12-string guitar Drop D tuning (D A D G B E)
Folk and rock 12-string players who want Drop D's low root with the 12-string's shimmer.
D2A2D3G3B3E4
Drop D on a 12-string lowers the sixth course, both the main string and its octave partner, a whole step to D. The other five courses stay in standard.
You get the deep D root with a shimmering octave above it, which is a glorious sound under open D and G chords.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Octave string |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | D3 · 146.83 Hz |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz | A3 · 220.00 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | D4 · 293.66 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | G4 · 392.00 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | B3 · 246.94 Hz |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | E4 · 329.63 Hz |
From standard tuning
- String 6: lower E2 down a whole step to D2.
The other 5 strings stay in standard.
Tuning to Drop D in TuneGlass
- Open Settings and choose 12-string guitar.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Drop D from the presets, or spin the wheel of the thickest string to D. Both are free.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Two strings move: the low D and its octave string. Tune the thick one first, then the thin one against it an octave up.
- The octave string of the sixth course is the most fragile string on the instrument; approach D from below and stop.
Questions
How do I tune a 12-string to Drop D?
Lower both strings of the sixth course a whole step, from E and E to D and D. The other courses stay in standard.
Is Drop D free in TuneGlass on the 12-string?
Yes. Retuning the thickest course is free on every instrument.
Related tunings
English