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Drop C + Low A Guitar Tuner

Drop C + Low A
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
G98
C131
F175
A220
D294

How to Tune to Drop C + Low A

A devastating modern metal tuning that extends Drop C down further by placing an extremely low A on the 6th string. This A-G-C-F-A-D tuning was popularized by Mark Holcomb of Periphery and provides crushing low-end for djent and progressive metal riffs while still allowing melodic passages on the higher strings.

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 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 + Low A chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Mark Holcomb developed his signature PRS guitar (the PRS Mark Holcomb SVN) partly to handle this extreme tuning. He uses a 26.5" scale length — longer than standard guitar scale — specifically because the extra string length helps maintain clarity and tension on the very low A string.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Very heavy bottom string required: .064 minimum for the low A, ideally .068-.070. Upper strings can use standard Drop C gauges (.011-.052). PRS and other companies now make specific string sets for this tuning. A longer scale length (26.5") helps enormously.

Gear for Drop C + Low A

Tools that make tuning to A - 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 + Low AIntermediate
A - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details
Drop C + Low AIntermediate
A - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details
Drop C + Low AIntermediate
A - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details
Drop C + Low AIntermediate
A - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do this on a 6-string?
Yes, but you'll need a very thick 6th string (.064-.070) and ideally a guitar with a longer scale length (26.5" or more). On a standard 25.5" scale, the low A will feel extremely floppy. Many players dedicate a specific guitar to this tuning with a proper setup.
How to tune to Mark Holcomb's tuning?
Start from Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D) and then drop the low C further down to A — that's a minor 3rd lower. The remaining five strings stay in Drop C positions. You'll almost certainly need to adjust your truss rod and intonation after making this change. Use the tuner above to target 55 Hz for the low A.
What songs does Periphery play in this tuning?
Periphery uses this tuning on tracks like "Ragnarok" and "The Way the News Goes..." from their albums Periphery II and Juggernaut. Mark Holcomb uses it for many of his heavier rhythm parts, switching to other tunings for different songs in their catalog.
What string gauge should I use for the low A?
Mark Holcomb uses a .068 for his low A string on a 26.5" scale guitar. On a standard 25.5" scale, you might want to go even heavier (.070-.074) to compensate for the shorter string length. The key is maintaining enough tension for the string to intonate properly and not buzz against the frets.