How to Tune Your Guitar for Heavy Metal

Ever wondered why your metal riffs don't sound as brutal as they should? It might not be your playing—your guitar might need a tuning overhaul. Tuning your guitar for heavy metal isn't just about making your strings tighter or looser; it's about unlocking the potential for darker, more powerful sounds that define the genre. This post will guide you through various tunings that can give your riffs the weight and aggression they deserve.

Standard Tuning: The Starting Point

Before diving into the world of drop tunings and other exotic setups, let's talk about standard tuning. This is the default setting for most guitars, and it's a good baseline for comparison. In standard tuning, the strings are tuned to E A D G B e from the lowest to the highest string. While it's not commonly used in heavy metal, understanding it helps you grasp how different tunings work.

Standard tuning offers a balanced sound, which is why it's favored in many genres. However, for metal, you might find it lacks the depth and heaviness that you're aiming for. That said, some metal guitarists like to stick with standard tuning for its clarity and precision, especially if they're playing more melodic or technical pieces.

If you want to see how standard tuning can be used in metal, check out lessons from our instructors at Riffhard, where they cover a variety of techniques that can make even standard tuning sound heavy.

Drop D Tuning: A Gateway to Heavier Sounds

Drop D tuning is often the first step guitarists take toward heavier sounds. By tuning your low E string down a whole step to D, you open up a world of power chords and easier riffing. This tuning allows you to play power chords with just one finger, which is great for fast, aggressive playing.

Here's how you tune to Drop D:

• Low E string: D
• A string: A
• D string: D
• G string: G
• B string: B
• High E string: E

Drop D is popular in many metal subgenres, from classic heavy metal to modern metalcore. It gives your riffs a heavier, chunkier sound without drastically altering the guitar's overall feel. Bands like System of a Down and Tool have made great use of Drop D, showcasing its versatility.

The simplicity of Drop D tuning makes it ideal for beginners who want to dip their toes into heavier music without getting overwhelmed. And if you're looking to refine your technique, Riffhard has lessons that can help you master Drop D's potential.

Drop C Tuning: Taking It a Step Further

If you're ready to venture into deeper territory, Drop C tuning offers a more intense experience. By tuning all strings down a whole step and dropping the low D to C, this setup delivers a heavier, more aggressive sound. It's a favorite for metalcore and death metal bands looking for a darker tone.

Here's how you tune to Drop C:

• Low E string: C
• A string: G
• D string: C
• G string: F
• B string: A
• High E string: D

Drop C tuning allows for thick, powerful chords and low-end chugging that's perfect for breakdowns and heavy riffs. Bands like Killswitch Engage and Bullet for My Valentine have used Drop C to create some of their most iconic tracks.

However, this tuning might require some adjustments to your guitar's setup, like altering the truss rod or using heavier strings. These changes help maintain proper tension and prevent buzzing. For those looking to delve deeper into Drop C, Riffhard offers detailed tutorials on how to make the most of this tuning.

Drop B and Beyond: The Realm of Djent

Drop B tuning takes the concept of heavy to another level. This is where you enter the realm of djent and progressive metal, with bands like Periphery and Meshuggah leading the charge. Drop B provides a deep, resonant sound perfect for complex rhythms and intricate riffing.

Tuning to Drop B involves lowering each string even further:

• Low E string: B
• A string: F#
• D string: B
• G string: E
• B string: G#
• High E string: C#

This tuning requires thicker strings and possibly a baritone guitar to handle the lower tension without compromising playability. The payoff is a monstrous sound ideal for djent's tight, percussive style.

Playing in Drop B can be challenging, especially if you're new to extended-range guitars. But with the right guidance, you can unlock its full potential. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best guitarists in the genre, providing insights into how to make Drop B work for you.

Standard C Tuning: A Balanced Alternative

Not every heavy metal song needs a drop tuning. Standard C tuning is an alternative that provides a heavy sound while maintaining the traditional string relationships. It's popular in doom and stoner metal, where the focus is on rich, full chords and sustained notes.

To achieve Standard C tuning, you tune each string down two whole steps:

• Low E string: C
• A string: F
• D string: Bb
• G string: Eb
• B string: G
• High E string: C

This tuning offers a thick, powerful sound without the need for drastic playing technique changes. Bands like Black Sabbath and Sleep have used similar tunings to create their signature, heavy soundscapes.

Standard C tuning can be a bit of a compromise between traditional tuning and the heavier drop tunings, offering a blend of heaviness and versatility. If you're interested in exploring this tuning further, our instructors at Riffhard have lessons that delve into its subtleties.

Double Drop D Tuning: More Than Just a Drop

Double Drop D tuning is an interesting variation that involves tuning both E strings down to D. This tuning offers a unique sound, combining the simplicity of Drop D with a fuller range of chords and harmonics.

Here's how you tune to Double Drop D:

• Low E string: D
• A string: A
• D string: D
• G string: G
• B string: B
• High E string: D

This tuning is less common in heavy metal but offers interesting possibilities for songwriting and riff creation. It allows for open chord voicings that are both heavy and melodic, adding a fresh twist to your sound.

For those curious about how Double Drop D can fit into a metal context, Riffhard offers insights and lessons that explore the versatility of this tuning.

Other Exotic Tunings: Pushing Boundaries

Beyond the standard and drop tunings, there's a world of exotic tunings that can add unique textures to your metal playing. These tunings can range from open tunings to entirely unique setups that defy categorization.

Some examples include:

• Open C Tuning: Often used in progressive metal, this tuning offers a wide-open sound that's great for intricate chord progressions.
• Drop A Tuning: A favorite in deathcore and djent, providing an even deeper, more aggressive tone.
• Baritone Tunings: Utilized in genres that require extended range, baritone guitars can be tuned even lower than standard guitars, offering new sonic territories.

Experimenting with these tunings can lead to new creative discoveries and inspire fresh riffs and songs. If you're looking to push the boundaries of what's possible, Riffhard offers lessons that explore these tunings and how to incorporate them into your music.

Setting Up Your Guitar for Heavy Tunings

Tuning down to heavier settings often requires adjustments to your guitar. Simply detuning the strings might lead to issues like buzzing or intonation problems. Here are some steps to ensure your guitar is ready for heavy tunings:

• Adjust the Truss Rod: Lower tunings reduce string tension, which can warp the neck. Adjusting the truss rod helps maintain proper neck relief.
• Use Heavier Strings: Thicker strings provide more tension, reducing the chance of buzzing and improving sustain.
• Intonation: Check and adjust the intonation to ensure your guitar stays in tune across the fretboard.
• Action: Lowering the action can make playing easier, but be careful not to go too low, as it can cause buzzing.

Setting up your guitar properly enhances playability and helps you get the most out of your chosen tuning. If you're unsure about making these adjustments yourself, it's wise to consult a professional. At Riffhard, we provide detailed guides and tips on setting up your guitar for various tunings, ensuring you get the best sound possible.

Final Thoughts

Tuning your guitar for heavy metal can be a game-changer for your sound. From Drop D to exotic tunings, each option offers unique possibilities for your music. Remember, finding the right tuning can take some experimentation, but the payoff is a richer, more powerful sound. At Riffhard, we're here to help you explore these tunings with lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists. Embrace the journey and let your riffs roar.