01 Oct Drop D Tuning
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Drop D tuning is an incredibly popular option for new players, as it allows for easy playing over standard tuning.
- The only difference between a drop D tuning and a standard tuning is that the bass string (6th string) is lowered from an E to a D.
- This tuning allows you to play power chords with one finger, which is why it is a popular alternate tuning for heavy metal and rock, as it is preferred by bands like Foo Fighters.
If you are new to playing guitar, you may want to learn all about drop D tuning. Many of the best guitars, after all, are acoustic guitars and these designs allow for playing in that tuning variation. So what is drop D, why use it, and how to tune the best acoustic guitars correctly? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Drop D Tuning?
Before learning how to adjust the guitar intonation, let’s talk about drop D tuning. As the name suggests, the tuning drops the bass note to a D from an E, which is useful when learning how to play guitar chords. That’s pretty much it, though there are variations of the tuning structure when learning how to tune a 12-string guitar, among other instruments. Along with learning how to put on a guitar strap, getting a grasp on drop D tuning is one of the first things new players put on their plate.
How to Drop D on an Acoustic Guitar
This is a fairly simple process, even for new players. As a note, these steps work with any standard guitar, electric, or acoustic.
- As you likely already know, a guitar is typically tuned, from top to bottom, E-A-G-D-B-E.
- Drop D tuning is that exact configuration with one essential change. The bass string, the top E, goes down to a D.
- Tune the E down to a D by ear or with a guitar tuner.
- The end result will be D-A-G-D-B-E.
Why Use a Drop D Tuning?
There are many reasons the drop D tuning is so popular, particularly with new players. Here are a few.
Easy Power Chords
Playing power chords, otherwise known as barre chords, is incredibly easy in this tuning. Lowering the bass string means that you can just use one finger down the whole fret to play the chord. Move that finger up and down the fretboard to play a whole bunch of different chords. This is why drop D tuning has become so popular in heavy metal and other genres where speed is of the essence.
Creative Sounds
Adding that extra bit of bass via the D string allows you to experiment and create some unique and fun chord variations. Playing in this tuning provides a bit of openness as you play, which translates to a diverse and interesting sound palette when recorded.
Drop D FAQs
Do you want to become a better guitarist?
Become a better guitarist by listening to music carefully, as bands such as Foo Fighters have a lot to offer. Become familiar with tuning pegs, the root note of songs, and other skills.
What is a bass amplifier?
A bass amplifier is designed for bass guitars but is great for playing electric guitar in drop d tuning or even standard tuning. Bands like Foo Fighters use this method to bring out the bass notes of a guitar, particularly when playing an alternate tuning.
What is the benefit of drop D?
Taking your lowest string (6th string) from an E to a D is beneficial to playing certain chords quicker than with a standard tuning or even other alternate tunings.
STAT
“Drop D tuning is one of the most popular ways to tune your guitar. You can hear it in many popular rock and metal songs.” (source)
TIP: Don’t stop at drop D, as there are so many other popular tuning configurations, such as D-A-D-G-A-D.
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Sources:
https://www.fender.com/articles/how-to/drop-d-tuning-on-guitar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop_D_tuning
https://www.schoolofrock.com/resources/bass-guitar/beginners-guide-to-tuning-a-bass-guitar
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