Drop A tuning for 6-string guitar (A E A D F♯ B)
Deathcore and modern metal on a 6-string: the Drop A of Periphery and Whitechapel without buying a 7-string.
Drop A on a six-string is B standard with the sixth string dropped a further whole step to A. That is the Drop D relationship a fourth lower: one-finger power chords across the bottom three strings, and a low A at 55 Hz, the same pitch as a bass guitar's A string.
This is as low as six strings sensibly go. It needs baritone strings or a baritone guitar, and it is where many players move to a 7-string instead.
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) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | A1 | 55.00 Hz | −7 semitones from E2 |
| 5 | E2 | 82.41 Hz | −5 semitones from A2 |
| 4 | A2 | 110.00 Hz | −5 semitones from D3 |
| 3 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | −5 semitones from G3 |
| 2 | F♯3 | 185.00 Hz | −5 semitones from B3 |
| 1 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | −5 semitones from E4 |
From standard tuning
- String 6: lower E2 down a fifth to A1.
- String 5: lower A2 down five semitones to E2.
- String 4: lower D3 down five semitones to A2.
- String 3: lower G3 down five semitones to D3.
- String 2: lower B3 down five semitones to F♯3.
- String 1: lower E4 down five semitones to B3.
Tuning to Drop A in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Drop A from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- 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
- A .070 or heavier sixth string is normal here. Without it the string flaps and the tuner reads a jumpy, octave-ambiguous note.
- Pluck the low A once and let it ring. In TuneGlass turn on Boost low E; it helps every low sixth string, not just E.
Questions
What are the notes of Drop A on a 6-string?
A E A D F♯ B from low to high: B standard with the sixth string lowered a whole step.
Is this the same as Drop A on a 7-string?
The low A is the same note. On a 7-string the other six strings stay in standard E A D G B E; on a 6-string they are in B standard, a fourth lower.
Related tunings
English