Undertow

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 “Undertow”:

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

"Undertow" by Tool 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. Tool uses this same tuning on 39 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.

Tool’s Guitar Tunings

Tool plays 40 of 44 songs in our catalog in Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E40 songs
Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E1 song
Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D1 song
Custom Tuning (BEDGBE)BEDGBE1 song
Custom Tuning (BADGBE)BADGBE1 song

Gear for Drop D Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Undertow" 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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“Undertow” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Undertow" by Tool in?

"Undertow" 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 "Undertow"?

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 Tool songs use this tuning?

"Schism", "10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)", "2001-05-24: 013, Tilburg, Netherlands", "4", "7empest", "Bottom" and 33 more — all in D - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.