How to Tune to D Standard
- Every string goes down a whole step, 200 cents: E to D, A to G, D to C, G to F, B to A, and E to D.
- Tap a string's button to lock the tuner to it, then loosen the string while it rings until the tuner shows In tune.
- Check all six again at the end. Loosening every string lowers the pull on the neck, so the first strings may have moved a few cents.
Strings and Setup
A whole step down leaves each string with about 20% less tension. On light strings (9–42) that can feel floppy and buzz. Many players move up one gauge, to a 10–46 or 11–52 set, which brings the feel back close to standard. A bigger change of gauge may need the nut slots, intonation, or truss rod adjusted.
What D Standard Is Used For
D standard is common in heavy rock, metal, and grunge, where the lower pitch gives a darker sound. Singers also use it to bring songs down a whole step. Every chord shape works as before and sounds a whole step lower.
To play along with a song in standard tuning, put a capo on the 2nd fret.
Tune up to each note rather than down to it. If you go past, loosen the string below the note and come back up: the string holds its pitch better that way.
String Notes and Frequencies
At the standard reference pitch, A4 = 440 Hz. String 1 is the highest-pitched string.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| 3 | F3 | 174.61 Hz |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |