Drop D TuningRap Metal / Funk MetalIntermediateNo Capo

Killing in the Name

Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - E

How to Tune from Standard to Drop D Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Killing in the Name”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	D2	Tune down a whole step
String 5	A2	A2	Leave as is
String 4	D3	D3	Leave as is
String 3	G3	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	B3	Leave as is
String 1	E4	E4	Leave as is

Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

Tom Morello's riff masterpiece uses Drop D to unleash one of the most famous riff hooks in rock history. Heavy pitch-shifting, Whammy pedal effects, and heavy low D basslines define the song.

Key Chord Voicings:

D5 (0-0-0-x-x-x)F5 (3-3-3-x-x-x)G5 (5-5-5-x-x-x)

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Drop D Tuning

Already tuned to D - A - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Standard E241 songs

E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.

Drop C Tuning130 songs

C - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.

Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs

Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Custom Tuning (DADF#BE)20 songs

DADF#BEOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.

Gear for Drop D Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Killing in the Name" in Drop D Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)

Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

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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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“Killing in the Name” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine in?

"Killing in the Name" is played in Drop D Tuning: D - A - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Killing in the Name"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Drop D Tuning?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

Which other Rage Against the Machine songs use this tuning?

"Born Of A Broken Man", "Darkness Of Greed", "Freedom", "Guerilla Radio", "How I Could Just Kill A Man", "Renegades Of Funk" and 7 more — all in D - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.