Full Step Down (D Tuning)

All strings tuned down a whole step (DGCFAD). Heavier tone, lower tension, great for rock and metal.

beginnerStandard TuningRock • Metal

String Configuration

1(High E)
D4
293.66 Hz
2(String 2)
A3
220.00 Hz
3(String 3)
F3
174.61 Hz
4(String 4)
C3
130.81 Hz
5(String 5)
G2
98.00 Hz
6(Low E)
D2
73.42 Hz

Why Use This Tuning?

  • •Lower tension for bends
  • •Heavier sound
  • •Same shapes transposed

Keep in Mind

  • •Might need setup
  • •Can sound muddy with thick strings

How to Tune Your Guitar

1

Tune high E to D

E4 → D4 (down 2 semitones)

2

Tune B to A

B3 → A3 (down 2 semitones)

3

Tune G to F

G3 → F3 (down 2 semitones)

4

Tune D to C

D3 → C3 (down 2 semitones)

5

Tune A to G

A2 → G2 (down 2 semitones)

6

Tune low E to D

E2 → D2 (down 2 semitones)

Essential Chord Shapes

D5

beginner
000xxx

Open power chord

G5

beginner
555xxx

Moveable power chord

Famous Artists & Songs

System of a Down

  • • "Chop Suey!"
  • • "Toxicity"

Killswitch Engage

  • • "My Curse"

Practice Exercises

Riff Warmups

beginnerRhythm precision

Palm-muted eighth notes with D5–F5–G5

Steps:

  1. 1.Set metronome 80 BPM
  2. 2.Alternate pick
  3. 3.Keep right-hand consistent

Related Tunings

Drop D Tuning

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

Drop C Tuning

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

Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)

Standard tuning lowered by one semitone. Slightly easier bending, warmer tone, and used by many famous guitarists.

Explore More Guitar Tunings

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

Browse All Tunings →Practice Exercises