Drop C tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| 3 | F3 | 174.61 Hz |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Sound and genres
Every interval is the same as in drop D, so riffs, chord shapes and scale patterns carry straight over and sound two semitones lower. The lowest note is C2, a major third below a standard low E, which gives palm-muted riffs a thicker, darker attack.
Because the top strings drop too, the whole guitar feels slacker. Bends come more easily and chords take on a heavier, rounder tone, but on a standard scale guitar with light strings the low C loses definition and the tuning starts to sound muddy.
- Metal
- Metalcore
- Hard rock
- Alternative rock
- Post-hardcore
How to tune to Drop C
- From standard, lower strings 5 to 1 two semitones each: A to G, D to C, G to F, B to A and E to D. At this point you are in whole step down.
- Lower string 6 four semitones, from E2 to C2. Before you start, turn Detect String off and tap the string 6 peg, so the tuner keeps reading that string as it passes notes that belong to other strings.
- Approach each target from slightly below and tighten up to it. Heavily slackened strings keep settling at the nut and on the posts, so retune once after you have played for a few minutes.
- Check string 6 by ear: open, it should sound an octave below open string 4, and at fret 7 it should match open string 5.
- Finish with the final recheck pass in the tune-up checklist. Lowering six strings releases a lot of tension, and the first strings you tuned will usually have moved.
Changing from standard tuning
String by string, from standard tuning. Pick a different starting tuning to see its changes, or open the tuning changer.
6 strings change
| String | Change | Semitones | Peg | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 → C2 | −4 | ↓ Loosen | −37% |
| 5 | A2 → G2 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
| 4 | D3 → C3 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
| 3 | G3 → F3 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
| 2 | B3 → A3 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
| 1 | E4 → D4 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
Playing in drop C
Power chords rooted on string 6 take one finger across strings 6, 5 and 4: open is C5, fret 3 is E♭5, fret 5 is F5 and fret 7 is G5. A riff learned in drop D, played on the same frets in drop C, simply sounds a whole step lower.
Full chords use drop D shapes too. The grip that makes D minor in drop D gives C minor here, with the open low C ringing underneath, and the drop D open D chord becomes C major.
String gauges and setup for drop C
On a 25.5 inch scale, 10s feel loose in drop C. Many players move to 11–52 or 11–54, which brings the tension close to what a set of 10s has in standard. Shorter scale guitars give less tension for the same note and gauge, so they often need a step heavier again.
Heavier strings can bind in nut slots cut for 10s, which causes pinging and tuning that sticks; the slots may need widening. The neck also has less pull on it, so check relief and intonation after the change. A setup is worth it if you plan to stay in drop C.
Chord shapes in Drop C
Songs in Drop C
- Blew — Nirvana (1989). Recorded a whole step below the intended drop D, per Krist NovoselicSource: Wikipedia
- Vote with a Bullet — Corrosion of Conformity (1991)Source: Guitar World, 2026 (Pepper Keenan interview)
- Deutschland — Rammstein (2019)Source: Bonedo, 2019
- My Curse — Killswitch Engage (2006)Source: Fender
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between drop C and C standard?
Drop C is C G C F A D: whole step down with only string 6 dropped further. C standard is C F B♭ E♭ G C: all six strings down four semitones with standard intervals. Both reach the same low C, but drop C keeps one-finger power chords and higher top strings.
What string gauge should I use for drop C?
On a 25.5 inch scale, 11–52 or 11–54 is a common starting point. Shorter scale guitars, or players who pick hard, often go a step heavier on the low strings.
Do I need a setup for drop C?
If you change string gauge, yes: nut slots, neck relief and intonation all respond to the new strings and the lower tension. Staying on your old strings works, but expect buzz and a floppy low C.
Is drop C the same as drop D tuned down?
Yes. Every string is two semitones below drop D, so all drop D shapes and riffs work unchanged and sound a whole step lower.
Why does my low C sound sharp when I play hard?
A slack string goes sharp for an instant when struck hard, then settles. Heavier strings and a lighter attack keep the pitch steadier, and you should tune with the same attack you play with.
Can I play in drop C on an acoustic guitar?
Yes, with medium or heavier strings. Light acoustic strings tuned this low lose volume and buzz.