How to Tune to D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Two semitones down from standard tuning, D Standard creates a noticeably heavier, darker tone while maintaining all the same chord shapes and scale patterns you already know. It's a versatile tuning used across genres from death metal (Death, Gojira) to indie folk (Elliott Smith), proving that lower doesn't always mean heavier.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Elliott Smith recorded many of his most delicate, intimate songs in D Standard tuning — the same tuning used by extreme metal bands like Gojira and Ghost. Smith tuned down to better match his soft baritone voice and to create a warmer acoustic tone, proving that D Standard is far more versatile than its "metal tuning" reputation suggests.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Gear for D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Tools that make tuning to D - 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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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