Double Drop D
Double Drop D Tuning Mode
Double Drop D tuning (D A D G B D) lowers both outer E strings to D, giving you a bigger drone while keeping the middle strings close to standard.
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About Double Drop D Tuning
Double Drop D tuning (D A D G B D) lowers both outer E strings to D, giving you a bigger drone while keeping the middle strings close to standard.
Benefits of Double Drop D Tuning
- Adds a matching low and high D drone for fuller acoustic voicings
- Keeps the middle four strings familiar for easy transitions from standard or Drop D
- Works well for fingerstyle, open-string riffs, and spacious chord arrangements
Notable Users
Common in acoustic songwriting, folk textures, fingerstyle arrangements, and drone-heavy rock parts.
How to Tune to Double Drop D
To tune your guitar to Double Drop D, follow these steps:
- Start with your guitar in standard tuning if possible
- Use our online tuner above to help you hit the correct pitch for each string
- Tune each string carefully, checking the pitch accuracy as you go
- For drop tunings, be careful not to drop the pitch too far as it may cause fret buzz
- Once tuned, play some chords or scales to ensure everything sounds harmonious
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this tuning require different string gauges?
For lower tunings like Drop C or below, heavier gauge strings (11-56 or thicker) are recommended to maintain proper tension and prevent fret buzz.
Will I need to adjust my guitar's truss rod?
Significant changes in tuning, especially when going to lower tunings, may require truss rod adjustments to compensate for changes in string tension.
Can I use standard chord shapes in this tuning?
For drop tunings, power chords are easier, but other chord shapes will require different fingerings. For open tunings, standard chord shapes won't apply, but you can use simple bar positions.
English guides
Learn Double Drop D faster
These guides explain when to use this tuning, how it compares with standard tuning, and what to check if your instrument still sounds off.
What Is Drop D Tuning?
Start here if you want the clearest reference point for why lowering the low E to D changes riffing and drone voicings so quickly.
Open D Tuning Guide
Compare Double Drop D with a fuller D-based alternate tuning if you want even more open-string resonance and acoustic spread.
Standard Guitar Tuning Notes
Use the standard note map as a sanity check before and after changing only the outer strings.
Related Tuning Modes
Explore other tuning modes that complement Double Drop D tuning
Drop D
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, allowing for easy power chords and heavier sounds.
Open D
Open D tuning (D A D F# A D) creates a D major chord when playing open strings, offering rich, resonant sounds.
Standard
Standard tuning (E A D G B E) is the most common tuning for guitar, providing a balanced sound across all strings.