Guitar Drop D Tuning - Complete Guide to Alternate Tuning

What is Drop D Tuning?

Drop D is the most popular alternate tuning in guitar. You simply lower the 6th (lowest) string from E down to D, giving you the tuning D-A-D-G-B-E. This one change unlocks heavier riffs, one-finger power chords, and a deeper bass range.

How to Tune to Drop D

1. Play your open 4th string (D)
2. Slowly lower your 6th string until it matches the D — two octaves lower
3. Verify with a tuner: the 6th string should read D2 (73.42 Hz)
4. Check: fret the 6th string at the 7th fret — it should match the open 5th string (A)

One-Finger Power Chords

The biggest advantage of Drop D: power chords on the bottom three strings require just one finger barred across.

Drop D Power Chords (barre one finger across strings 6-5-4):

D5       E5       F5       G5       A5
e|------|  e|------|  e|------|  e|------|  e|------|
B|------|  B|------|  B|------|  B|------|  B|------|
G|------|  G|------|  G|------|  G|------|  G|------|
D|-0----|  D|-2----|  D|-3----|  D|-5----|  D|-7----|
A|-0----|  A|-2----|  A|-3----|  A|-5----|  A|-7----|
D|-0----|  D|-2----|  D|-3----|  D|-5----|  D|-7----|

Essential Drop D Riffs

Riff 1: Classic Metal Pattern

e|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|
D|-0--0--3--0--5--0--3--0---------|
A|-0--0--3--0--5--0--3--0---------|
D|-0--0--3--0--5--0--3--0---------|
   D     F     G     F

Riff 2: Open String Groove

e|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|
D|-----0-----0-----0-----0-------|
A|---0-----0-----0-----0---------|
D|-0-----3-----5-----3-----------|

Adjusted Standard Chords

Most chords stay the same in Drop D. Only chords using the open 6th string need adjustment:

Next Steps

Once comfortable with Drop D, explore palm muting for tighter riffs, and try combining power chords with hammer-ons for more dynamic playing.