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Drop C Guitar Tuner

Drop C
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
F175
A220
D294

How to Tune to Drop C

D Standard with the low string dropped an additional step to C. Drop C is the definitive metalcore and nu-metal tuning — it combines the crushing heaviness of C Standard with the one-finger power chord convenience of a drop tuning. If you hear a heavy, chugging riff in modern rock or metal, there's a good chance it's in Drop C.

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

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C2Tune down 4 semitones
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3C3Tune down a whole step
String 3G3F3Tune down a whole step
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Printable Drop C chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

System of a Down's "Toxicity" album (2001) — recorded primarily in Drop C — sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The tuning allowed Daron Malakian to rapidly alternate between crushing palm-muted riffs and melodic passages, creating the band's signature dynamic sound. Drop C has since become perhaps the single most popular tuning in modern metal.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:.011-.056 or dedicated Drop C string sets like D'Addario EXL140 (.010-.052 light top/heavy bottom) or Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom (.010-.052). The low C string especially benefits from a heavier gauge (.054-.056) for clarity and intonation.

Gear for Drop C

Tools that make tuning to C - G - C - F - A - 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

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 C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details
Drop C TuningAdvanced
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details
Drop CIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Drop C just Drop D lowered?
Yes, exactly. Drop C is Drop D with every string lowered by one additional whole step. The relationship between strings is the same — the 6th string is a whole step below the 5th (just like Drop D), and strings 5-1 maintain standard tuning intervals. All your Drop D riff shapes transfer directly.
What tuning is Chop Suey in?
"Chop Suey!" by System of a Down is in Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D). Most of the Toxicity album uses this tuning. The low C allows the heavy, syncopated riff patterns while the upper strings in D Standard intervals enable the melodic vocal-following guitar lines.
How to tune to Drop C?
Step 1: Tune all strings down a whole step to D Standard (D-G-C-F-A-D). Step 2: Drop the 6th string one more whole step from D to C. Result: C-G-C-F-A-D. Alternatively, start from Drop D and lower every string by one whole step. Use the tuner above for precise frequency matching.
What string gauge for Drop C on a 25.5" scale?
On a standard Fender-scale (25.5") guitar: .011-.054 is the sweet spot for Drop C. The .054 on the low C provides enough tension for clear intonation. Some players prefer .012-.056 for an even tighter feel. On shorter Gibson-scale (24.75") guitars, go one gauge heavier since the shorter scale produces less tension.