TWO-STRING DROP TUNING / QUICK START
Double Drop D tuning.
Lower both outside E strings for a deep bass D, a bright high-D drone and four middle strings that stay exactly as they are in standard tuning.
THE TWO CHANGES
E2 → D2 · E4 → D4
STRINGS 6 + 1 · EACH DOWN 2 SEMITONES
AGT / TUNING MAP · 440 HZ
D A D G B D
STRING 6
D
STRING 5
A
STRING 4
D
STRING 3
G
STRING 2
B
STRING 1
D
HOW TO TUNE
Tune two strings down.
Start in standard tuning: E A D G B E. Strings 5 through 2 do not move.
01 — Lower string 6 from E2 to D2.
02 — Leave strings 5, 4, 3 and 2 unchanged.
03 — Lower string 1 from E4 to D4, then confirm all six strings.
Ear checks: the 12th-fret harmonic on string 6 matches open string 4 at D3; the 12th-fret harmonic on string 4 matches open string 1 at D4. Both moved strings will feel slightly looser, so tune down slowly and use a tuner for the final pitch.
CHANGE TUNINGS OFTEN?
Let Roadie 4 handle it.
A chromatic tuner can handle Double Drop D. If you switch tunings regularly, Roadie 4 can identify each string and turn both machine heads for you.
The guide includes affiliate links · no extra cost to you
WHAT ACTUALLY CHANGES
Four familiar strings. Two D anchors.
Shapes confined to strings 2–5 keep their standard-tuning pitches. Check any shape that uses either outside string: both have moved down one whole step.
What stays the same
✓ Strings 2–5 keep their standard-tuning notes.
✓ Shapes that avoid strings 6 and 1 transfer unchanged.
✓ The low three strings retain Drop D’s movable power-chord layout.
What needs checking
— String 6 now sounds two semitones lower.
— String 1 now sounds two semitones lower.
— The open high D may be a chord tone, suspension or colour note.
CHORD & SCALE EXPLORER
Search the tuning. Keep six trusted starting points.
Search complete chord charts by root and type, or switch to a scale map across frets 0–15. The six selected charts below remain the practical starting points.
These selected charts are the practical starting points for this tuning.
Every generated chart contains the defining chord tones and passes the current compact-voicing filter. The selected charts below remain the editorial starting points.
The high string is shown at the top and the low string at the bottom. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.
HEAR THE TOP STRING
One fret turns G into G7.
Play G major as 5 x 0 0 0 0. The open first string supplies D, the fifth. Fret that string at 3 to add F natural and hear the chord become G7.
THE DOUBLE-D FRAME
Low D. High D. One open frame.
The outside strings now ring as D two octaves apart. Use them as deliberate drones around chords, while the low D–A–D strings still give you movable one-finger power chords.
LOW D
STRING 6
D OCTAVE
STRING 4
HIGH D
STRING 1
D5
OPEN 6–4
G5
FRET 5
A5
FRET 7
FIRST PROGRESSION
D5 → G major → F major → G7
Play one bar of each. Let both outside D strings ring on D5 and G; fret the first string at 3 for F major and G7. That one-note change makes the high-D string’s harmonic role easy to hear.
SONG CONTEXT
“Ballad of Hollis Brown” and Double Drop D
A widely used Dylan transcription lists D A D G B D—both E strings down one whole step—with capo 1 for the referenced recording. This guide explains the tuning without reproducing copyrighted lyrics or tablature.
View the tuning reference →CHOOSE THE RIGHT VERSION
Double Drop D or Drop D?
Choose Double Drop D
Choose low and high D drones around the chord, with the same low-D power-chord layout as Drop D.
Choose Drop D
Keep the high E and familiar top-string shapes while changing only the low sixth string.
Explore Drop D →QUICK ANSWERS
Double Drop D FAQ
Is Double Drop D an open tuning?
Not in the strict open-major sense. The open strings contain D, A, G and B but no F♯, so they do not form a complete D-major triad. It works best as a D-centred drone tuning.
Why does my normal D chord sound different?
In standard tuning, fret 2 on string 1 is F♯. In Double Drop D it is E. Use fret 4 when you need F♯, or leave the string open for a neutral D5 drone.
Can I use ordinary chord shapes?
Shapes using only strings 2–5 transfer unchanged. Any shape using string 6 or string 1 must be checked because those notes now sound two semitones lower.
How do I return to standard tuning?
Raise strings 6 and 1 from D back to E, then confirm all six strings with a chromatic tuner.