Guitar tuning · C G C F A D
Drop C tuning
Drop C tuning: C G C F A D, low to high. Used for heavy rock, metalcore and modern metal.
Notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| 3 | F3 | 174.61 Hz |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Frequencies for A4 = 440 Hz.
From standard tuning
- Lower the 6th string 4 half steps: E → C.
- Lower the 5th string a whole step: A → G.
- Lower the 4th string a whole step: D → C.
- Lower the 3rd string a whole step: G → F.
- Lower the 2nd string a whole step: B → A.
- Lower the 1st string a whole step: E → D.
Check each string with a tuner, then go round once more — changing one string’s tension nudges the others.
One-finger power chords
The three low strings form a root–5th–octave power chord, so one finger flat across a fret plays a power chord. Open: C5.
fret 0 → C5fret 2 → D5fret 3 → E♭5fret 5 → F5fret 7 → G5
FAQ
- What are the notes of Drop C tuning?
- From the low string to the high string: C G C F A D.
- Is changing tuning bad for my guitar?
- No — tunings within a few half steps of standard are fine. For much lower tunings you keep long-term, heavier strings and a setup help with tension and intonation.
- How do I tune to it accurately?
- Use a chromatic tuner — it reads any note, not just standard tuning. Always tune up to the note so the string stays in tune.