42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.
Drop A tuning is A E A D F♯ B, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 6 strings change.
B standard with the 6th string dropped to A. Mostly for baritone and extended-range guitars.
The open strings ring D6 (with 9 as the lowest note), with the dropped string as a deep root.
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | B3 | 246.94 Hz | -5 from E |
| 2nd | F♯3 | 185.00 Hz | -5 from B |
| 3rd | D3 | 146.83 Hz | -5 from G |
| 4th | A2 | 110.00 Hz | -5 from D |
| 5th | E2 | 82.41 Hz | -5 from A |
| 6th (lowest) | A1 | 55.00 Hz | -7 from E |
Lay one finger flat across the three lowest strings. At each fret you get a power chord: fret 0 = A5, fret 2 = B5, fret 3 = C5, fret 5 = D5, fret 7 = E5.
Strings 1 to 5 are 5 semitones lower than standard, so your usual shapes still work and sound 5 semitones lower: a G shape sounds as D, a D shape as A.
Starting from standard tuning: 6th string down 7 semitones to A; 5th string down 5 semitones to E; 4th string down 5 semitones to A; 3rd string down 5 semitones to D; 2nd string down 5 semitones to F#; 1st string down 5 semitones to B. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: A1, E2, A2, D3, F#3, B3 (A E A D F# B).
Reverse the changes: 6th string up 7 semitones to E; 5th string up 5 semitones to A; 4th string up 5 semitones to D; 3rd string up 5 semitones to G; 2nd string up 5 semitones to B; 1st string up 5 semitones to E.
Tuning down a lot makes strings slack, which can buzz. If it does, use a heavier string set or play a little lighter.