Drop C tuner
Tune to Drop C (C G C F A D) with your microphone, or tap a string to hear its note.
Drop C
Start tuner
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Tap a string to hear it and tune that string.
Drop C is Drop D moved down a whole step: every string drops two semitones, and the 6th string drops two more, to C. The result is C G C F A D, a staple of metal and hard rock for its low, heavy chug.
Because every string moves, the neck relaxes more than in Drop D. Expect to check each string twice, and give new strings a day to settle.
Drop C: notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Pitch | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | C | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 5 | G | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4 | C | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| 3 | F | F3 | 174.61 Hz |
| 2 | A | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1 | D | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
From standard tuning to Drop C
- String 6: lower it from E2 to C2, 4 semitones down.
- String 5: lower it from A2 to G2, 2 semitones down.
- String 4: lower it from D3 to C3, 2 semitones down.
- String 3: lower it from G3 to F3, 2 semitones down.
- String 2: lower it from B3 to A3, 2 semitones down.
- String 1: lower it from E4 to D4, 2 semitones down.
Tap each string in the tuner before you tune it, so the tuner aims for that string's new note. The 6th string starts four semitones above C and would otherwise be read as a different string.
Tune to Drop C by ear
Tune string 6 (C2) to a reference first: tap it in the tuner above, or use a piano or another instrument. Then tune each string to one that is already in tune:
- Play string 6 at fret 7, then tune open string 5 until the two sound the same (G2).
- Play string 5 at fret 5, then tune open string 4 until the two sound the same (C3).
- Play string 4 at fret 5, then tune open string 3 until the two sound the same (F3).
- Play string 3 at fret 4, then tune open string 2 until the two sound the same (A3).
- Play string 2 at fret 5, then tune open string 1 until the two sound the same (D4).
Songs in Drop C
A few well-known recordings played in Drop C:
- Chop Suey!, System of a Down
- Toxicity, System of a Down
Learning a song in Drop C?
Record it or upload it, and Tabtify turns it into tab you can play along with. Choose Drop C under Tuning in the converter's options so the frets match your guitar.
Turn a recording into tabDrop C tuner FAQ
What are the notes of Drop C?
From string 6 to string 1: C2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4. With A4 at 440 Hz, that is 65.41 Hz, 98.00 Hz, 130.81 Hz, 174.61 Hz, 220.00 Hz, 293.66 Hz.
What is the difference between Drop C and C standard?
Drop C is C G C F A D: D standard with the 6th string dropped to C. C standard lowers all six strings two whole steps, to C F B♭ E♭ G C.
Do I need heavier strings for Drop C?
It helps. On a light 10 to 46 set the low strings can feel loose and buzz. Many players move to an 11 to 52 or 11 to 56 set, and a setup check afterwards keeps the intonation right.
How do I play power chords in Drop C?
The same way as in Drop D: one finger across the three lowest strings. Open strings give C5, the 2nd fret D5, the 5th fret F5.