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Double Drop D Guitar Tuner

Double Drop D
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
G196
B247
D294

How to Tune to Double Drop D

Both the low E and high E strings are dropped to D, while the four middle strings remain in standard tuning. This creates a rich, droning D chord foundation that works beautifully for acoustic fingerpicking and folk-rock strumming. The paired D notes on the outer strings create a natural frame for melodies on the inner strings.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Printable Double Drop D chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Neil Young wrote "Cinnamon Girl" — one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history — in Double Drop D tuning. The song's main riff famously consists of a single note (D) played repeatedly with distortion, creating a hypnotic, driving pulse. The entire guitar part uses just one finger on the fretboard.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Standard gauges work perfectly. Both E strings are only dropped one whole step, which is a gentle change. No special strings or setup needed.

Gear for Double Drop D

Tools that make tuning to D - A - D - G - B - D 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

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Double Drop DIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details
Double Drop DIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details
Double Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details
Double Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses Double Drop D?
Neil Young is the most famous proponent — "Cinnamon Girl" and several other songs use it. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin used it for "Going to California." It's also popular in acoustic folk and Celtic music for its drone-like quality. The open D strings on both ends create a natural modal foundation.
How to tune to Double Drop D?
From standard tuning, simply drop both E strings down to D: lower the 6th string (low E) to D, and lower the 1st string (high E) to D. The four middle strings (A, D, G, B) stay exactly as they are. Match each D to the open 4th string as a reference — the low D should be two octaves below the high D.
What tuning is Going to California in?
"Going to California" by Led Zeppelin uses Double Drop D tuning (D-A-D-G-B-D). Jimmy Page plays the song on an acoustic guitar, using the open D strings as drones while picking a delicate melody on the inner strings. It's one of the most beautiful uses of this tuning in rock music.
What chords work in Double Drop D?
All your standard chord shapes still work on strings 2-5, but the outer strings now add D drones. D-based chords sound especially rich. Try playing a standard G chord shape but letting the low and high D strings ring open — you get a Gadd4 with a beautiful tension. Experiment with standard shapes while keeping the outer strings open.