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Tuning > Drop Tuning
Drop Tuning the Guitar
Drop D, Drop B, Drop C
Drop tuning your guitar is simply where you tune the bottom string
lower than usual. Most often, the dropped string is an octave lower
than the 4th fattest string on your guitar.
A string that has been dropped by the equivalent of two fret positions (e.g. the low E dropped to D) has been tuned down one whole step which means if you tune down your guitar
the equivalent of just one fret (also known as a semi-tone), you have tuned it down half a step.
To tune your guitar to Drop C, Click Here
To tune your guitar to Drop B, Click Here
Or see below for Drop D
Drop D Guitar Tuning
First, make sure your guitar is in standard tuning (E A D G B e). Go to this page for a free online tuner (opens in a new window for you).
Simply tune the bottom E string down until it becomes a lower sounding D. You can match this up with the 4th D string to check they are the same.
Click on the Drop D diagram below to hear a low D
Now, just to check everything's in tune, try the exercise below. Click the tab to
hear a typical drop D powerchord riff.
When playing the Drop D powerchord like above, some people prefer just
to slide one finger (e.g. index or middle) up and down the fretboard,
others prefer to get all their fingers involved like they're playing
lead guitar - find which one's comfortable for you. You'll probably
find it easier to use more than one finger on faster riffs involving
drop tuning.
Try practicing a quicker drop D riff of your own over this
drum track (right click and "save as" to download).
Tip: You can download your very own versatile drummer right
here!
Click the tab below to hear the Drop D minor
pentatonic scale - the bottom string's changed pitch so it needs
adjusting with your scales...
A lot of newer heavy metal uses deeper drop tuning such as drop C and drop B. Below is a tuner for drop C to help you out...
Click on the individual strings to hear
When tuning down this low, double check once all
strings have been tuned down as a lot of tension on the neck will have
been released during this process, putting it out of tune slightly.
If you tune that bottom C back up to a D you will be in standard D tuning which allows you to play all the familiar positions of standard tuning, but obviously with a deeper sound.
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Drop B Guitar Tuning
First, make sure the strings on your guitar are at least a gauge 11.
This will ensure enough tension in the strings when playing for optimum
tone. Otherwise, it will be like playing elastic bands stretched over a cereal box (ah memories from pre-school).
Click on each string below to hear and tune your guitar up to drop B...
Make sure you double check after tuning all strings because a lot of tension is lost
in the guitar when tuning down this low.
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