What frequency is the 6th string in Drop D tuning?

In Drop D tuning, the 6th string is tuned to D2 at exactly 73.42 Hz, which is a whole step (200 cents) below standard E2 (82.41 Hz).

Do I need thicker strings for Drop D?

No. Standard light gauge strings (such as 10-46 or 9-42) easily accommodate Drop D without excessive fret buzz or loose tension because only a single string is lowered by two semitones.

Can I play standard chords in Drop D?

You can play standard chords on strings 1 through 5 unchanged. However, any chord requiring the 6th string (such as G or E) must be adjusted by fretting two frets higher on that string.

PickBeat

Online Drop D Guitar Tuner (DADGBE)

Pluck a string — tune until the needle enters the green zone

Tap a string to lock the target; defaults to the closest string

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Guitar Alternate TuningNotes: D - A - D - G - B - E

About Drop D Tuning

Drop D is the most popular alternate guitar tuning. By lowering only the 6th string one full whole step from E to D (73.42 Hz), you gain deep bass resonance and the ability to play powerful one-finger barre power chords.

Drop D Target Frequencies Chart

A4 = 440 Hz Reference

String	Target Note	Frequency (Hz)	Standard Tuning Delta
String 6	D2	73.42 Hz	Tuned DOWN 1 whole step (from E2 82.41 Hz)
String 5	A2	110.00 Hz	Standard
String 4	D3	146.83 Hz	Standard
String 3	G3	196.00 Hz	Standard
String 2	B3	246.94 Hz	Standard
String 1	E4	329.63 Hz	Standard

How to Tune to Drop D Step-by-Step

Play your 6th string while watching the PickBeat pitch meter.

Slowly turn the 6th string tuning peg toward you (counter-clockwise) to loosen the string and lower the pitch.

Keep turning until the indicator locks onto D2 (73.42 Hz).

The remaining five strings (A, D, G, B, E) remain in standard tuning.

Musical Advantages & Tone

One-Finger Power Chords: Barre the lowest three strings (6th, 5th, and 4th) with a single finger for lightning-fast chord changes.
Deeper, Heavier Low-End: Extends the guitar range down to low D (73.42 Hz) without requiring heavy string gauges.
Open D Drone: Allows strumming open D chords with resonant, roaring low bass notes.

Famous Songs & Guitarists

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Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, and modern hard rock bands

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