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Tune your 8-string Guitar to Drop D
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Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E)
Drop D is one of the most popular alternate tunings in rock and metal music. Simply lower the 6th string from E to D while keeping all other strings in standard tuning. This creates a powerful, heavy sound and enables easy one-finger power chords on the bottom three strings. Drop D tuning became widely popular in the 1990s grunge and alternative rock movements, though it has roots in classical guitar and folk music. The lowered bass string provides a heavier, darker tone that's perfect for driving riffs and adds an extra whole step of low-end range.
Musical genres
Rock, metal, grunge, alternative, hard rock, nu-metal
Famous songs
- "Everlong" - Foo Fighters
- "Heart-Shaped Box" - Nirvana
- "Killing in the Name" - Rage Against the Machine
- "Moby Dick" - Led Zeppelin
- "Slither" - Velvet Revolver
Tips
- Tune down your low E string until the 12th fret harmonic matches the open D (4th) string
- Power chords become easier - just bar the bottom three strings with one finger
- The open D string creates excellent droning bass notes for heavy riffs
- Practice switching between standard and Drop D to expand your repertoire
Instruments
Tunings
General Tunings
Dropped Tunings
Lowered Tunings
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest). This tuning has been the standard for centuries and is used in most guitar music across all genres. The low E string is tuned to E2 (82.41 Hz), and the high E string is tuned to E4 (329.63 Hz).
Click the microphone icon to enable microphone access, then play a single string. The tuner will detect the pitch and show you whether the note is sharp (too high), flat (too low), or in tune. Adjust your tuning peg accordingly until the indicator is centered.
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th (lowest) string from E to D, while keeping all other strings in standard tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E). This is popular in rock and metal music because it allows for easy power chords using a single finger and produces a heavier, lower sound.
Yes! This chromatic tuner works for both acoustic and electric guitars. For electric guitars, you can either use the microphone to pick up sound from your amp, or connect your guitar directly to your computer's audio input for the most accurate results.
Open tunings are alternative guitar tunings where strumming all open strings produces a chord. Popular examples include Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D), used by Keith Richards, and Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D), popular for slide guitar. These tunings are common in blues, folk, and slide guitar playing.
You should tune your guitar every time you play, and check tuning periodically during longer practice sessions. Temperature changes, humidity, and playing can cause strings to go out of tune. New strings especially need frequent retuning until they stretch and settle.
Common reasons include: new strings that haven't stretched yet, changes in temperature or humidity, worn tuning pegs, an improperly set nut or bridge, or old strings. Regular string changes and proper guitar maintenance can help maintain tuning stability.