Drop C Tuner
This drop C tuner listens through your microphone and shows how far each string is from C G C F A D, the notes of drop C 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 C starts from D standard and then drops the 6th string a further whole step, so strings 5 through 1 sit two semitones down while the 6th sits four down. That low C drives a heavy, thick sound, and the top strings stay comfortable for leads. With everything lowered, a heavier string set keeps the tuning stable and stops the strings from flapping.
The notes of this tuning
| String | Standard | This tuning | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E | C | −4 |
| 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
- Begin in standard tuning. Loosen the 6th string until its pitch drops four semitones, from E to C.
- Loosen the 5th string two semitones, from A to G.
- Loosen the 4th string two semitones, from D to C.
- Loosen the 3rd string two semitones, from G to F.
- Loosen the 2nd string two semitones, from B to A.
- Loosen the 1st string two semitones, from E to D, then recheck the 6th string once more.
Frequently asked questions
What is drop C tuning?
Drop C takes D standard and drops the 6th string one more whole step, down to C. The notes from the 6th string to the 1st are C G C F A D. The 6th string sits four semitones below standard, while strings 5 through 1 sit two semitones below, so one finger frets a full power chord across the bottom strings.
Which strings change for drop C?
All six. The 6th string falls four semitones, from E to C, and the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings each fall two semitones. Work from the thickest string to the thinnest, loosen each one to its target note, and give the neck a minute before the final check.
Do I need heavier strings for drop C?
For most guitars, yes, a heavier set makes a real difference when the whole guitar is two semitones down with the 6th string four down. Thicker strings hold the low C firm instead of flapping and keep the tuning from drifting while you play. If you already play in D standard, the same set often works.