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Drop D Tuning on Guitar: Notes and Chords
- Authors
- Name
- Rizan Bhandari
- @rizan
I think drop D is the easiest alternate tuning to get into. From standard, you change one string (low E) to D and you're in drop D.
Frankly, I like drop C and DADGAD more, but retuning can be a hassle, especially if you have only one guitar. I have two acoustic guitars at the moment. Retuning still feels like a chore, so I just keep one in standard and the other in DADGAD.
How to tune to Drop D
From standard E A D G B E, drop low E to D. Done!
| String | Standard | Drop D |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | E | D |
| 5 | A | A |
| 4 | D | D |
| 3 | G | G |
| 2 | B | B |
| 1 | E | E |
What you hear open
If you just play the lowest three strings, you get a D5 - D power chord. That is D A D.
Easy Drop D power chords
Barre your index on strings 6, 5, and 4 and you get a power chord.
D5
At 2nd fret, it gives you an E5.
E5
Here's a quick look.
| Barre at | chord |
|---|---|
| Open | D5 |
| 2 | E5 |
| 3 | F5 |
| 5 | G5 |
| 7 | A5 |
| 8 | Bb5 |
| 10 | C5 |
It's the same idea as Drop C
Fretboard in Drop D
Drop D Tips
You have the low D, might as well use it.
- We normally avoid playing low strings (E and A) for open chords like D major and D sus4. In chords that use D as the root, you can include the low D string for a fuller sound.
D major
- Since rest of the 5 strings are unchanged, all standard chords work the same except G and E shapes. Just skip the 6th strings and you're fine.
- For riffs, write on frets 0-7 of the low three strings.
- Use the low D as bass/drone for fingerstyle.
Standard vs drop D vs drop C
| Standard | drop D | drop C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low string | E | D | C |
| Other strings | EADGBE | Same as standard | All down a whole step |
| One-finger power chords | No (on low 3) | Yes | Yes |
| Time to tune | - | ~30 seconds | Longer |
| Typical use | Everything | Rock, metal, some folk | Metal, metalcore, heavier rock |
Songs and bands in Drop D
| Artist | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | Heart-Shaped Box | - |
| Rage Against the Machine | Killing in the Name | - |
| Foo Fighters | Everlong (and others) | Steal riff ideas! |
| Tool | Many tracks | Progressive riffs |
| Queens of the Stone Age | Several songs | Tight riffs |
| Soundgarden / Alice in Chains era | Various | Heavy rock |
Practice
- Drop the low E to D.
- Play open D5 until it feels normal.
- Barre 5 and 7 for G5 and A5.
- Write an eight-bar riff with frets 0-7 only.
- When you want lower, go to Drop C.
FAQs
What is Drop D tuning?
D A D G B E. Only the lowest string is different from standard: E down to D.
How do I tune to Drop D?
Lower the low E one whole step to D. Match the open 4th string an octave higher. Leave the rest alone.
Why use Drop D?
One-finger power chords, just have to change one string, plus songs by bands like Tool use it.
Drop D vs Drop C?
Drop C is lower overall. Drop D is faster to reach from standard.
Drop D vs Open D?
Open D is D A D F# A D (full major triad open). Drop D is DADGBE (power-chord / standard-hybrid).
What songs use Drop D?
Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Foo Fighters, Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, and lots.
Do I need heavier strings?
Nope. Standard is fine.