D standard tuning (D G C F A D)
Metal and hard rock players, and anyone who wants a deeper sound while keeping normal fingerings.
D standard is standard tuning lowered by a whole step on every string. Like half step down, it keeps all the familiar shapes; the guitar just lives two semitones lower.
It is a popular tuning for heavier music because it gets a darker, fuller tone without the string-tension problems of going much lower, and it pairs with Drop C the way standard pairs with Drop D.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | −2 semitones from E2 |
| 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz | −2 semitones from A2 |
| 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz | −2 semitones from D3 |
| 3 | F3 | 174.61 Hz | −2 semitones from G3 |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz | −2 semitones from B3 |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | −2 semitones from E4 |
From standard tuning
- String 6: lower E2 down a whole step to D2.
- String 5: lower A2 down a whole step to G2.
- String 4: lower D3 down a whole step to C3.
- String 3: lower G3 down a whole step to F3.
- String 2: lower B3 down a whole step to A3.
- String 1: lower E4 down a whole step to D4.
Tuning to D standard in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose D standard from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- At a whole step down, light strings can feel floppy and buzz. A slightly heavier set (10s instead of 9s on electric) restores the normal feel.
- Retune in two passes, the second one a quick check, because all six strings move together.
Questions
What is D standard tuning?
D G C F A D: every string tuned one whole step (two semitones) below standard E A D G B E.
What is the difference between D standard and Drop D?
Drop D lowers only the sixth string to D. D standard lowers all six strings by a whole step, so the sixth string is D but the rest are lower too.
Related tunings
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