42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.
Drop C tuning is C G C F A D, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 6 strings change.
D standard with the 6th string dropped to C. A favourite of modern rock and metal for heavy one-finger riffs.
The open strings ring F6 (with 9 as the lowest note), with the dropped string as a deep root.
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | D4 | 293.66 Hz | -2 from E |
| 2nd | A3 | 220.00 Hz | -2 from B |
| 3rd | F3 | 174.61 Hz | -2 from G |
| 4th | C3 | 130.81 Hz | -2 from D |
| 5th | G2 | 98.00 Hz | -2 from A |
| 6th (lowest) | C2 | 65.41 Hz | -4 from E |
Lay one finger flat across the three lowest strings. At each fret you get a power chord: fret 0 = C5, fret 2 = D5, fret 3 = E♭5, fret 5 = F5, fret 7 = G5.
Strings 1 to 5 are a whole step (2 semitones) lower than standard, so your usual shapes still work and sound a whole step (2 semitones) lower: a G shape sounds as F, a D shape as C.
Starting from standard tuning: 6th string down 4 semitones to C; 5th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to G; 4th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to C; 3rd string down a whole step (2 semitones) to F; 2nd string down a whole step (2 semitones) to A; 1st string down a whole step (2 semitones) to D. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: C2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4 (C G C F A D).
Reverse the changes: 6th string up 4 semitones to E; 5th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to A; 4th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to D; 3rd string up a whole step (2 semitones) to G; 2nd string up a whole step (2 semitones) to B; 1st string up a whole step (2 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.