What Is Drop D?

“Drop D” is an alternate tuning for guitar.

A guitar can be said to be tuned to drop D (or dropped D) when the low E string is tuned one step down to a D note. This results in a tuning of DADGBE.

That might seem like a small change from the standard tuning of EADGBE, but it can make a huge difference. Songs in drop D sound, feel, and look different.

A lot of people associate drop D tuning with heavy metal. That's because it allows for quick one finger power chords needed for fast passages, plus hard rockers tend to love the deeper sound the low D string makes.

Drop D isn't just for heavy metal. It's been used in many genres of music and by many notable musicians through the years. Some of which might surprise you (more on that in a minute).

How To Tune To Drop D

Drop D tuning has become popular as of late. In drop D tuning the low E string is tuned down one whole step to D. This enables the guitarist to play power chords with a single finger. If your favorite band uses drop D tuning and you want to experiment with this tuning, by all means do so. What ever you do, don't learn the guitar in drop D tuning-you'll get all mixed up.

To tune your guitar to drop D tuning, first make sure your tuned to standard tuning. Then you'll want to tune your low E string down two steps to D (we drop it down one step, hence the name). See the picture below. You can use the audio clip below to tune your low E string to D for drop D tuning.

In this video I'll show you how to tune to drop D. It's easy!

Popular Songs In Drop D

Below is a list of popular songs that use the drop d tuning. It  has been used by a variety of artists through the years, from The Beatles and Pink Floyd, to more modern rock acts such as Tool and Soundgarden:

Alice In Chains “Them Bones”

Nirvana “All Apologies”

•  Audioslave “Show Me How To Live”
•  Bach “Musette In D”
•  The Beatles “Dear Prudence”
•  Jimmy Buffet “Margaritaville”
•  Crossfade “Cold”
•  Creed “Higher”
•  The Doors “The End”
• Foo Fighters “Everlong”
• Fleetwood Mac “Gold Dust Woman”
•  Neil Young “Harvest Moon”
•  Nickelback “Someday”
•  James Taylor “Country Road”
•  Jeff Buckley “Grace”
•  John Mayer “Your Body Is A Wonderland”
•  Led Zeppelin “Moby Dick”
•  Marilyn Manson “Beautiful People”
•  Nirvana “Heart Shaped Box”
•  Papa Roach “Last Resort”
• Pink Floyd “Run Like Hell”
• Queen “Fat Bottomed Girls”
• Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun”
• Tool “Sober”
• Velvet Revolver “Slither”

"The Magic Of Drop D" E-book

 Download my comprehensive e-book on drop d tuning.

The Authority On Drop D Tuning Drop D tuning is a popular alternate tuning that has been used by a variety of musicians through the years. In my new book titled "The Magic Of Drop D Tuning" you'll find the most in-depth look at the tuning ever created. You'll find... The Common Drop D Chords How To Play  Scales In Drop D How To Play Popular Drop D Songs Secrets Behind Creating Killer Riffs In Drop D

• Instant Delivery - Bonuses Included :

  1. "Top 25 Drop D" Tuning Song Transcriptions

  Order you copy today and you'll also receive "Top 25 Drop D". It's note-for-note transcriptions of some of the most popular songs in drop D. Includes all the songs listed above under "Popular Songs In Drop D"

  

  2. Drop D Video Lessons

  You'll also have online access to video lessons about drop D such as:

  1. -how to perform harmonics
  2. -how to create your own riffs
  3. -how to play popular songs

   

  
  

  3. Free Revisions Forever!

  You'll be able to download new editions of the book as they are released. Plus you'll have access to any additional tabs and videos that we add in the future!