About Drop C# tuning
Drop C# (also written Drop D♭) is Drop D lowered by a half step — the tuning that defines the Deftones' sound and much of the heavier end of alternative rock. It keeps Drop D's one-finger power chords while adding just enough extra depth without needing a big jump in string gauge.
From standard: tune everything down a half step, then drop the sixth string a further whole step to C#. From Drop D: simply lower every string one semitone.
Drop C# tuning notes & frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Db2 | 69.30 Hz |
| 5 | Ab2 | 103.83 Hz |
| 4 | Db3 | 138.59 Hz |
| 3 | Gb3 | 185.00 Hz |
| 2 | Bb3 | 233.08 Hz |
| 1 | Eb4 | 311.13 Hz |
How to tune to Drop C# from standard
- String 6 (E2): tune down 3 semitones to Db2.
- String 5 (A2): tune down a half step to Ab2.
- String 4 (D3): tune down a half step to Db3.
- String 3 (G3): tune down a half step to Gb3.
- String 2 (B3): tune down a half step to Bb3.
- String 1 (E4): tune down a half step to Eb4.
After changing string tension this much, make a second tuning pass — the neck settles slightly and the first strings you tuned will have drifted.
Songs & artists in Drop C#
- My Own Summer (Shove It) — Deftones
- Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) — Deftones
- Judith — A Perfect Circle
String gauge advice
.010–.052 or .011–.054 keeps the dropped string focused.
FAQ
What are the notes of Drop C# tuning on guitar?
Drop C# tuning is Db2, Ab2, Db3, Gb3, Bb3, Eb4 from the lowest string to the highest.
How do I tune my guitar to Drop C#?
Starting from standard tuning: String 6 (E2): tune down 3 semitones to Db2. String 5 (A2): tune down a half step to Ab2. String 4 (D3): tune down a half step to Db3. String 3 (G3): tune down a half step to Gb3. String 2 (B3): tune down a half step to Bb3. String 1 (E4): tune down a half step to Eb4. Use the tuner above — it highlights the string it hears and shows exactly how many cents you are from the target.
Is this tuner free and private?
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