Bass Drop D tuning (D-A-D-G) lowers only the lowest string from E1 to D1 by one whole step, giving a frequency of 36.71 Hz. The other three strings (A, D, G) remain at standard pitch. This mirrors Drop D guitar tuning and is used in metal, hard rock, and grunge to give the bass a deeper, heavier low end that locks in with Drop D guitars.

Start with your bass in standard EADG tuning with the top three strings (A, D, G) already in tune. Then lower only the 4th string (the thickest one) by one whole step — from E1 down to D1 at 36.71 Hz. A reference check: once lowered, the 4th string should sound exactly one octave below the open 2nd string (D2). Use the tuner above to confirm D1 at 36.71 Hz.

Drop D bass tuning appears in many iconic rock and metal recordings. 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Metallica uses a prominent low D bassline. 'Vasoline' by Stone Temple Pilots, 'Spoonman' by Soundgarden, and numerous songs by Alice in Chains, Tool, and Pantera use Drop D bass to match Drop D guitar tunings. Anywhere you hear heavy low-D guitar riffs, the bassist is likely in Drop D as well.

Bass players use Drop D primarily to match guitarists who play in Drop D tuning, creating a unified low end. The low D1 note at 36.71 Hz adds significant depth and weight to heavy riffs. Drop D also makes certain bass runs and grooves easier to play. It is quick to apply — only one string needs to change — so bassists can switch between standard and Drop D setups easily.

Both bass Drop D and guitar Drop D lower only their lowest string by one whole step. On guitar, the low E2 drops to D2 (73.42 Hz). On bass, the low E1 drops to D1 (36.71 Hz) — exactly one octave below the guitar's Drop D string. Bass and guitar Drop D work together to create the characteristic heavy, locked-in low end heard in rock and metal.