Drop C tuning
C G C F A D · the tuner below is already set to Drop C. Tap Start tuner and play a string.
Play a string
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All strings in tune. Happy playing!
Reference notes
Tap a note, play the same string and turn the peg until the two sounds stop “beating” against each other.
Notes and frequencies in Drop C
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) | MIDI | From standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | C₂ | 65.41 | 36 | −4 |
| 5 | G₂ | 98.00 | 43 | −2 |
| 4 | C₃ | 130.81 | 48 | −2 |
| 3 | F₃ | 174.61 | 53 | −2 |
| 2 | A₃ | 220.00 | 57 | −2 |
| 1 | D₄ | 293.66 | 62 | −2 |
Frequencies in equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz. If you calibrate A4, the tuner shifts every target with it.
From standard tuning to Drop C
- Lower string 6 from E₂ to C₂: 4 semitones down.
- Lower string 5 from A₂ to G₂: a whole step down.
- Lower string 4 from D₃ to C₃: a whole step down.
- Lower string 3 from G₃ to F₃: a whole step down.
- Lower string 2 from B₃ to A₃: a whole step down.
- Lower string 1 from E₄ to D₄: a whole step down.
- Check every string once more with the tuner: changing the tension of some strings pulls the others slightly.
About Drop C
Drop C is drop D taken a whole step lower: the 6th string goes to C and the other five strings go down a whole step, giving C G C F A D. You get one-finger power chords on the low strings, now with a very deep C root. It is a staple of modern metal, hardcore and alternative rock. Because the 6th string is four semitones below standard, a heavier string gauge (a 56 or heavier on the low string) helps keep it from flapping and buzzing.
Tuning tips
Strings need a little time to settle into Drop C. Tune every string once, play for a minute, then tune them all again: the second pass is usually only a few cents and holds much longer.
Use Auto mode: the tuner already knows the notes of Drop C and picks the nearest string. If a string is far off, tap its chip to lock it in Manual mode, then turn the peg until the needle centres.