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Post subject: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 11:45 pm
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Why do so many people use drop D tuning? Is it easier to play chords or something?
Or do they sound nicer or something?

Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 12:38 am
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Mostly due to chunky power chord riffs requiring only one finger, I think.

I worked with a band recently where the other guitarist only ever played in drop D - none of the guitar parts actually used that lowest D note, so I didn't bother tuning down and just used conventional voicings with more of a stretch.

He kept looking at me very confusedly and saying "Butbutbut you still have to be in drop D!", until the drummer stood up and shouted "Not if you actually know how to play guitar properly, you @#*&!!!" :lol:

Absolutely nothing wrong with drop D if it's used for an actual purpose, of course.

(In a slightly amusing twist of coincidence, apparently my TC Polytune has decided to get stuck in drop D mode this morning. I swear someone up above is having a good laugh at my expense. :lol: )


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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 12:46 am
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I like drop D on acoustic, very good for picked stuff that needs that low bass note, especially if you're using a capo to move it up a few steps.

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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 1:13 am
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I play drop tunings very often (as low as drop B). What makes drop D so easy is that your low 3 strings are D A D, which means root, fifth, root anywhere on the fretboard when you barre those 3 strings. It can be a hell of a crutch, but it can be very useful for heavy metal because of that open low D5 power chord. Tool, A Perfect Circle, Soundgarden, Porcupine Tree are just a few bands that make great music in drop tunings.

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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 1:55 am
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Some songs are written and arranged for a drop-D tuning -- the low extra fundamental note often helps to complete a hallmark riff or the low D is integral to the chording.

Examples -- "Don't Misunderstand Me" by the Rossington Collins Band and "Dreams" by Molly Hatchet.

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Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:38 am
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Drop D with a capo anyone?


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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 12:32 pm
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WOW! Thanks for all the great info, guys!! :D


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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 12:59 pm
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I had the pleasure of hanging out with Warren Haynes some time ago, and he uses drop D quite a bit. We were specifically discussing "End of the Line", a song he wrote while playing with the Allman Brothers.
I use it with the acoustic a lot, especially when using a slide.

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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 1:24 pm
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I've never tried drop D, but it seems like it may suit slide guitar.
Is it as simple as just lowering the fat E string to D ?


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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 1:44 pm
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boxbang wrote:
I've never tried drop D, but it seems like it may suit slide guitar.
Is it as simple as just lowering the fat E string to D ?


Yep. Just downtune your E string a whole step. If you have a floating tremolo bridge, it can be tricky because lowering the tension on your low E will make your high E, B and G strings go sharp.

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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 5:11 pm
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Drop D is also great for sludge rock stuff... melvins, big business, etc. I used to be a drop d addict. fun to tune down , kick on the big muff, and play some simple riff rock. :)

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Post subject: Re: Why use drop D tuning?
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 1:11 am
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This is why drop D is awesome LOL!


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