How to Tune to Drop D
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Drop D tuning lowers the low E string down to D while the other strings stay in standard tuning E A D G B E. A chromatic tuner reads D on the low string. Clip the tuner to the headstock, pluck the low string, and turn its peg down until the tuner reads D.
Know what changes in drop D
Only the low E string moves. In drop D it tunes down a whole step to D, and the other strings stay in standard tuning E A D G B E. That gives the guitar a low D note on the open low string while the rest of the notes stay where they are.
Clip on a chromatic tuner
A chromatic tuner reads any note, so it can read D on the low string. Clip it to the headstock and check that the display is clear to read from your playing position. Set the tuner to chromatic mode if it has other modes, so it reads the note you play instead of only standard tuning notes.
Tune the low string down to D
Pluck the low E string and watch the tuner. Turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch in small amounts, and pluck the string again after each turn so the tuner reads the new pitch. Stop when the tuner reads D. If the tuner shows a note below D, turn the peg the other way until it reads D.
Check the other strings
Pluck each of the other strings and confirm the tuner reads A, D, G, B, and E from low to high. Drop D changes only the low string, so the others should already read their standard notes. Retune any string that reads off, then check the low string again, since moving a string can shift the rest.
Return to standard tuning
To go back, tune the low string up from D to E while the tuner reads the note. The other strings stay in standard tuning, so leave them where they are. Check each string again after the low string reads E, and the guitar is back in standard tuning E A D G B 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 it reads the low D and the other strings.
- Chromatic mode
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip On
Snark SIL-RED Silver Snark Chromatic Tuner Red
A clip-on chromatic tuner with a display that rotates, so it reads the low D from your playing position.
- Chromatic mode
Snark ST-8HPT High Precision Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with pitch calibration, so it reads the low D without batteries to change.
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip-On
These come from our ranked list Best Tuners, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do the other strings change in drop D?
No. Only the low E string tunes down to D. The other strings stay in standard tuning E A D G B E, so only the low string needs the tuner.
Can I tune to drop D without a tuner?
A chromatic tuner reads the low D directly, so it is the direct way to check the note. Tuning by ear means matching the low string to the open D string, and the tuner still gives the direct check.
How do I get back to standard tuning?
Tune the low string up from D to E while the tuner reads the note. The other strings stay in standard tuning, so check each string again after the low string reads E.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
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