Drop A Guitar Tuning
Drop A sets the six strings from low to high to A E A D F# B. Its sub-heavy and forceful voice works especially well for baritone riffs, low breakdowns and wide heavy arrangements.
Do this first
No theory test. No perfect technique required. Follow these three steps and start making music.
Tap each string to hear it
What changes in Drop A
The top five strings are tuned to B standard while the sixth string drops to A.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Play an A pedal in half notes, then add C5, D5 and F5 responses above it.
Shape tip: Keep the low A as a controlled pedal and use higher chord inversions to preserve clarity.
Retune to A E A D F# B safely
Use a long scale, heavy set and full intonation and neck adjustment.
Change one string at a time, approach the target pitch gradually and recheck every string after the neck settles. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge lifts or the instrument reacts unpredictably.
Turn the open strings into music
Quick answers before you play
What are the notes in Drop A Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to A E A D F# B. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is Drop A Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
Use a long scale, heavy set and full intonation and neck adjustment. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge moves or the guitar becomes difficult to intonate.
Can I use normal chord shapes in Drop A Guitar Tuning?
Some shapes may still work, but a drop tuning changes at least part of the fretboard. Start with the open strings, simple drones and the shape guidance on this page.
Why do the strings go out of tune again after retuning?
Changing one string changes the total tension on the neck. Tune all six strings, wait briefly and repeat the process until every reference pitch remains stable.