The Thing That Should Not Be
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - E
Tune to Drop D TuningHow 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 “The Thing That Should Not Be”:
| 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
"The Thing That Should Not Be" by Metallica 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. Metallica uses this same tuning on 1 other song 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.Metallica’s Guitar Tunings
Metallica plays 2 of 23 songs in our catalog in Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
Gear for Drop D Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "The Thing That Should Not Be" 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.
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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“The Thing That Should Not Be” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Thing That Should Not Be" by Metallica in?
"The Thing That Should Not Be" 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 "The Thing That Should Not Be"?
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 Metallica songs use this tuning?
"All Nightmare Long" — all in D - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Metallica
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Metallica:
Other Songs in Drop D Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next: