How to Tune a Guitar to Drop D: A Comprehensive Guide
To tune your guitar to Drop D, you lower the low E string (the thickest string) two semitones until it matches the pitch of the D string, effectively creating a lower, heavier sound perfect for rock, metal, and blues. This results in the strings being tuned to DADGBE, instead of the standard EADGBE.
Understanding Drop D Tuning: A Gateway to Heavier Sounds
Drop D tuning is a popular alternative guitar tuning that offers a distinct sonic flavor and opens up new creative possibilities. It’s favored by guitarists across genres seeking a heavier, more resonant sound and easier power chord voicings. This tuning simplifies playing power chords with a single finger, making it accessible to beginners and a valuable tool for experienced players.
The Benefits of Playing in Drop D
There are several advantages to exploring the world of Drop D:
- Heavier Sound: The lowered E string creates a deeper, more resonant tone, ideal for heavy rock, metal, and blues.
- Easier Power Chords: Power chords can be played with a single finger, making them quicker and easier to execute, especially during fast-paced riffs.
- Expanded Riffing Possibilities: Drop D opens up new chord voicings and riffing patterns that are difficult or impossible to achieve in standard tuning.
- Creative Inspiration: The different sound and feel of Drop D can inspire new musical ideas and approaches to playing.
- Increased String Resonance: The detuned low E string vibrates more freely, adding to the overall sustain and depth of the guitar’s tone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drop D Tuning
Here’s a straightforward method to get your guitar into Drop D tuning:
- Identify the Low E String: This is the thickest string on your guitar, usually the lowest in pitch in standard tuning.
- Play the Open D String: Listen carefully to the sound of your open D string (the fourth string from the thickest).
- Loosen the Low E String: Using your tuning peg, slowly loosen the low E string. The pitch will begin to drop.
- Match the Pitches: Continue loosening the E string until its pitch matches the open D string. You can play both strings simultaneously to compare the sounds.
- Fine-Tune: Make small adjustments to the low E string until it is perfectly in tune with the D string. A tuner is helpful for this step, though not strictly required.
- Check Tuning: Play a few chords and riffs in Drop D to ensure that everything sounds correct. You may need to make slight adjustments to other strings after changing the E string.
Tools You Might Need
- A Tuner (Optional but Recommended): A chromatic tuner, either physical or an app, will provide the most accurate tuning.
- Your Guitar: This is essential!
- Your Ears: While a tuner is helpful, training your ear to recognize the correct pitch is valuable.
- String Winder (Optional): This tool can speed up the process of loosening the E string.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overtightening/Loosening the Tuning Peg: Avoid turning the tuning peg too quickly or forcefully. This can damage the string or the tuning machine.
- Not Matching the Pitch Properly: Ensure the low E string is tuned to the exact same pitch as the open D string. Otherwise, your Drop D tuning will be inaccurate.
- Ignoring Other Strings: Adjusting one string can affect the tuning of the others. Double-check the tuning of all strings after changing the low E string.
- Using a Poor-Quality Tuner: If using a tuner, ensure it’s accurate. Cheap or unreliable tuners can give you incorrect readings.
- Not Stretching New Strings: If you’ve recently changed your strings, stretch them thoroughly before tuning to help them settle and stay in tune longer.
Using a Tuner for Drop D Tuning
Using a tuner for Drop D is the most accurate way to achieve the correct tuning.
- Set your tuner to chromatic mode.
- Pluck the low E string. The tuner should read “E”.
- Loosen the tuning peg until the tuner registers “D”. Make sure the tuner is stable on “D” before proceeding.
- After tuning to Drop D, check the tuning of the other strings. They should still be E, G, B, and the high E.
- Make adjustments as needed.
Comparing Standard Tuning and Drop D Tuning
| String | Standard Tuning | Drop D Tuning |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (Low E) | E | D |
| 5th (A) | A | A |
| 4th (D) | D | D |
| 3rd (G) | G | G |
| 2nd (B) | B | B |
| 1st (High E) | E | E |
Impact of Drop D on String Tension
Detuning the low E string will reduce the overall string tension. Some players prefer this looser feel, while others might adjust their playing style accordingly. Consider using slightly thicker gauge strings to compensate for the reduced tension if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drop D Tuning
What genres of music commonly use Drop D tuning?
Drop D tuning is incredibly versatile and appears in a wide range of genres. You’ll commonly find it in rock, metal (particularly nu-metal and djent), blues, and even some folk and acoustic styles.
Will tuning to Drop D damage my guitar?
Tuning to Drop D is generally safe for most guitars. The small change in tension is unlikely to cause any damage. However, frequently switching between drastically different tunings can accelerate wear and tear.
Can I use Drop D tuning on an acoustic guitar?
Yes, you can absolutely use Drop D tuning on an acoustic guitar. It can add a richer, fuller sound to acoustic songs.
What are some famous songs that use Drop D tuning?
Many popular songs use Drop D, including “Everlong” by Foo Fighters, “Heart Shaped Box” by Nirvana, “Moby Dick” by Led Zeppelin, and “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine. These are just a few examples demonstrating the versatility of the tuning.
Do I need special strings for Drop D tuning?
While not strictly necessary, some players prefer to use slightly thicker gauge strings, especially for the low E string, to compensate for the reduced tension in Drop D. This can help maintain a tighter, more consistent feel.
How does Drop D tuning affect chord voicings?
Drop D simplifies power chord voicings significantly, allowing you to play them with a single finger on the bottom three strings. It also opens up new chord voicings and inversions that are difficult or impossible to achieve in standard tuning.
What is “Double Drop D” tuning?
Double Drop D tuning involves tuning both the high and low E strings down to D, resulting in DADGBD. This creates a particularly resonant and open sound.
How do I tune back to standard tuning from Drop D?
Simply tighten the low E string back up until it matches the pitch of the open A string (the fifth string). You can also use a tuner to ensure it’s tuned to E.
Can I use Drop D tuning on a bass guitar?
Yes, Drop D tuning is also common on bass guitars. It provides a lower, more powerful sound and simplifies certain bass lines.
Why is Drop D tuning so popular?
Drop D tuning is popular because it offers a heavier sound, easier power chords, and new creative possibilities for guitarists across various genres. It’s a simple modification that can significantly impact your playing.
Is Drop D tuning good for beginners?
Yes, Drop D tuning can be a great option for beginners. The simplified power chord voicings make it easier to play rock and metal riffs.
Will playing in Drop D affect the intonation of my guitar?
In most cases, the slight tension change from Drop D won’t noticeably affect intonation. However, if you consistently use extremely low tunings, you may need to adjust your guitar’s intonation to compensate.