How to Put Your Guitar in Drop C

Getting your guitar tuned to Drop C can feel like opening a door to a whole new world of sound and creativity. This tuning is a favorite in the metal and rock genres, giving your riffs that extra punch and heaviness. We’re going to walk through the steps to get your guitar into Drop C, and by the time we’re done, you’ll be ready to unleash some seriously powerful tones.

What Is Drop C Tuning?

Drop C tuning is a popular alternative guitar tuning that lowers the standard tuning by one full step and then drops the sixth string an additional step. In standard tuning, your strings are tuned from low to high E A D G B E. In Drop C, they become C G C F A D. This tuning is particularly beloved in heavy metal and hard rock because it allows for easy power chord shapes and a deeper, more aggressive sound.

When you tune to Drop C, you’re essentially lowering the pitch of each string, which can make your guitar sound heavier and more resonant. The lowered tuning also reduces the tension on the strings, which can make bending and vibrato easier and give you a different feel under your fingers. Plus, it opens up new possibilities for riffs and chord voicings that are unique to this tuning.

Why Use Drop C Tuning?

So why would you want to use Drop C tuning? Well, for starters, it gives your guitar a heavier and thicker sound. This makes it perfect for metal and hard rock, where you want your riffs to have some real weight behind them. Drop C also makes it easier to play power chords. With the sixth string tuned down to C, you can play power chords with just one finger, which can speed up your playing and make it easier to transition between chords.

Additionally, Drop C offers a new palette of sonic possibilities. The lower tuning allows for different voicings and textures in your music. Whether you’re writing new riffs or reimagining existing songs, Drop C can inspire creativity and lead you down musical paths you might not have considered before. Bands like Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, and System of a Down have all used Drop C tuning to great effect in their music.

Prepping Your Guitar for Drop C

Before you start twisting those tuning pegs, it’s important to prepare your guitar for Drop C tuning. The lower tension can affect your guitar’s setup, so a few adjustments might be necessary. First, consider the string gauge. Thicker strings are generally better for lower tunings because they maintain tension and provide a fuller sound. A set of 11-54 or 12-56 gauge strings is often a good choice for Drop C.

Next, check your guitar’s intonation and action. The lower tuning can throw off your guitar’s intonation, which might require adjustments to the saddle positions on your bridge. Likewise, the action—the height of the strings above the fretboard—might need tweaking to avoid fret buzz. If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, a visit to a professional guitar tech can ensure everything is set up properly.

How to Tune to Drop C

Tuning your guitar to Drop C is straightforward, but it requires a good ear or a reliable tuner. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• 6th String (Low C): Start by tuning your low E string down two whole steps to C. This is the “drop” part of Drop C tuning.
• 5th String (G): Lower your A string one whole step to G.
• 4th String (C): Drop your D string one whole step to C.
• 3rd String (F): Tune your G string down one whole step to F.
• 2nd String (A): Tune your B string down one whole step to A.
• 1st String (D): Finally, lower your high E string one whole step to D.

Use a tuner to ensure each string is precisely in pitch. You can also use a reference from another instrument or a tuning app on your smartphone. Remember, accuracy is key to making sure your guitar sounds its best.

Bracing for the Change in Feel

Once your guitar is tuned to Drop C, you’ll notice a change in how it feels to play. The strings will have less tension, which can make them feel looser and more flexible. This is great for expressive playing but might take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to standard tuning.

You might also need to adjust your playing technique slightly. Power chords become a breeze, but you might find you need to be more precise with your picking and fretting to avoid unwanted string noise. This is where practice comes in handy, and if you’re looking for structured lessons to help with technique, Riffhard offers lessons taught by some of the world’s best metal guitarists. They can help you refine your playing style to suit Drop C and other alternative tunings.

Exploring New Riff Possibilities

With your guitar now in Drop C, it’s time to explore the new possibilities this tuning offers. Start by experimenting with some classic metal riffs that use Drop C. You’ll find that the tuning lends itself to deep, chugging rhythms and intricate, melodic lines.

Try writing your own riffs using the open C string as a drone note. This can create a powerful, resonant sound that forms the basis of countless metal songs. Additionally, take advantage of the easy power chord shapes by playing around with different chord progressions and patterns.

If you’re looking for inspiration, Riffhard has an extensive library of riff-writing lessons from top metal guitarists. These lessons can offer new ideas and techniques that are perfect for Drop C tuning.

Song Examples Using Drop C

To get a feel for how Drop C tuning sounds in action, check out some songs that use this tuning. Many popular metal and hard rock bands have utilized Drop C to create iconic tracks. Here are a few examples:

• Killswitch Engage – “My Curse”: This song features heavy riffs and emotive melodies that showcase the power of Drop C tuning.
• Bullet for My Valentine – “Tears Don’t Fall”: Another great example of how Drop C can be used to create both aggressive and melodic sections.
• System of a Down – “BYOB”: This track uses Drop C to deliver its fast-paced, intense riffs.

Listening to these songs can give you a better understanding of the tonal possibilities of Drop C tuning and may inspire your own creations.

Maintaining Your Guitar in Drop C

Keeping your guitar in good shape is crucial, especially when using alternative tunings. The lower tension of Drop C can affect your instrument over time, so regular maintenance is key. Make sure to check your guitar’s tuning regularly, as lower tension can lead to strings slipping out of tune more easily.

Additionally, keep an eye on the neck relief and action. The neck might need periodic adjustments to maintain the optimal playing condition. If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, consider consulting a professional guitar tech.

And remember, Riffhard offers resources and advice on guitar maintenance to help you keep your instrument in top shape for all your metal adventures.

When to Switch Back to Standard Tuning

While Drop C can be incredibly fun and inspiring, there might be times when you need to switch back to standard tuning. Perhaps you’re playing with a band that uses standard tuning, or you’re learning a song that requires it. Fortunately, switching between tunings is a skill that becomes easier with practice.

To return to standard tuning, simply reverse the process we went through to drop your tuning. Make sure to adjust your intonation and action as needed to accommodate the change in string tension. With a bit of practice, you’ll become adept at switching between tunings and exploring the diverse sonic landscapes each one offers.

Final Thoughts

Tuning your guitar to Drop C opens up a world of creative possibilities, especially for metal and rock enthusiasts. It offers a unique sound and feel that can enhance your playing and inspire new musical ideas. If you’re looking to further develop your skills and explore more about playing in Drop C, check out Riffhard. We provide access to lessons from top metal guitarists to help you master this tuning and more. Dive in and start crafting those heavy riffs!