Drop D tuning and tuner
In Drop D you lower only the 6th (low E) string by a whole step to D. The tuner is already set up: pluck the string and loosen it until the needle centers.
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String notes: Drop D (D A D G B E)
At A = 440 Hz. The tuner measures each plucked string against these frequencies.
| String | Note | Frequency | vs. standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | D2 | 73.4 Hz | ↓ 2 semitones |
| 5. | A2 | 110.0 Hz | unchanged |
| 4. | D3 | 146.8 Hz | unchanged |
| 3. | G3 | 196.0 Hz | unchanged |
| 2. | B3 | 246.9 Hz | unchanged |
| 1. | E4 | 329.6 Hz | unchanged |
How to tune
- Press “Start tuning” and allow the microphone. The sound stays in your browser and is never uploaded.
- Only the 6th string changes: E → D (82.4 Hz → 73.4 Hz). The other five strings stay in standard.
- Check by ear: the open 6th string should sound one octave below the open 4th (D) string.
- With the low D you can play power chords with one finger across the bottom three strings (0-0-0 = D5).
- 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 D tuning?
D – A – D – G – B – E: standard tuning with the lowest string tuned down a whole step to D.
What is Drop D used for?
Heavier, deeper riffs (rock, metal), and songs in D major or D minor where the low D root can ring open.
How do I get back to standard?
Tune the 6th string back up from D to E. Pick Standard in the tuner, or open the regular guitar tuner.
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