D Standard / Whole-Step DownHeavy MetalIntermediateNo Capo

Sad But True

Required String Notes:D - G - C - F - A - D

How to Tune from Standard to D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Sad But True”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	D2	Tune down a whole step
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

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

Every string is tuned down a whole step while keeping standard intervals - D Standard, Metallica's first tuned-down recording. It is not Drop D (which lowers only the 6th string); the full-step drop gives the slow, syncopated main riff its heavy, doomy crush.

Key Chord Voicings:

D5 (0-0-2-x-x-x)Palm-muted open-D chugsBluesy D pentatonic solo

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to D Standard / Whole-Step Down

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

Standard E241 songs

E - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Drop C Tuning130 songs

C - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: C instead of D.

Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs

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

C# Standard Tuning52 songs

C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Metallica’s Guitar Tunings

Metallica plays 2 of 23 songs in our catalog in D Standard / Whole-Step Down. Most-used tunings:

Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E9 songs
D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardEb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb2 songs
Open D Minor / CrossnoteD - A - D - F - A - D1 song

Gear for D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Strings and tools that make playing "Sad But True" in D Standard / Whole-Step Down 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

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

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Sad But True” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Sad But True" by Metallica in?

"Sad But True" is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down: D - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Sad But True"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). 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).