

However, you can just think of it as if it was the 5th string in standard tuning since that one is tuned to an A as well. You will need to get used to finding notes in the 6th string since it is no longer tuned in E. Power chords are the easiest chords to play in Drop A.Īll you need to do is find the root note of the chord you want to play and then barre the lowest 3 strings with your index finger. Let’s start by checking out how power chords work in Drop A tuning and then look at how you can play other types of chords in this tuning. They also have a very distinct sound due to the fact that you play them with only one finger barring the lowest 3 strings in the same fret. To be fair, most of the time that people play in Drop A, they mostly use the lowest 3 strings for riffs based on power chords, which are the easiest to play in this tuning.
#Drop d tuner how to#
How to play chords in Drop A Guitar tuning Here’s a visual representation of how Drop A looks like in a guitar’s strings: You will need to lower every string a perfect fourth lower, and the 6th string is dropped an additional whole step, from B to A. Don’t forget to check all the strings again once you’ve finished tuning the first time. While there are some tricks to help you tune a guitar by ear, to be fair, when going as low as Drop A, it is best to simply use a tuner to make sure that all of your notes are pitch perfect. Every string is tuned to the same pitch, except for the lowest, which is tuned to a B instead of an A. If you have ever checked out how baritone guitars are tuned, you will notice that they are usually tuned very similarly to Drop A. In comparison, you must tune to these notes to get to Drop A Guitar tuning:

Starting from the lowest string, standard tuning has the following notes: Let’s start analyzing this tuning by comparing it to standard tuning, which you should be familiarized with the most. This will make playing more comfortable, as the strings won’t feel all wobbly and loose, and your guitar’s neck will be prepared to handle the difference in tension, avoiding intonation and neck curvature issues.įor Drop A, it would be advisable to try at least a. One thing you absolutely can’t overlook when tuning this low is adjusting your string gauge and having your guitar set up for the tuning you are planning to use. The reason why Drop A is one of the most extreme Drop tunings is the fact that you need to lower the 6th string quite a lot (a perfect fifth below E), and the remaining strings are tuned a perfect fourth lower. What is Drop A guitar tuning, and how do I tune my guitar to it? This guide is going to focus on one of the most extreme Drop tunings – Drop A Guitar Tuning. Drop D, however, only requires you to tune down the 6th string (an E in standard tuning) to a D. The most common Drop tuning is Drop D because it is the easiest to tune, play, and maintain comfortable string tension since other tunings such as Drop C and Drop B involve tuning down all the strings on the guitar. These tunings can also work very well with an acoustic guitar, to better complement the voice of a singer that has a lower vocal range. Power chords sound fat and chunky in these tunings, and they are extremely easy to play (even easier than power chords in standard tuning)! It will typically be tuned an octave lower from the 4th string’s pitch.ĭrop tunings are mostly used by guitarists who are into heavier music, such as heavy metal, death metal, and other genres that usually feature high gain distortion.

Some of the most popular tunings are what we call “Drop tunings.” In summary, Drop tunings have the 6th string tuned lower than usual. Continue reading our Drop A Guitar tuning guide to learn more. One of the most interesting aspects of guitars is the possibility of changing the pitch of the strings in order to explore a different register or approach to the same instrument.
