How to Tune a Guitar to Drop D
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Drop D tuning lowers the low E string to D, so the open strings read D A D G B E from low to high. Tune the low E string down one whole step while the other strings stay in standard tuning. A chromatic clip-on tuner shows the note and the octave as you turn the tuning peg.
Tune the guitar to standard first
Start from standard tuning, with the open strings reading E A D G B E from low to high. Check each string with the tuner and bring any string that reads sharp or flat back to its note. Only the low E string changes in Drop D, so the rest of the guitar must be in tune first.
Clip on the tuner
Clip the tuner to the headstock where you can see its display. The KLIQ has a padded clip that grips without scratching the headstock, and its full-color screen rotates to any angle. A clip-on tuner reads pitch by vibration, so background noise does not affect the reading. Set the tuner to chromatic mode if it has one.
Lower the low E string to D
Pluck the low E string and turn its tuning peg to lower the pitch, watching the tuner display as the note falls. Stop when the tuner reads D. The KLIQ shows the octave as well, so check that the D sits in the right octave. If the display reads sharp or flat, turn the peg a little and check again.
Check each string and retune
Play each open string and check the tuner reads D A D G B E from low to high. If a string moved while you tuned the low string, bring it back to its note. When you finish playing in Drop D, raise the low D string back to E with the tuner on, until it reads E.
What you need
KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On Guitar
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with a chromatic mode and an octave display, so you can see which octave the low D sits in.
- Chromatic mode
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip On
Snark SIL-RED Silver Snark Chromatic Tuner Red
A chromatic clip-on tuner with a high resolution display that rotates 360 degrees for a clear view on the headstock.
- Chromatic mode
Snark ST-8HPT High Precision Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with pitch calibration at 432 and 442 Hz, a bright screen, and an anechoic sound shield that keeps room noise out.
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip-On
These come from our ranked list Best Tuners, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What is Drop D tuning?
Drop D lowers the low E string to D, so the open strings read D A D G B E. The other strings stay in standard tuning.
Do I need a chromatic tuner for Drop D?
A chromatic tuner reads any note, so it shows D when the low string reaches it. The KLIQ and the Snark SIL-RED both have a chromatic mode.
How do I get back to standard tuning?
Raise the low D string back to E with the tuner on, until it reads E. Then check each open string against standard tuning.
Can I tune to Drop D without a tuner?
A clip-on tuner is the direct route: it reads the note by vibration, so background noise does not matter. Clip it on, watch the display, and stop when it reads D.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
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