How to Tune Drop D

Drop D changes only the lowest string. Standard tuning is E A D G B E. Drop D is D A D G B E. The low E string drops a whole step to D, while the other five strings stay the same.

This makes low power chords easier because the lowest three strings can form a one-finger shape. It also gives the guitar a heavier low note without changing the whole tuning system.

Select the low string target if your tuner supports string lock, then loosen the sixth string until the tuner reads D. Move slowly as you get close to the target because the low string can drift after the first pluck.

Do not change the A, D, G, B, or high E strings. If the guitar suddenly feels unfamiliar, check that only the thickest string moved.

The target is D2 on a normal six-string guitar. If a tuner only shows note names, make sure you are lowering from low E to the nearby lower D, not trying to match a higher D on another string.

A quick ear check is to play the open sixth string and the open fourth string together. They should both be D notes two octaves apart, creating a strong octave sound.

To go back to standard tuning, raise the sixth string from D back to E. Tune up slowly and stretch the string lightly if it has been sitting in Drop D for a while.

Retune the rest of the guitar after changing back. Even one string tension change can slightly affect the other strings.