How to Tune from Standard to Drop C Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Reise Reise”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Reise Reise" by Rammstein is played in Drop C Tuning (C - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Rammstein uses this same tuning on 9 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Tunings Close to Drop C Tuning
Already tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Rammstein’s Guitar Tunings
Rammstein plays 10 of 18 songs in our catalog in Drop C Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D10 songs
Gear for Drop C Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Reise Reise" in Drop C Tuning 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.
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.
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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“Reise Reise” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Reise Reise" by Rammstein in?
"Reise Reise" is played in Drop C Tuning: C - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Reise Reise"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Drop C Tuning?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Rammstein songs use this tuning?
"Benzin", "Deutschland", "Keine Lust", "Mann Gegen Mann", "Mein Teil", "Morgenstern" and 3 more — all in C - G - C - F - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Rammstein
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Rammstein:
Other Songs in Drop C Tuning
Once tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next: