Drop C tuning: C G C F A D
Drop D shifted down a whole step: tune to D standard, then drop the 6th string to C. A low, heavy tuning; slightly thicker strings help it stay in tune.
Drop C notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | Change from standard | Listen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2Down two whole steps | 65.41 Hz | Down two whole steps | |
| 5 | G2Down a whole step | 98.00 Hz | Down a whole step | |
| 4 | C3Down a whole step | 130.81 Hz | Down a whole step | |
| 3 | F3Down a whole step | 174.61 Hz | Down a whole step | |
| 2 | A3Down a whole step | 220.00 Hz | Down a whole step | |
| 1 | D4Down a whole step | 293.66 Hz | Down a whole step |
String 6 is the lowest (thickest) string. Frequencies use A4 = 440 Hz.
How to tune to Drop C from standard
- String 6: E → C (down two whole steps).
- String 5: A → G (down a whole step).
- String 4: D → C (down a whole step).
- String 3: G → F (down a whole step).
- String 2: B → A (down a whole step).
- String 1: E → D (down a whole step).
Tune down past the note and come back up to it: the string settles and holds pitch better. After a big change, check every string again because the neck tension shifts.
Questions
What are the notes in Drop C tuning?
From the lowest (thickest) string to the highest: C G C F A D.
How do I tune to Drop C?
Open the Fartguitar tuner with Drop C selected, allow the microphone and play one string at a time until the needle sits in the middle. You can also play each reference note on this page and match it by ear.