Drop D Guitar Tuning
Drop D sets the six strings from low to high to D A D G B E. Its punchy and familiar voice works especially well for one-finger power chords, D drones and heavy riffs.
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 D
Only the sixth string falls from E to D, leaving the top five strings exactly as standard tuning.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Alternate open D5 with barred power chords at frets three, five and seven.
Shape tip: Bar the lowest three strings at one fret for a power chord and keep normal shapes unchanged unless they use the sixth string.
Retune to D A D G B E safely
Standard strings usually work; recheck intonation if the low D feels loose.
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 D Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to D A D G B E. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is Drop D Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
Standard strings usually work; recheck intonation if the low D feels loose. 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 D 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.