Bass 5-String Drop D (B D A D G)
Drop tunings lower the lowest string (and sometimes others) to create a heavier, darker sound. Drop D is the most popular: you lower the 6th string from E to D, making power chords playable with a single finger barre across the bottom two or three strings. This enables faster riff playing and gives you a deeper bass note for heavy palm-muted sections. Drop C, Drop B, and Drop A go even lower for extreme metal styles.
Tuner
Bass 5-String Drop D (B D A D G) • 5 strings • 440 Hz
Detected
Target
30.9 Hz
Select String
Click to select • Tap play to hear reference toneReady to tune?
Click "Start Listening" and play any string. The tuner will automatically detect which string you're playing and show you how to adjust it.
Note Layout
Notation
B0 D1 A1 D2 G2
How to Tune
Click "Start Listening"
Allow microphone access when prompted.
Play Each String
Auto-detect will find the string, or click to select manually.
Adjust Until Green
Center the needle and watch for the green "In Tune" indicator.
Tips for Drop tunings
Power chords become one-finger shapes across the bottom strings
Consider using slightly heavier gauge strings for better tension
Great for riff-heavy music and palm muting
Drop D only changes one string, so most chord shapes still work
String gauge tip
For drop tunings, consider using slightly heavier strings (.011-.052 or higher) to maintain good tension and prevent fret buzz on the lowered strings.
About drop tunings
History & context
Drop tunings became widespread in the 1990s grunge and alternative metal scenes, though players like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles used Drop D decades earlier.