What are the notes of Drop C tuning?

Drop C tuning on guitar is C G C F A D, from the lowest string to the highest.

How do I tune to Drop C from standard tuning?

Starting from standard (E A D G B E): string 6 down 4 semitones, string 5 down a whole step, string 4 down a whole step, string 3 down a whole step, string 2 down a whole step, string 1 down a whole step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.

Do I need different strings for Drop C?

Not necessarily, but when strings are tuned down a long way they lose tension and can buzz or feel floppy. A slightly heavier string gauge keeps them stable and in tune.

Is Drop C tuning bad for my guitar?

No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

Drop C tuningC G C F A D

Drop C is Drop D a whole step lower: C G C F A D. It's a staple of heavy rock and metal for a thick, low sound that still plays like Drop D.

Because every string is lower, strings feel slacker. Many players move to a heavier gauge (for example 11s or 12s) to keep the feel tight and the notes in tune.

Also called · CGCFAD

§ 1

String chart

String 1 is the thinnest. Frequencies are exact at A4 = 440 Hz; change the reference on the A4 knob.

StrNoteFrequencyFrom std.

1DD4 · Re293.7 Hz▼ a whole step

2AA3 · La220.0 Hz▼ a whole step

3FF3 · Fa174.6 Hz▼ a whole step

4CC3 · Do130.8 Hz▼ a whole step

5GG2 · Sol98.00 Hz▼ a whole step

6CC2 · Do65.41 Hz▼ 4 semitones

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Tuning your guitar to Drop C

Automatically with the microphone, or by ear: tap any note on the headstock to hear a real recorded reference.

1
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2
Pluck one string at a time and let it ring. The tuner detects which string you're playing.
3
If the needle is left of centre the string is flat, so tighten it. If it's right of centre the string is sharp, so loosen it.
4
Turn the peg slowly until the note turns green and the needle sits in the middle. Then move on to the next string.
5
Go round once more: tuning one string slightly changes the tension on the others.

§ 4

Questions & troubleshooting

What are the notes of Drop C tuning?: Drop C tuning on guitar is C G C F A D, from the lowest string to the highest.
How do I tune to Drop C from standard tuning?: Starting from standard (E A D G B E): string 6 down 4 semitones, string 5 down a whole step, string 4 down a whole step, string 3 down a whole step, string 2 down a whole step, string 1 down a whole step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.
Do I need different strings for Drop C?: Not necessarily, but when strings are tuned down a long way they lose tension and can buzz or feel floppy. A slightly heavier string gauge keeps them stable and in tune.
Is Drop C tuning bad for my guitar?: No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

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