Drop D tuning

[han2u]

Hi, I hear a lot of guitarists these days using Drop D tuning. I guess its primarily for power chords or something cos its sure to screw up your solos. Are the songs these days more suitable for this tuning compared to standard tuning? Whats the story? Sorry if I sound like a noob.

 

[BLACK-13]

i doubt its has anything to do with solo....just the low e string drop to d tuning...

 

[fuzztremecho]

hi bros

drop-d occured long time already. one of the best exponents is one mr edward VH.mainly for creativity sake when crafting a song.
should check out one mr keith-he is best at playing 5 string open G tuning.

should check out mr edwards early works, he can shred on drop-d and all the other mind-boggling stuff which i can only air-guitar only...me sad

 

[han2u]

AFAIK its used mainly by slide guitarists.

 

[optisailor2002]

cos in drop d tuning if you wanna play power chords you press down all 3 strings at the same fret so it makes power chord playing easier.

 

[fuzztremecho]

AFAIK ???use by slide???

im confused man..got note till K?
hehehehe

 

[han2u]

AFAIK ???use by slide???

im confused man..got note till K?
hehehehe

Maybe on a sitar la...

 

[EugeneSmasher]

I find Drop-D is good for hard rock and certain kinds of modern heavy metal, but it lacks versatility as Standard E.

I use drop-D once in a while but generally I use standard.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Actually I use drop-D because sometimes I need it, and since I don't use a Floyd Rose type guitar, I can explore alternative tunings without any issues. So you can actually use both. Just take care to use a fixed-bridge guitar. On a light tremolo, you might have to re-tune all the other strings as well as downtuning one string would make the others go a bit out of whack. Downtuning on a Floyd Rose without proper set-up will ultimately cause tuning, intonation, whatever problems out there.

So if you use fixed-bridge or light tremolo guitars, you should be able to use both. Just take the time to retune, thats all. For the least trouble, use a fixed-bridge guitar.

 

[han2u]

I think Musicman or Peavey has a EVH model that has a thingy that switches a standard tuning to Drop D and vice versa. Thats cool. I was at a guitar store recently when this kid walked in to get assistance for restringing his guitar. Definitely a beginner, and he wants it in Drop D. He was advised to get his chops down in standard tuning first (I think thats reasonable advice) but it didnt seem to sink it for that little fella.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

That's the way with lots of kids these days... They think they know everything, and won't take advice from an experienced musician.

 

[kerplunk182]

just get the robot guitar. Helps you tune(as if you can't tune yourself) I think the fender one's cooler though...

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Haha for most guitarists, after getting some experience tuning will be a piece of cake.

 

[Dime]

Drop D not that nice for metal.use Drop C.the heavy sounding riff will put a brick thru your skull.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Oh haha I forgot to mention I'm comparing Drop tuning with standard tuning, not necessarily D or C or E.

 

[Gr3yF0x]

u need to drop D for HARDCORE BREAKDOWN. chugga chugga!

 

[EugeneSmasher]

True, drop tuning gives a heavier, more brutal sound and allows faster riffs! Zheng Chugga chugga Zheng chugga chugga dong dong dong dong chugga chugga...screeeeeee....

 

[Godspeed64]

Dropped D power chords are easier to play since you've shifted the root note..
Now you can barre the low E string, the A string and the D string to play your power chords..
Easier to shift and play faster with it (eg. Velvet Revolver's Slither, Deftone's My Own Summer;Shove It)

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Yeah. Unless you're a superhuman, Velvet Revolver's She Builds Quick Machines can only be played in drop tuning.

 

[empihsrow]

I will think that dropping your guitar's tuning to Drop C will be more of a hindrance than tuning to Drop D. I haven't played Drop C personally but I think for most novice who relish a heavy tone, Drop D will just suffice. Playing in Drop D will definitely help you to play faster but then really arh, learn your stuff on standard tuning before trying to drop-tune your guitar.