Free Drop D Guitar Tuner
Tune your guitar to Drop D (DADGBE) right in your browser. Real-time pitch detection — pluck the 6th string and watch the needle settle on D2.
Drop D tuning reference
6th string drops one whole step. Everything else stays.
| String | Note | Frequency | Vs. standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th (lowest) | D2 | 73.42 Hz | −2 semitones |
| 5th | A2 | 110.00 Hz | same |
| 4th | D3 | 146.83 Hz | same |
| 3rd | G3 | 196.00 Hz | same |
| 2nd | B3 | 246.94 Hz | same |
| 1st (highest) | E4 | 329.63 Hz | same |
How to tune to Drop D
Three steps.
- 1Start in standard tuning. Tune to EADGBE first using the standard tuner if your guitar is out — Drop D is a step away from there, not from scratch.
- 2Drop the 6th string. Loosen the lowest string until the tuner reads D2. Watch the needle — left of center is flat (keep going up), right is sharp (you went past).
- 3Verify with the 4th. Play the open 4th string (D3) and the open 6th string (D2) together — they should sound exactly one octave apart. If anything wavers, the 6th is off.
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Frequently asked
What is Drop D tuning?
Drop D is a guitar tuning where the lowest (6th) string is tuned down a whole step, from E to D. The other five strings stay at standard pitch. The full tuning from low to high is D-A-D-G-B-E.
Why use Drop D?
Drop D lets you play power chords on the lowest three strings with a single finger barre — making heavy riffs faster and looser. It also extends your low range by two frets and gives a darker, beefier sound. Common in rock, metal, grunge, and modern folk.
How do I get from standard tuning to Drop D?
Tune your guitar to standard EADGBE first, then drop the 6th string down a whole step. A useful check: the open 6th string should sound exactly one octave below the open 4th (D) string. This tuner makes it visual — switch to Drop D mode and the target frequency becomes D2 (73.42 Hz).
Does Drop D hurt my guitar's intonation?
No. Drop D is a small adjustment and your guitar will hold tune fine. If you switch between standard and Drop D constantly, a setup with slightly heavier strings on the 6th can help keep tension consistent and prevent fret buzz on the low D.
Famous Drop D songs to practice with?
Foo Fighters' "Everlong," Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box," Tool's "Schism," Soundgarden's "Outshined," and most Rage Against the Machine. All use Drop D to get that low D rumble and one-finger power chords.
Getting buzzy frets in Drop D?
Dropping the 6th string loosens tension and can cause fret buzz if your setup is dialed tight. A proper setup balances action and relief so your guitar holds up across tunings. Based in Pikeville, NC, serving Goldsboro and Wayne County.