Drop D tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E) is a guitar tuning where only the lowest string (6th string) is lowered by one whole step, from E2 down to D2. The other five strings remain at standard EADGBE pitch. Strumming the three lowest strings open produces a D5 power chord, and barre power chords across those three strings become a single finger across one fret.

To tune to Drop D, start in standard tuning (EADGBE) with all five upper strings in tune. Then lower only the 6th string (the thickest one) by one whole step — from E2 down to D2. A good reference: once the 6th string is lowered, it should sound exactly one octave below the open 4th string (D3). Use the tuner above to target D2 at 73.42 Hz for the 6th string.

Hundreds of famous songs use Drop D tuning. Rock and metal classics include 'Everlong' and 'The Pretender' by Foo Fighters, 'Black Hole Sun' by Soundgarden, 'Moby Dick' by Led Zeppelin, 'Heart of Gold' by Neil Young, 'Killing in the Name' by Rage Against the Machine, and 'The Unnamed Feeling' by Metallica. Drop D is one of the most commonly used alternate tunings in rock.

Drop D is popular primarily because it makes power chords much easier to play. In standard tuning, a power chord requires two or three fingers across different strings. In Drop D, you can barre the three lowest strings with a single finger at any fret — this allows faster riff playing and harder-hitting rhythm guitar. The low D string also adds a deeper, heavier root note for bass-heavy riffs.

The only difference is the 6th string: in standard tuning it's E2, in Drop D it's D2. The other five strings (ADGBE) are identical. This means all your standard chord shapes still work on the upper five strings, while the lower string gains a new capability for one-finger power chords and a low D root note.