GuitarTuningsGuitartunings.

Drop A Guitar Tuner

Drop A
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
E82
A110
D147
F#185
B247

How to Tune to Drop A

B Standard with the low string dropped to A — entering subwoofer territory at 55 Hz. Drop A is the tuning of choice for modern metalcore and djent bands like Architects, Parkway Drive, and August Burns Red. It delivers earth-shaking heaviness while still allowing the one-finger power chord fluidity of a drop tuning.

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

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2A1Tune down 7 semitones
String 5A2E2Tune down 5 semitones
String 4D3A2Tune down 5 semitones
String 3G3D3Tune down 5 semitones
String 2B3F#3Tune down 5 semitones
String 1E4B3Tune down 5 semitones
Printable Drop A chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

At 55 Hz, the low A in this tuning is the same pitch as the lowest string on a standard bass guitar. This creates an interesting challenge in a live band setting — the guitarist and bassist are operating in the same frequency range, which requires careful EQ separation to avoid muddy sound. Many modern metal producers use high-pass filters on guitars in Drop A to solve this.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:.013-.064 or larger. The low A at 55 Hz requires substantial string mass to maintain tension and clarity. Many players use .068 or even .070 for the 6th string. A baritone or extended-scale guitar (26.5"+) makes Drop A significantly more playable.

Gear for Drop A

Tools that make tuning to A - E - A - D - F# - B 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Drop AIntermediate
A - E - A - D - F# - BNo Capo
Song Details
Drop AIntermediate
A - E - A - D - F# - BNo Capo
Song Details
Drop A TuningIntermediate
A - E - A - D - F# - BNo Capo
Song Details
Drop A TuningIntermediate
A - E - A - D - F# - BNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just use a 7-string?
Yes, and it's often the easier option. A 7-string in Drop A (A-E-A-D-G-B-E) gives you all six strings of Drop A plus an extra high E, with a longer scale length that handles the low A much better. Many Architects and Parkway Drive songs are written on 7-string guitars in this tuning.
How to tune a 6-string to Drop A?
Lower every string by 5 semitones to B Standard (B-E-A-D-F#-B), then drop the 6th string one more whole step from B to A. You'll need very heavy strings (.013-.064 minimum) and likely a full setup: truss rod adjustment, raised action, and intonation correction. Many players dedicate a guitar specifically to this tuning.
Does Drop A work at 55 Hz?
Yes — 55 Hz is the exact frequency for A1, which is the target for the low string. At this frequency, you need a heavy string (.064+), appropriate pickup height, and an amp/cab that can reproduce these low frequencies cleanly. Many standard guitar speakers struggle below 80 Hz, so a cab with larger speakers (12") helps.
What songs are in Drop A?
Notable songs include "These Colours Don't Run" and "Doomsday" by Architects, "Bottom Feeder" by Parkway Drive, and tracks by August Burns Red, Erra, and Wage War. It's one of the most popular tunings in modern metalcore and progressive metal, especially for bands that use 7-string guitars.