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In the modern rock era, Drop D is fast becoming the most common
tuning for the guitar. The only difference between Drop D and standard
tuning is that you are going to lower (drop) the 6th string from
an E down to a D. Everything else will stay the same.
This lesson will assume that you already know how
to read tablature,
understand basic tuning,
understand
harmonics, and tuning
with harmonics.
Getting
into Drop D from standard tuning
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Since the only note that is different from standard tuning
is the 6th string, here is an easy way to get into Drop
D tuning. Play your 4th string open, which is a D. Then
play the 12 fret harmonic on the 6th string. Tune that harmonic
note down a whole step so that it sounds like the open 4th
string. If you play electric guitar, use some distortion
when you do this. When both notes are ringing at the same
time, you will then hear them "crash" against
each other when they are out of tune. The further those
crashes are from each other, the closer you are to being
in tune.
Listen to the example below.
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notes are an octave apart
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Sometimes guitar players will tune the 6th string open
to the 4th string open, understanding that the 6th string
will sound an octave
lower. Try playing both notes at the same time and listen
for the same "crashing" sound that you heard when
using the 12th fret harmonic on the 6th string.
Listen to the example below.
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Drop D Tuning for Guitar
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