), and one-finger power chords still work: just count frets from the capo.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
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