What is Drop D Tuning?

Drop D tuning is a popular alternative tuning for classical guitarists that involves lowering the pitch of the sixth string (the low E string) down one whole step to a D. This simple adjustment, resulting in the tuning D-A-D-G-B-E, can dramatically alter the instrument’s tonal landscape and open up new possibilities for both composition and performance.

Why Use Drop D?

One of the primary advantages of Drop D tuning is the richer, deeper bass note it provides. This lower D note resonates more fully, adding a robust foundation to pieces and allowing for more expressive and dynamic bass lines. This tuning is particularly favored in pieces that require a powerful, resonant bass, such as works by composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, where the deeper D string can enhance the harmonic richness and depth of the music.

In addition to enhancing the bass, Drop D tuning simplifies the fingering for certain chords and passages. For instance, chords that include a D in the bass can be played more easily, with the sixth string now contributing to the harmony. This can make certain pieces more accessible and allow for smoother transitions between chords, facilitating a more fluid playing style.

Furthermore, Drop D tuning encourages creative exploration. The altered tuning can inspire new compositions by offering a fresh perspective on the guitar’s sonic possibilities. Many guitarists find that the new intervals between the strings lead to novel chord voicings and melodic ideas that might not emerge in standard tuning.

Scordatura

This type of tuning adjustment is an example of scordatura, a term that refers to the practice of tuning the strings of a stringed instrument differently from the standard tuning. Scordatura allows musicians to achieve different tonal effects, facilitate certain fingerings, or create a unique sound palette for specific compositions. In the case of Drop D tuning, the simple scordatura expands the guitar’s range and expressive potential, making it a valuable technique for both traditional and modern repertoire.

Overcoming the Drop D Tuning Issue

Drop D tuning is probably the most common type of re-tuning you are going to come across on the guitar, but there are many other ways to tune the open strings and they all bring up the same problem. The problem is that once you have tuned the string to the correct pitch it will start to go out of tune quite quickly, pulling sharp or flat depending on whether you tuned the string down or up.

To solve this problem I have provided you with a brief tutorial on how to get those strings to stay in tune once they get there.

 

If you have your own technique or approach, please share it with the community below: