Drop C Tuning (C G C F A D)

Drop C tunes the strings from low to high to C G C F A D. It is drop D lowered a whole step: strings 5 to 1 go down a whole step from standard and string 6 goes down two whole steps, from E to C.

Strings 6 → 1
C2 G2 C3 F3 A3 D4
From standard
All six change
Open strings
not a chord

Tuner · Drop C

A4 · 440 Hz
-50-250+25+50♭♯FLATSHARP
–
Mic off
±0 ¢
Auto string detect

Uses your microphone. Audio stays on this device. No mic? Tap a string to hear its note.

TuningC G C F A D
Strings · tap to hear

How to tune to drop C from standard

  1. String 6: E2 → C2, down 4 semitones · tension −37 %
  2. String 5: A2 → G2, down 2 semitones (whole step) · tension −21 %
  3. String 4: D3 → C3, down 2 semitones (whole step) · tension −21 %
  4. String 3: G3 → F3, down 2 semitones (whole step) · tension −21 %
  5. String 2: B3 → A3, down 2 semitones (whole step) · tension −21 %
  6. String 1: E4 → D4, down 2 semitones (whole step) · tension −21 %

The tuner above is locked to C G C F A D, so each string reads against its own target. Tap a string button to hear its note.

Drop C (C G C F A D) chords

Frets are listed from string 6 to string 1 (× = do not play). The notes line is what each string sounds in this tuning.

C · drop D "D" shape

C in C G C F A D: frets 0 0 0 2 3 2132

Frets 0 0 0 2 3 2

C G C G C E

I (home chord). The open D shape on strings 3 to 1, with all six strings ringing over a low C.

Dm · fret 2 on three strings

Dm in C G C F A D: frets 2 2 2 0 0 011

Frets 2 2 2 0 0 0

D A D F A D

ii. Index flat across strings 6 to 4 at fret 2. The top three open strings are F, A and D.

F · low root at fret 5

F in C G C F A D: frets 5 5 0 0 0 3331

Frets 5 5 0 0 0 3

F C C F A F

IV. Ring finger flat on strings 6 and 5 at fret 5, index on string 1, fret 3.

G · A shape

G in C G C F A D: frets -1 0 2 2 2 0×123

Frets × 0 2 2 2 0

× G D G B D

V. The standard A chord shape, sounding G. Skip string 6.

Am · barre fret 2

Am in C G C F A D: frets -1 2 4 4 3 2×13421

Frets × 2 4 4 3 2

× A E A C E

vi. Standard Bm shape, sounding A minor. Skip string 6.

Power chords: one finger across strings 6, 5 and 4 plays root, fifth and octave, counted up from C: open = C5, fret 2 = D5, fret 5 = F5, fret 7 = G5, fret 12 = C5 an octave up.

How drop C relates to drop D

Every string is exactly one whole step below drop D, so the intervals are identical. Any drop D shape, riff or power chord works unchanged and sounds two half steps lower: a drop D "D" shape is a C here, a G shape is an F.

The bottom three strings are C G C, root, fifth and octave, so one finger across them still plays a power chord, now starting from C.

Against standard, the change is large: all six strings move, and string 6 drops four half steps to C2. The result is darker and heavier, and much slacker under the pick.

What drop C is used for

Hard rock and metal riffs that need a lower root than drop D gives, mostly on electric guitar with heavier strings.

On acoustic: songs in C, or a singer who needs drop D material a whole step lower without learning new shapes.

Drop C: string tension and setup

Tension: strings 5 to 1 lose about a fifth of their tension and string 6 over a third. On light acoustic strings that means buzz and notes that bend sharp when you dig in. A medium or heavy set, or a heavier string 6, brings back the feel of standard.

A guitar kept in drop C with heavier strings may need its neck relief and nut slots checked; a guitar retuned for an evening does not.

Shortcut: if you are in drop D, lower all six strings a whole step. From standard, lower strings 5 to 1 a whole step and string 6 two whole steps, then recheck everything twice; this many changes moves the neck.

FAQ

Is drop C the same as drop D with a lower pitch?

Yes. Drop C is drop D with every string one whole step lower: C G C F A D instead of D A D G B E. All drop D shapes and riffs work and sound a whole step lower.

Which strings change from standard?

All six. String 6 goes from E to C (down two whole steps); strings 5 to 1 go down a whole step each, to G C F A D.

What string gauge should I use for drop C tuning on acoustic?

Heavier than your standard set if the strings feel loose or buzz. Same strings tuned this low lose 21 to 37 percent of their tension, so a medium set or a heavier low string restores the feel.

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