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”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C2Tune down 4 semitones
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3C3Tune down a whole step
String 3G3F3Tune down a whole step
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole 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

"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.

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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:

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.

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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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“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:

View all 18 songs
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Custom Tuning (C#G#EBF#B)Intermediate
C#G#EBF#BNo Capo

Other Songs in Drop C Tuning

Once tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next:

Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo