Drop A Tuning
Tune to A-E-A-D-F#-B with this free online Drop A tuner
What Is Drop A Tuning?
Drop A tuning (A-E-A-D-F#-B, low to high) is one of the lowest tunings you'll find on a six-string guitar. Think of it in two moves: first take standard EADGBE down 2½ steps to B standard (B-E-A-D-F#-B), then drop the lowest string a further whole step from B to A. The result is a 6th string that lands all the way down at A1 — a perfect 5th below standard's E2.
Because the bottom three strings (A-E-A) spell out a power chord, you can hammer out chunky A5 riffs with a single finger and slide that shape anywhere on the neck. That low, crushing weight is why Drop A became a staple of deathcore, metalcore, and djent. The catch: A1 sits below a bass guitar's low E, so you really need heavy strings — and ideally a baritone or extended-scale guitar — to keep it tight and articulate.
Drop A Tuning Notes — A E A D F# B
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| 5th | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| 4th | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 3rd | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 2nd | F#3 | 185.00 Hz |
| 1st | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
Famous Songs in Drop A Tuning
- Reign of DarknessThy Art Is MurderDeathcore riffing in A-E-A-D-F#-B
- This Is ExileWhitechapelHeavy Drop A deathcore staple
- PossessionWhitechapelCrushing low Drop A grooves
- Hell Chose MeCarnifexBlackened deathcore in Drop A
- Solar Flare HomicideEmmureChugging Drop A metalcore riff
- You Only Live OnceSuicide SilenceDeathcore breakdowns in Drop A
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drop A tuning?+−
Drop A tuning (A-E-A-D-F#-B, low to high) is an extremely low, heavy guitar tuning. It is standard tuning lowered 2½ steps to B standard, then the 6th string dropped a further whole step to A. The low 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (A-E-A) form a one-finger power chord, which is why deathcore and metalcore players love it.
How do I tune to Drop A?+−
Start in standard tuning (EADGBE). Drop the 6th string from E2 all the way down to A1 — a perfect 5th lower. Then lower the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings each 2½ steps (a perfect 4th): A2→E2, D3→A2, G3→D3, B3→F#3, E4→B3. Use the tuner above — it is preset to Drop A, so each string shows its Drop A target as you play.
What bands use Drop A tuning?+−
Drop A is a staple of deathcore, metalcore, and djent. Thy Art Is Murder ('Reign of Darkness'), Whitechapel ('This Is Exile', 'Possession'), Carnifex ('Hell Chose Me'), Emmure ('Solar Flare Homicide'), and Suicide Silence ('You Only Live Once') all use the A-E-A-D-F#-B tuning for their heaviest, lowest riffing.
What string gauge do I need for Drop A?+−
Drop A's low A1 is a very low note — it sits below a 4-string bass's low E. To keep it tight you need heavy strings and ideally extra scale length. On a standard 25.5" guitar use a thick set (roughly .012–.060 or heavier). A baritone or extended-scale guitar (27"–28") is the sweet spot, paired with a .060–.068 low string so the A doesn't go floppy.
Is Drop A the same as Drop B or A standard?+−
No. Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) sits a whole step higher than Drop A and is more common in metalcore. A standard (A-D-G-C-E-A) tunes all six strings down evenly so they keep standard intervals, whereas Drop A drops only the 6th string an extra whole step below the others — giving you a one-finger power chord on the bottom three strings.