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FAQ: What's Drop D Tuning?
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Q: What's Drop D Tuning and how is it different from normal/standard tuning?
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Standard Tuning: E A D G B E
Drop D Tuning: D A D G B E
The only difference between the two being on the 6th string which is tuned down to D in drop D tuning.
When using drop D tuning, the three bass strings form a D5 power chord when played openly. Fretting the three bass strings on the same fret thus turns into a real simple way to play power chords.
Dropped D tuning is perhaps most widely used in the heavy metal genre, as these guitarists often need extremely fast transitions between different power chords. The tuning is also used in many other types of music like blues and country.
A: Drop D tuning is an alternate guitar tuning where the 6th or lowest string is tuned down (or dropped) one key (2 frets) to D rather than E as in standard tuning.
In picture format here's Standard tuning vs. Drop D tuning...