Drop D tuning

[Martin Spaans]

I read some articles about drop d tuning, also lately trying to play along or find out riffs from CD from bands that play often in this tuning.
I can't get my finger on it. What makes this tuning what it is?
When i tune in drop D i won't get anything out of it. Wich kind of chords make this tuning interesting?

[trendkillah]

In my oppinion, drop-d tuning is useful if you are a lazy person. Most people only use this tuning, cause they can play powerchords with only one finger this way.


Greetz, TK

[fendermonkey77]

Have to agree somewhat with TK, drop D is a lazy thing for most people. It is sometimes used to just get a lower note in there to make the power chords sound crunchier. It may also be used as a drone if you happen to be playing in the key of D. Alternative tunings can be a lot of fun, but Drop D is definitely my least favorite, and as far as I'm concerned, the least creative alternative tuning. Stick with what you like the best and you can't go wrong.

[jake sommers]

lol tk, i always thought that myself. But i've been using it a lot lately not for the chords but i've been working on writing songs with drone type feel. It is indeed the most boring alt tuning, i kinda enjoy the DADAAE tuning myself.

[Christoph]

Actually drop-D is pretty cool if you like to jump around stage and over monitors, because, like TK says, you can play power chords with just one finger.

For a cool sound, try tuning both E strings, high and low, down to D, for DADGBD. You can get some really interesting sounding chords this way.

[Bardsley]

Dylan did some great tunes in drop d, like masters of war. It's not just for powerchords, you can play dark folksy stuff too.

[Martin Spaans]

Thanks

I'm gonna try some of the tunings you mentioned.

[Fly Boy]

Drop D tuning hmmmmm

I can see why someone could say this tuning is for lazy players but experimanting with other tunings can't be a completely bad thing ever!

Trying different tunings give playing especially composing a different flavour to your music, trying these with patience (not sure of my spelling here) can expand your knowledge of the fret board. I often tune to dagdad and occasionally just drop d and find I can have a lot of fun with it.

Try plaing finger picking with these snd soon you will find benefits from it quite quickly, this is just one idea.Enjoy finding out.

Man made it possible to FLY

[Joseph]

Drop D definitely has a way of building confidence in you as a guitar player. I forget who originated it, but Kim Thayil of Soundgarden definitely popularized it. I never really went for all of these weird tunings from the very beginning, I used to just stick with standard tuning, but once Soundgarden came onto the scene, this band woke me up. I saw how much energy Kim Thayil put into his playing, and without drop d tuning Soundgarden just wouldn't be the same. Just from tuning this one string down, it gives your overall style a more dark and moody feel to it, and it really does help you hammer onto your favorite power choreds with much more ease. But just like any good thing, too many musicians have played this style out to the point of no return. And yes for a lot of people, it makes polaying guitar much easier, but for most people this style helps define their creativity and their artistic expression. tuning is a great technique to utilize, it opens the doors of creativity. where you can experiment with so many different positions on the neck.

-Joseph

[Bardsley]

The Pachabel (sp.?) Canon requires drop-D tuning in the standard key. Another example is one of Satie's Gynopedies, it's not all rock music.

[Christoph]

. . . and Creed uses drop D or some form of open D on just about every song.

[Martin Spaans]

I just sold my guitar with tremolo and bought one without it. It's a lot easier to re tune without a tremolo.
I turned the D down. Now lets say i make a barred G chord.
Then the lowest string is now an F instead of G. Should i use this fingering or must i make new chords fingering.