D standard tuning (whole step down)

D standard: the strings and their notes

Tuning a whole step down

What D standard is

D standard is standard tuning moved down a whole step: every string two semitones lower, D G C F A D from the 6th to the 1st. Nothing changes between the strings, so every chord shape, scale pattern and riff works exactly as before; it all sounds a whole step lower. Players call it whole step down, full step down or simply D tuning.

Singers use it to bring a song down into their range without learning new shapes, and heavy bands use it for weight: early Nirvana liked it. A step down is about the limit for a normal 10 set; below it, the strings start to flap and a heavier set pays off.

How to tune to D standard from standard

With the tuner above: tap Start, play each string the table changes and turn until the needle sits in the middle. By ear, without the tuner:

1. Tune the 6th string to D2 first, from the tone of the string chip above (tap it with the tuner stopped) or a piano.
2. 5th string: A2 to G2. The 6th string at its 5th fret (G2) should sound like this string open.
3. 4th string: D3 to C3. The 5th string at its 5th fret (C3) should sound like this string open.
4. 3rd string: G3 to F3. The 4th string at its 5th fret (F3) should sound like this string open.
5. 2nd string: B3 to A3. The 3rd string at its 4th fret (A3) should sound like this string open.
6. 1st string: E4 to D4. The 2nd string at its 5th fret (D4) should sound like this string open.

Then check the whole tuning once more with the tuner: retuning one string moves the neck, and the others drift a few cents.

On the same strings, tension follows the square of the pitch: every string keeps 79 % of its pull. Slacker strings buzz and read flat at the attack; for more than a whole step down, a heavier set (or at least a heavier low string) keeps the feel.

What one finger plays

Every chord shape you know keeps working; it sounds a whole step lower. A capo at the 2nd fret brings you back to standard pitch, which is how players in D standard join a band that plays in standard.

D standard and its neighbours

• Drop it once more: lower the 6th string of D standard another whole step, D to C, and you are in drop C.
• Halfway: half step down (E♭ standard) lowers everything one semitone instead of two.
• Not to mix up: drop D lowers only the 6th string; D standard lowers all six.

All six strings in standard and the other tunings: the guitar tuner. Any note at all: the chromatic tuner.

Then play something

The notes you tuned can go into Brumm as a short melody over a beat. Hum a line on top and it becomes an instrument.

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