Double Drop D tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Sound and genres
With strings 6 and 1 both on D, the guitar has Ds in three octaves (D2, D3 and D4) on strings 6, 4 and 1. Chords in D, G and A pick up a low root and a high drone that rings over whatever you fret on the middle strings.
The high D changes the feel more than you might expect. Open chord shapes that use string 1 now have a D on top instead of an E, which turns some chords into suspended or add9 voicings and makes others clash, so most of the work is reshaping the top of each chord rather than the bottom.
- Folk
- Acoustic rock
- Fingerstyle
- Country
- Alternative rock
How to tune to Double Drop D
- Start from standard tuning. Only strings 6 and 1 move, both down two semitones; strings 5, 4, 3 and 2 stay where they are.
- Lower string 6 from E2 to D2. Go slightly below D and tighten back up to it so the string settles at the nut.
- Lower string 1 from E4 to D4 the same way. The thin string changes pitch quickly, so turn the peg in small movements.
- If either string is read as its neighbor, turn Detect String off and tap the peg you are tuning. The tuner then measures only that string and shows how far you are from D.
- Check the three Ds against each other: open strings 6, 4 and 1 should sound as clean octaves with no beating.
- Run the final recheck pass in the tune-up checklist. Two strings losing tension can let the middle strings drift a few cents, especially on a floating tremolo.
Changing from standard tuning
String by string, from standard tuning. Pick a different starting tuning to see its changes, or open the tuning changer.
2 strings change
| String | Change | Semitones | Peg | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 → D2 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
| 5 | A2 | 0 | No change | — |
| 4 | D3 | 0 | No change | — |
| 3 | G3 | 0 | No change | — |
| 2 | B3 | 0 | No change | — |
| 1 | E4 → D4 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
Chord shapes in double drop D
Because strings 5 to 2 are unchanged, shapes played only on those strings still work, such as the A and A7 grips. For a full G, fret string 6 and string 1 both at fret 5, mute string 5 and let strings 4, 3 and 2 ring open: two G notes frame the open D, G and B.
The open D chord needs its F♯ moved: fret string 3 at 2, string 2 at 3 and string 1 at 4. Leave string 1 open instead and you get a D5 with a D on top, which suits strummed rock parts. The one-finger power chords from drop D still work on strings 6, 5 and 4.
Strings and setup for double drop D
Neither string goes far below its normal pitch, so a standard set works. The high D has about a fifth less tension than the high E, which makes bends easier but can make a light string 1 rattle against the frets if your action is very low. A slightly heavier string 1 or a touch more action on the treble side fixes it.
Double drop D is also a convenient base camp: lower string 2 from B to A and you are in DADGAD, or raise string 1 back to E and you are in drop D.
Chord shapes in Double Drop D
Songs in Double Drop D
- Cinnamon Girl — Neil Young (1969)Source: Guitar World, 2025
- Cortez the Killer — Neil Young (1975)Source: Guitar World, 2024
- Going to California — Led Zeppelin (1971)Source: Guitar World, 2025
- Treetop Flyer — Stephen Stills (1991)Source: Guitar World, 2017
- Drift & Die — Puddle of Mudd (2001)Source: Guitar World, 2025
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between drop D and double drop D?
Drop D lowers only string 6. Double drop D also lowers string 1 from E to D, which adds a high drone but changes every chord shape that uses the top string.
Do I need different strings for double drop D?
No, a standard set works. If the high D feels loose or rattles, use a slightly heavier first string.
Which chord shapes still work in double drop D?
Anything played only on strings 5 to 2 is unchanged. Shapes that use string 6 or string 1 need those notes moved up two frets, or you can leave them open as D drones.
Is double drop D good for fingerstyle?
Yes. The low D gives an alternating bass a solid root, and the open high D rings over melodies played on strings 2 and 3.
How do I get from double drop D to DADGAD?
Lower string 2 two semitones, from B3 to A3. The other five strings already match.
How do I get back to standard from double drop D?
Tighten strings 6 and 1 two semitones each, back to E2 and E4, then recheck all six strings.