Drop A Tuner
This drop A tuner listens through your microphone and shows how far each string is from A E A D F# B, the notes of drop A 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.
Drop A is the lowest tuning on this site, with the 6th string a full seven semitones below standard and strings 5 through 1 five semitones down. It asks a lot of the guitar: you will need a heavy string set, a careful setup, and patience while the neck adjusts. In return you get a low, rumbling response that pushes rhythm playing hard.
The notes of this tuning
| String | Standard | This tuning | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E | A | −7 |
| 5 | A | E | −5 |
| 4 | D | A | −5 |
| 3 | G | D | −5 |
| 2 | B | F♯ | −5 |
| 1 | E | B | −5 |
How to tune from standard
- Begin in standard tuning. Loosen the 6th string until its pitch drops seven semitones, from E to A.
- Loosen the 5th string five semitones, from A to E.
- Loosen the 4th string five semitones, from D to A.
- Loosen the 3rd string five semitones, from G to D.
- Loosen the 2nd string five semitones, from B to F#.
- Loosen the 1st string five semitones, from E to B, then recheck the 6th string once more.
Frequently asked questions
What is drop A tuning?
Drop A lowers the 6th string seven semitones, from E to A, and strings 5 through 1 five semitones each. The notes from the 6th string to the 1st are A E A D F# B. It is the deepest tuning here, and it works best on a guitar set up for low tension with heavy strings.
Which strings do I lower for drop A?
All six, and by more than most tunings: the 6th string falls seven semitones and strings 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 fall five each. Move slowly, one string at a time, and let the tuner confirm every note. The neck moves a lot, so plan a second pass after a short break.
Can any guitar handle drop A?
In principle yes, but it needs preparation. With the 6th string seven semitones down, heavy strings and a full setup make the difference between a stable low A and a floppy, buzzing mess. A longer scale length also helps. If the tuner shows the pitch swimming around, the strings are likely too light.