What is Drop D tuning?

Drop D tuning lowers the lowest string (6th string) from E to D, giving you D-A-D-G-B-E. The other five strings stay in standard tuning.

How do I tune to Drop D?

Use a chromatic tuner or tune the 6th string until it sounds an octave below the open 4th string (D). Alternatively, fret the 6th string at the 7th fret — it should match the open 5th string (A).

What songs use Drop D tuning?

Many popular songs use Drop D: Everlong by Foo Fighters, Heart-Shaped Box by Nirvana, Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden, The Pretender by Foo Fighters, and Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin, among many others.

What are the advantages of Drop D?

Drop D allows powerful one-finger power chords on the lowest three strings, adds a deeper low D note, and makes D-based riffs and chords easier to play. It is popular in rock, metal, and alternative music.

Does Drop D affect the other strings?

No. Only the 6th string changes. Strings 1-5 stay in standard tuning, so all your existing chord shapes and scale patterns on those strings still apply.

Drop D Tuning: How to Tune, Chords & Songs