Drop D Tuning

Lower the low E string to D for powerful, heavy sounds. Perfect for rock and metal with easier power chords.

beginnerDrop TuningRock • Metal

String Configuration

1(High E)
E4
329.63 Hz
2(String 2)
B3
246.94 Hz
3(String 3)
G3
196.00 Hz
4(String 4)
D3
146.83 Hz
5(String 5)
A2
110.00 Hz
6(Low E)
D2
73.42 Hz

Why Use This Tuning?

  • •Easier power chords - single finger barre
  • •Extended low-end range
  • •Great for heavy riffs
  • •Only requires changing one string
  • •Maintains most standard chord shapes

Keep in Mind

  • •Some open chords sound different
  • •Requires relearning some chord shapes
  • •Can make string bending harder on low string

How to Tune Your Guitar

1

Tune the low E string (6th string) down to D

E2 → D2 (down 2 semitones)

Essential Chord Shapes

D5 Power Chord

beginner
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Single-finger power chord - incredibly easy and powerful

D Major

beginner
000232

Rich, full D major chord using open strings

A5 Power Chord

beginner
777xxx

Moveable power chord shape

Dsus2

beginner
000230

Beautiful suspended chord

Famous Artists & Songs

Foo Fighters

  • • "Everlong"
  • • "My Hero"
  • • "Times Like These"

Pearl Jam

  • • "Jeremy"
  • • "Alive"
  • • "Even Flow"

Soundgarden

  • • "Black Hole Sun"
  • • "Spoonman"
  • • "Rusty Cage"

Practice Exercises

Power Chord Riffs

beginnerHeavy rhythm playing

Master the easier power chord shapes in Drop D

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice single-finger power chords
  2. 2.Work on palm muting technique
  3. 3.Practice moving power chords up the neck
  4. 4.Create simple riff patterns
  5. 5.Practice with distortion

Drop D Chord Progressions

intermediateAlternative chord voicings

Explore unique chord voicings possible in Drop D

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice D-A-G progression
  2. 2.Work on suspended chords
  3. 3.Explore drone notes
  4. 4.Practice fingerpicking patterns
  5. 5.Combine with lead playing

Related Tunings

Standard Tuning

The most common guitar tuning, used in the vast majority of songs. Perfect for beginners and foundational for all other tunings.

Drop C Tuning

Lower and heavy: CGCFAD. Favorite for modern rock/metal with single‑finger power chords on low strings.

Drop B Tuning

Very low: BF#BEG#C#. Requires heavier strings and setup. Massive low end for modern metal.

Explore More Guitar Tunings

Discover new sounds and expand your playing with alternative tunings from around the world.

Browse All Tunings →Practice Exercises