One of the simplest tricks you can do to open up a world of sonic possibilities is to drop your E string to D. It gives you access to a deeper more resonant low end without having to stretch your hands to Shaquille Oneal widths.
It greatly simplifies power chords. Instead of using a standard finger shape across two or three frets, you can play a power chord using just one finger barred across the lowest three strings, allowing for faster and more aggressive playing.
It also gives access to lower notes without having to resort to a 7 string guitar. That extra whole step of range can greatly aid songwriting and arranging.
Beyond heavy music, Drop D also lends itself to big open chords and alternate voicings in genres like folk, indie, and fingerstyle acoustic. It’s a favorite among singer-songwriters looking to create a fuller sound without complex fingerings.
What Exactly is Drop D Tuning?
As mentioned, Drop D tuning involves lowering the pitch of the low E string on a guitar down one whole step to D. The result is the following tuning from the lowest to highest string:
D–A–D–G–B–E
Only one string changes from standard tuning, making it easy to switch to and from without needing to relearn most chord shapes.
If you’re tuning by ear and have a standard-tuned guitar:
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Play the D note on the 4th (D) string.
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Lower the 6th (low E) string until it matches that D an octave below.
Playing in Drop D
Most chord shapes remain the same on the top five strings, but you’ll need to adjust any chord that includes the 6th string. For example:
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D major becomes much fuller with the added low D.
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G major needs an extra finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string.
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Power chords across frets become as easy as barring one finger on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings.
Drop D tuning is a favorite for a reason: it offers an easy way to expand your musical palette without a steep learning curve. Try it out and see how just one string can change your entire sound.
The Playlist
Many artists across multiple genres use Drop D, here are a few examples.
Led Zeppelin - Moby Dick
While not the OG's of Drop D, they're pretty close.
Neil Young - Harvest Moon
While many associate Drop D with just hard rock and metal, here's proof the chill hippies like it too.
Foo Fighers - Everlong
A quintessential Drop D song with driving riffs. They fought a lot of foo in Drop D.
Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
Drop D did come.
Velvet Revolver - Slither
Slash's Drop D riffs are what makes this song.
Alice in Chains - Them Bones
Okay, before you fire up your 'ACTUALLY' rage, yes, this song technically is not in Drop D, it's dropped a half step to a kind of Drop C# monstrosity, but it sounds like Drop D and we like it.
Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name
This is an iconic Drop D riff.
Linkin Park - New Divide
You heard it here, Autobots like Drop D.
Hum - Stars
This is here to blow your head off at the first power chord.
Pink Floyd - Run Like Hell
One of the most iconic delayed riffs in Drop D. Sorry to not include Roger, Richard or Nick on this one, but this is a good performance with Mr. Gilmour's non pink band.
