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AADGBE Tuning Guitar Tuner

AADGBE Tuning
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
A110
D147
G196
B247
E330

How to Tune to AADGBE Tuning

A standard tuning with a deep dropped low string (A-A-D-G-B-E): only the 6th string moves, down a fifth from E to a low A that rings an octave below the open 5th string. The result is a thunderous low-A drone under otherwise standard chord and melody shapes — used by The Fall of Troy, Muse and Radiohead for songs that need a massive low anchor without abandoning familiar fingerings.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2A1Tune down 7 semitones
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave as is
Printable AADGBE Tuning chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Because only the sixth string changes, this tuning lets a band drop into a much heavier, lower register instantly while keeping every standard chord shape intact on the top five strings. That is why it appears across genres, from Muse's "Citizen Erased" to Helmet's noise-rock riffs.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:A heavier 6th string (.056-.060) is strongly recommended, since dropping the low E a full fifth to A leaves a normal .046 feeling slack and boomy. The other five strings stay standard.

Gear for AADGBE Tuning

Tools that make tuning to A - A - D - G - B - E easier.

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

View winder

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AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AADGBE tuning?
It is standard tuning (EADGBE) with only the low E string dropped a perfect fifth to A, an octave below the open 5th string. This gives a deep, droning low A while the remaining five strings stay standard.
How do I tune to AADGBE?
From standard, lower just the 6th string from E down to A — a big drop of seven semitones — and leave the A, D, G, B and high E where they are. A heavier low string helps it stay tight. Use the tuner above.
Who uses AADGBE tuning?
The Fall of Troy, Muse ("Citizen Erased"), Radiohead and Helmet have all used a low dropped-A sixth string over standard tuning to add weight without changing their chord shapes.
What are the frequencies for AADGBE?
A1 = 55.00 Hz, A2 = 110.00 Hz, D3 = 146.83 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, B3 = 246.94 Hz, E4 = 329.63 Hz.