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Drop C# Guitar Tuning: Tutorial and Popular Songs

One of my favorite tunings, and one that has gained considerable popularity, is Drop C#. This tuning, which drops each string down by one and a half steps from standard tuning and then lowers the lowest string even further, opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities.

Drop C# tuning, characterized by the notes C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D#, provides a deeper, heavier sound compared to standard tuning. 

This lower pitch gives your guitar a more robust, powerful tone, making it particularly appealing for genres that demand a heavier sound. It’s no wonder that Drop C# has become a go-to tuning for many metal and hard rock bands.

The importance and popularity of Drop C# tuning can be seen across various music genres, especially in the realms of metalcore, post-hardcore, and hard rock. Bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Alice in Chains or Evermore have embraced this tuning to craft their signature sounds. The versatility of Drop C# allows guitarists to effortlessly switch between thunderous, aggressive riffs and melodic, intricate passages.

What Exactly Is Drop C# Guitar Tuning?

We all know what drop D is — you take the lowest E string and tune it one step down to D, while other strings remain in their standard tuning.

C# or C-sharp is half a note lower than D. Technically, drop C# is actually drop D tuned half step down. 

One way to achieve this is by tuning your guitar half a step down and then further tuning the lowest string (which is D#) one step down to C#.

If this is confusing to you, I get it. Therefore, I decided to write a short step-by-step guide for complete beginners on how to get to drop C#.

How to Tune to Drop C#?

  1. Start with the Low E String (6th string) and Tune Down to C#
    • Step 1: Begin by playing the open low E string (the thickest string).
    • Step 2: Using a tuner, slowly lower the pitch of the string by turning the tuning peg. Turn the peg counterclockwise if your guitar has standard tuning pegs.
    • Step 3: Continue adjusting until the tuner reads C#. This means you are tuning the string down three half steps (1.5 whole steps) from E to C#.
  2. Tune the A String (5th string) Down to G#
    • Step 1: Play the open A string.
    • Step 2: Turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch.
    • Step 3: Use your tuner to guide you, and stop adjusting once you reach G#. This is half a step drop from A to G#
  3. Tune the D String (4th string) Down to C#
    • Step 1: Play the open D string.
    • Step 2: Slowly turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch.
    • Step 3: Watch the tuner and adjust until the note reads C#. This requires a half a step D to C#.
  4. Tune the G String (3rd string) Down to F#
    • Step 1: Play the open G string.
    • Step 2: Turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch.
    • Step 3: Adjust until your tuner shows F#. This means lowering the pitch by half a step from G to F#
  5. Tune the B String (2nd string) Down to A#
    • Step 1: Play the open B string.
    • Step 2: Carefully turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch.
    • Step 3: Tune down until the tuner indicates A#. This involves lowering the pitch by half a step from B to A#.
  6. Tune the High E String (1st string) Down to D#
    • Step 1: Finally, play the open high E string (the thinnest string).
    • Step 2: Turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch.
    • Step 3: Use your tuner to guide you, and stop when it reads D#. This means lowering the pitch half a step from E to D#.

What Songs and Bands Use Drop C-Sharp?

Here are some songs I like that use drop C#.

  • “Almost Easy” by Avenged Sevenfold — They have plenty of songs in Drop D, but many of them sound even better if you go half a step lower.
  • “Them Bones” by Alice in Chains — I was a huge fan of AiC in high school, and Them Bones was definitely an interesting song to learn to play.
  • “My Own Smile” by Deftones — Their entire album Around the Fur is in Drop C sharp, I think.
  • “BYOB” by System of a Down — SOAD really likes this tuning, and many songs on the Mesmerize album are in drop C#.
  • “Something in the Way” by Nirvana — But this is only for the MTV live acoustic.
  • “One Step Closer” by Linkin Park — LP loved using Drop C# for their songs.

Conclusion: Should You Use Drop C# Guitar Tuning?

Drop C# tuning opens up a world of rich, powerful sounds that can elevate your guitar playing, especially in genres like metal and hard rock. By tuning your guitar to Drop C#, you can explore new techniques, craft heavier riffs, and bring a unique depth to your music. Whether you’re covering popular songs or creating your own, this tuning offers endless possibilities for creative expression. So grab your tuner, give Drop C# a try, and let the music inspire you.