Slow Motion

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 “Slow Motion”:

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

"Slow Motion" by Nickelback is played in Drop D Tuning (D - A - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Nickelback uses this same tuning on 12 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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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.

Nickelback’s Guitar Tunings

Nickelback plays 13 of 39 songs in our catalog in Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D14 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E13 songs
Drop B TuningB - F# - B - E - G# - C#4 songs
Custom Tuning (BADGBE)BADGBE3 songs
Drop Db / Drop C#Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb2 songs

Gear for Drop D Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Slow Motion" 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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“Slow Motion” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Slow Motion" by Nickelback in?

"Slow Motion" 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 "Slow Motion"?

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 Nickelback songs use this tuning?

"Animals", "Another Hole In The Head", "Believe It Or Not", "Bottoms up", "Feelin Way Too Damn Good", "How You Remind Me" and 6 more — all in D - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.