D Standard Tuner
This D standard tuner listens through your microphone and shows how far each string is from D G C F A D, the notes of D standard from the 6th string to the 1st. Press start, allow the microphone, and pluck one string at a time. The tuner names the string it heard, shows the cents you are off, and tells you which way to turn the peg.
D standard moves every string a whole step down, which is why it is also called whole step down. The result is a heavier, darker sound with the exact same chord shapes as standard tuning, since every interval stays put. The strings will feel noticeably looser, so pick with a lighter touch and expect to retune more often, especially right after changing strings.
The notes of this tuning
| String | Standard | This tuning | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E | D | −2 |
| 5 | A | G | −2 |
| 4 | D | C | −2 |
| 3 | G | F | −2 |
| 2 | B | A | −2 |
| 1 | E | D | −2 |
How to tune from standard
- Set up the tuner and start from standard tuning. All six strings come down by the same amount, two semitones each.
- Pluck the 6th string and loosen it two semitones, from E to D.
- Repeat for the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings, each down two semitones to its new note shown on screen.
- Strum and recheck after a minute. Lower tension settles gradually, so a second pass usually catches the strings that drifted.
Frequently asked questions
What is D standard tuning?
D standard lowers every string by two semitones, one whole step, so the notes from the 6th string to the 1st are D G C F A D. All the intervals stay the same as standard tuning, which means every chord shape and scale pattern you know still works; everything just sounds two semitones lower.
Do I need different strings for D standard?
You can tune down with the strings you already have, though a slightly heavier set holds tension better and keeps the strings from feeling floppy. If the low strings buzz or the tuning drifts, a step up in gauge often settles it. Tune slowly and let the neck rest between passes.
How do I get back to standard from D standard?
Raise all six strings by two semitones, working from the 6th string up to the 1st and using the tuner to land each note. Take it slowly: bringing every string up at once puts tension back on the neck, and checking each string twice keeps the guitar stable.