Drop C Tuning: How To Tune Your Guitar to Drop C

You've likely heard of Drop D tuning, an incredibly popular setup for your guitar that only requires adjusting your low E string and turns the bottom three strings of your guitar into a power chord. But what if you want more power, more bass, and more rich, chunky texture from your instrument?

Drop C tuning is Drop D's big, beefy cousin, and while it takes a little more effort to get to, it certainly pays off. In this article, we'll explain how to tune your guitar to this tuning, what type of music commonly uses it, and some tips and tricks for how to make the most of it!

How To Tune to Drop C

Drop C is an alternative tuning for the guitar where you lower all strings by one step --- except for the bass E string, which lowers two steps. This gives you a CGCFAD tuning instead of the standard EADGBE, essentially taking Drop D and shifting all of the strings down another whole step. The tuning provides access to much lower notes on the same strings that are used for riffs in standard tuning.

As you experiment playing in Drop C, you'll quickly feel a difference between playing in Drop C and standard tuning - try to refrain from headbanging too hard and causing some head trauma. Almost exclusively used in heavy metal, drop C provides a deeper sound due to the loose tension each string suddenly has, allowing for more bass to come through with every note.

What Else Should You Keep in Mind?

Now that you understand what Drop C tuning is and how it works, let's talk about a few factors to keep in mind to make the most of your playing session.

Loose Strings

Because the guitar strings are looser in Drop C, you'll likely want to avoid the strings you typically use for standard tuning. They might work fine, but to truly get the most out of Drop C, you'll want heavier strings that maintain their articulation, even at those deeper notes.

Heavier strings will also keep their tune for longer, which means you have to check it less often! Granted, you should regularly double-check your tuning to make sure what you're playing is how it should sound, but with the ease and speed of tuners today, it's no problem at all.

Be warned, though, we recommend working your way up in string gauge and not jumping too drastically from the strings you're used to. Even seasoned professionals like icon Stevie Ray Vaughan injured his fingers with heavy strings!

Adjust Your Bridge

Again, the looseness of your strings is going to cause some changes to your guitar. Noticeably, your strings will vibrate more aggressively due to their decreased tension - this is what gives Drop C its added richness. However, if you don't adjust your bridge, you may end up ringing against your fretboard more than you want.

Simply take a screwdriver and slowly raise the bridge, just enough that the strings no longer rattle when played.

Summary

When executed correctly, drop C tuning can deliver a heavier and more expressive sound than other tunings while remaining easy to play and requiring only minor adjustments. You'll also find access to new power chords and open chords you can use to expand your repertoire. In other words, the alternate tuning is a fantastic tool for beginners and experienced guitarists alike!

And if you aren't already a fan of heavy metal, playing around in Drop C is an excellent way to introduce yourself to the genre. While slightly intimidating at first, the metalhead community is one filled with warmth and loyalty, and as an added bonus listening to metal can actually decrease stress levels!

After you get the hang of drop C tuning, be sure to check out the wealth of songs in the Rocksmith+ library. You'll be mastering this tuning in no time --- and having fun doing it!

Sources:

Power Chords | Discmakers

Is Headbanging Dangerous? | DW

Stevie Ray Vaughan on Heavy Strings | Guitar Player

6 Ways Science Has Proven Metal is Actually Good For You | Louder Sound