Drop D tuning

Drop D tuning is D A D G B E, from the thickest string to the thinnest: standard tuning with the 6th string lowered a whole step, from E to D.

Lodestone for iPhone shows these strings too, with the one you're tuning lit up. 99¢, once.

Drop D tuning notes and frequencies

Diagram of drop d tuning: six strings tuned D A D G B E, from the thickest string to the thinnest.

String	Note	Frequency	From standard
6th	D₂	73.42 Hz	E → D whole step down
5th	A₂	110.00 Hz	no change
4th	D₃	146.83 Hz	no change
3rd	G₃	196.00 Hz	no change
2nd	B₃	246.94 Hz	no change
1st	E₄	329.63 Hz	no change

Frequencies use A4 = 440 Hz. Strings are numbered from the thinnest.

With the low string on D, the bottom three strings (D A D) make a power chord you can play with one finger, and the open low D gives you a deeper note to lean on.

Tap a string above to hear its note, or turn on the mic: the string you're tuning lights up and glows brighter as you get close.

How to tune to Drop D

Play the open 4th string (D). Lower the 6th string until it rings the same note an octave below.
Check it with harmonics: the 12th-fret harmonic on the 6th string should match the open 4th string.

Questions

How far do I lower the low E for drop D?

One whole step, which is two half steps or 200 cents: from E2 (82.41 Hz) down to D2 (73.42 Hz). The other five strings stay in standard tuning.

More tunings

Standard E A D G B E
Half step down E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭
D standard D G C F A D
Drop C C G C F A D
DADGAD D A D G A D
Open G D G D G B D
Open D D A D F♯ A D
Bass tuner E A D G
Ukulele tuner G C E A
Violin tuner G D A E

Lodestone for iPhone

Open Lodestone and play. It's already listening. Pick your instrument to see its strings, with the one you're tuning lit up. 99¢, once. No ads, no accounts, no subscription.