Drop C tuning and tuner
Drop C is Drop D tuned down another whole step. All six strings go down, with the 6th string at C (65.4 Hz). Popular in metal and hard rock.
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String notes: Drop C (C G C F A D)
At A = 440 Hz. The tuner measures each plucked string against these frequencies.
| String | Note | Frequency | vs. standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | C2 | 65.4 Hz | ↓ 4 semitones |
| 5. | G2 | 98.0 Hz | ↓ 2 semitones |
| 4. | C3 | 130.8 Hz | ↓ 2 semitones |
| 3. | F3 | 174.6 Hz | ↓ 2 semitones |
| 2. | A3 | 220.0 Hz | ↓ 2 semitones |
| 1. | D4 | 293.7 Hz | ↓ 2 semitones |
How to tune
- Press “Start tuning” and allow the microphone. The sound stays in your browser and is never uploaded.
- Every string gets looser, so heavier strings (e.g. 11–56) help avoid floppy, buzzing strings.
- Order: 6th string down to C first, then the rest down a whole step (A→G, D→C, G→F, B→A, E→D).
- When the needle sits in the green middle zone (±3 cents), the string is in tune. Anything within 5 cents sounds in tune to the ear.
All tuned? Here are the chords, with shapes and sound →
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Frequently asked questions
What is Drop C tuning?
C – G – C – F – A – D. It's whole-step-down tuning (D G C F A D) with the 6th string dropped another whole step.
Do I need different strings?
Not strictly, but slack strings can buzz. A heavier set or a longer scale gives a cleaner tone.
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