How to Play A Guitar In Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning is a very flexible and capable tuning for a guitar, as well as being very easy for power chords if you are in a rock band. This guide will show you how to correctly play a guitar in drop D.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Tune your guitar to drop D. On the low E string, begin loosening the string until it has dropped a full step. Press down on the 7th fret of the low E to match it with the A string.

2. Once you have your guitar in drop D, you can play power chords very easily. By holding down the bottom three strings on the same fret, you can make simple chords. Hold down all three low strings on the fifth fret for four strums, then just let go and play four strums on the open.

3. Songs that use the open, 5th, and 7th frets are probably the easiest to learn. Practice playing a song that uses each of these positions for a while before you start adding more chords.