Guitar tuning
Drop C# Tuning
Drop C# keeps the drop-tuning power-chord layout while lowering the guitar a half step below drop D.
- Notes low to high
- C#, G#, C#, F#, A#, D#
- Strings
- 6
- Default frets
- 24
- Open pitch range
- C#2 to D#4
- 24-fret pitch range
- C#2 to D#6
- Also called
- Drop Db, C#G#C#F#A#D#
How this tuning changes the guitar
Drop C sharp uses E flat standard on the upper five strings and lowers the sixth string another whole step to C sharp. The lowest three open strings form C sharp-G sharp-C sharp.
Fretboard and chord implications
Movable one-finger power chords work across the lowest three strings. Shapes confined to strings 1 through 5 retain E flat standard geometry, while patterns crossing the sixth string require the usual drop-tuning adjustment.
Drop C# Tuning fretboard notes
Drop C# Tuning string notes
| String | Note | Pitch |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C# | C#2 |
| 5 | G# | G#2 |
| 4 | C# | C#3 |
| 3 | F# | F#3 |
| 2 | A# | A#3 |
| 1 | D# | D#4 |
Common uses
- heavy music
- post-hardcore
- modern rock
- heavier drop-tuned riffs
Practice this tuning
- Tune from low to high as C# G# C# F# A# D#, then play each open string while saying its note name and string number aloud.
- Map C sharp roots and G sharp fifths across the lowest three strings, then connect them to C sharp minor pentatonic positions.
- Create a C sharp riff that alternates one-finger power chords with single-note phrases crossing from the sixth to fifth string.
Open this tuning in the fretboard tool
Start with drop c# tuning loaded, then adjust root, scale, fret count, labels, colors, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard