How To Tune Your Guitar to Drop A

Drop A tuning has become increasingly popular among guitarists who love to experiment with heavier and more dynamic sounds.

This tuning is especially prevalent in genres like metal, progressive rock, and math rock, and has been embraced by many artists for its unique sonic qualities.

In this article, we will explore the world of Drop A tuning, from understanding its structure to learning how to tune your guitar to this powerful tuning. We will also discuss some tips and techniques for playing in Drop A, as well as the importance of adjusting your guitar for optimal performance in this lower tuning.

So, let's dive in and discover the captivating possibilities that Drop A tuning has to offer!

What Is Drop A Tuning and How Does It Work?

Drop A tuning is an alternative tuning that allows guitarists to create heavier, deeper, and more powerful sounds. In this tuning, the lowest string is tuned down to A, while the rest of the strings follow the standard tuning pattern but are transposed down a perfect fifth.

This means that all of the strings on the guitar will be a lower pitch, while traditional chord shapes and walks can still be modified, then used.

Changes to the tuning include:

• Low E string tune down to A

• E (a fifth down from A)

• A (a fifth down from D)

• D (a fifth down from G)

• F# (a fifth down from B)

• B (a fifth down from E)

The string tension will be lower when using Drop A tuning, so you may need to make some adjustments to your guitar setup. This can include using thicker strings or adjusting the truss rod to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

How To Tune Your Guitar to Drop A Using a Tuner

Using a tuner to achieve Drop A tuning is an easy and precise method. The tuner can be a standalone device, a tuning app on your smartphone, or even the built-in tuner within your guitar.

We encourage you to download the free Rocksmith Tuner app on any phone, tablet, or other mobile device.

The Rocksmith Tuner allows you to choose from nearly 30 different alternative tunings, giving you more ways to play your guitar.

To tune your guitar to Drop A using the Rocksmith Tuner:

• Open your tuner app: Open the Rocksmith Tuner app on any mobile device. If you don't yet have the app, it can be found on the Google Play and Apple stores.

• Switch to Drop A tuning: With the app open, you should see the head of a guitar. Towards the bottom of the screen is a box that will show your last used tune, or E Standard if it's the first time opening the app. Click the box, opening a list of more than 30 alternative tunings to choose from. Scroll down and click "Drop A."

• Tuning your guitar: Pluck the low E string and watch the tuner's display. Loosen the tuning peg until the tuner indicates that the string is in tune with A (a fourth lower than the standard pitch). Be patient and make small adjustments to the tuning peg to avoid overshooting the desired pitch.

• __Tune the remaining strings: __One at a time, tune your guitar down to the new notes.

• Re-check all the strings: Since the tension on all the strings is being reduced, the pressure on the guitar neck is being drastically reduced. As the neck relaxes, this could change the tone of the first couple of strings you had loosened.

• Adjust your guitar setup if necessary: Due to the lower string tension in Drop A tuning, you might need to make some adjustments to your guitar setup. This can include using thicker strings, adjusting the truss rod, or tweaking the bridge saddles to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

How To Tune Your Guitar to Drop A Without a Tuner

If you find yourself without a tuner, you can still tune your guitar to Drop A by ear, using relative tuning. While this method may not be as precise as using a tuner, it can provide satisfactory results for casual playing.

Follow these steps to tune your guitar to Drop A without a tuner:

• Start with the A string (5th string): Ensure that your 5th string (A) is in tune, as it will be your reference note. If you have access to a keyboard or another instrument with a known A note, you can use that as a reference.

• Tune the low E string (6th string) to A: Pluck the 6th string (low E) and the 5th string (A) simultaneously. Loosen the 6th string's tuning peg until the two strings sound an octave apart, with the 6th string being lower in pitch. Listen carefully for the interval and make small adjustments to the tuning peg until you're satisfied with the sound.

• Check the remaining strings: With the low string in A, the remainder of the guitar should be adjusted similarly to standard tuning, except a fifth lower.

This means:

• 5th fret on the 6th string (now A) should be exactly an octave lower than the open 5th string (E)

• 5th fret on the 5th string should match the open 4th string (A)

• 5th fret on the 4th string should match the open 3rd string (D)

• 4th fret on the 3rd string should match the open 2nd string (F#)

• 5th fret on the 2nd string should match the open 1st string (B)

• Fine-tune and adjust: Play a few chords and scales to double-check the tuning. If you notice any discrepancies or intonation issues, make small adjustments by ear until the guitar sounds as accurate as possible.

• Adjust your guitar setup if necessary: Due to the lower string tension in Drop A tuning, you might need to make some adjustments to your guitar setup. This can include using thicker strings, adjusting the truss rod, or tweaking the bridge saddles to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

What Are Some Tips and Tricks for Playing in Drop A?

Playing in Drop A tuning can open up a world of new possibilities for your guitar playing, especially when it comes to heavy and low-end riffing.

To make the most of this tuning, here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate the world of Drop A and enhance your playing experience:

Experiment With New Chords

Drop A tuning plays similar to the Drop D tuning you may have tried, with a deeper and darker tone. This allows you to play with familiar chord shapes while unlocking a new range of tones.

Use Thicker Strings

Due to the lower pitch of Drop A tuning, it's recommended to use thicker strings to maintain tension and avoid a "floppy" feel. Consider using a heavy-gauge string set or a custom set with a thicker low E string (now A) to improve playability and tone.

Adjust Your Picking and Fretting Technique

Playing in Drop A might require some adjustments to your picking and fretting hand techniques. Be mindful of string muting, especially on the low A string, to prevent unwanted noise. Additionally, adapt your fretting hand pressure to the lower tension of the strings to maintain clean, clear notes.

Explore New Scales and Licks

Drop A tuning provides an opportunity to experiment with different scales and licks. Dive into lower-register melodies and riffs, and use the open A string for unique and creative playing.

Develop Your Palm Muting Skills

Palm-muting is a crucial technique for heavy and rhythmic playing in lower tunings. Practice and perfect your palm-muting technique to create tight, controlled riffs and add dynamic contrast to your playing.

Give Drop A Tuning a Try

Drop A tuning offers a fresh perspective and exciting opportunities for guitarists of all levels. Don't hesitate to give it a try and discover new sounds and techniques that can take your playing to new heights.

Rocksmith+ is an excellent platform for learning and practicing songs in various tunings, including Drop A. With its extensive song library and interactive learning tools, Rocksmith+ can help you master Drop A tuning and expand your musical horizons. So, grab your guitar, get tuned up, and start exploring the world of Drop A with Rocksmith+ today!

Sources:

What Are Dynamics In Music? A Complete Guide | Hello Music Theory

Guitar String Vibrations | Professor String

Circle of Fifths: The Key to Unlocking Harmonic Understanding | Berklee Online Take Note