Drop A Tuning Mode
Click to start recording
Click the microphone button above to start tuning
About Drop A Tuning
Drop A tuning (A E A D F# B) offers extremely low, heavy tones perfect for brutal metal genres.
Benefits of Drop A Tuning
- Very heavy, crushing sound for extreme metal
- Easy power chords in very low registers
- Popular in modern deathcore and djent
Notable Users
Common in extreme metal and deathcore. Used by bands like Suicide Silence, Chelsea Grin, and Thy Art Is Murder.
How to Tune to Drop A
To tune your guitar to Drop A, follow these steps:
- Start with your guitar in standard tuning if possible
- Use our online tuner above to help you hit the correct pitch for each string
- Tune each string carefully, checking the pitch accuracy as you go
- For drop tunings, be careful not to drop the pitch too far as it may cause fret buzz
- Once tuned, play some chords or scales to ensure everything sounds harmonious
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this tuning require different string gauges?
For lower tunings like Drop C or below, heavier gauge strings (11-56 or thicker) are recommended to maintain proper tension and prevent fret buzz.
Will I need to adjust my guitar's truss rod?
Significant changes in tuning, especially when going to lower tunings, may require truss rod adjustments to compensate for changes in string tension.
Can I use standard chord shapes in this tuning?
For drop tunings, power chords are easier, but other chord shapes will require different fingerings. For open tunings, standard chord shapes won't apply, but you can use simple bar positions.
Related Tuning Modes
Explore other tuning modes that complement Drop A tuning
Drop A#
Drop A# tuning (A# F A# D# G C) is an extremely low tuning, providing massive, crushing tones for heavy metal.
Drop B
Drop B tuning (B F# B E G# C#) takes the guitar to significantly lower territory, ideal for extreme metal genres.
Drop G#
Drop G# tuning (G# D# G# C# F A#) is one of the lowest practical tunings, delivering brutal low-end power.