How to Tune from Standard to Drop Db / Drop C#

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “A Love Like War”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2Db2Tune down 3 semitones
String 5A2Ab2Tune down a half step
String 4D3Db3Tune down a half step
String 3G3Gb3Tune down a half step
String 2B3Bb3Tune down a half step
String 1E4Eb4Tune down a half step
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"A Love Like War" by All Time Low is played in Drop Db / Drop C# (Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to Db, string 5 down to Ab, string 4 down to Db, string 3 down to Gb, string 2 down to Bb, string 1 down to Eb. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 80 other songs in our catalog use Drop Db / Drop C#.

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Tunings Close to Drop Db / Drop C#

Already tuned to Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb? These tunings are just one small change away.

All Time Low’s Guitar Tunings

All Time Low plays 1 of 4 songs in our catalog in Drop Db / Drop C#. Most-used tunings:

Gear for Drop Db / Drop C#

Strings and tools that make playing "A Love Like War" in Drop Db / Drop C# easier.

Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)

Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

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D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner

A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“A Love Like War” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "A Love Like War" by All Time Low in?

"A Love Like War" is played in Drop Db / Drop C#: Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "A Love Like War"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → Db2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → Ab2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → Db3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → Gb3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → Bb3). String 1: tune down a half step (E4 → Eb4).

What string gauge should I use for Drop Db / Drop C#?

Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

More Songs by All Time Low

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by All Time Low:

View all 4 songs
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Custom Tuning (EBGDAD)Intermediate
EBGDADNo Capo

Other Songs in Drop Db / Drop C#

Once tuned to Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb, try playing these tracks next:

Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Drop Db / Drop C#Intermediate
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo