D – A – D – G – B – D
Double Drop D is a rich, drone-heavy tuning often associated with Neil Young. By lowering both E strings to a D, you get a massive D major sound while keeping the middle four strings standard (A-D-G-B), making it easy to transition from Standard tuning.
How to Tune to Double Drop D
Getting into Double Drop D is simple because you only need to adjust two strings. The middle four strings stay exactly the same as Standard tuning.
- Low E (6th) String: Tune down one whole step to D. (Match it to your open 4th string).
- A (5th) String: Remains Standard.
- D (4th) String: Remains Standard.
- G (3rd) String: Remains Standard.
- B (2nd) String: Remains Standard.
- High E (1st) String: Tune down one whole step to D. (Match it to your open 4th string or your low 6th string).
Essential Double Drop D Chords
Because the A, D, G, and B strings are unchanged, many of your standard chord shapes still work—you just need to be mindful of the outer D strings. Here are three go-to shapes.
The “One Finger” D
0 0 0 2 3 0
Strum all 6 strings. Both outer strings are tuned to D, so they ring out openly with the chord.
G Major
5 x 0 0 0 3
Use your ring finger on the 5th fret of the Low D. You can add the 3rd fret on the High D for a fuller sound, or leave it open.
F Major Variation
3 x 3 2 1 0
A classic Neil Young shape. 3rd fret Low D, mute the A, and play a standard F shape on the middle strings.
Famous Songs in Double Drop D
This tuning is a favorite for acoustic rock and folk because of its full, ringing sound.
- Cinnamon Girl – Neil Young
- Cortez the Killer – Neil Young
- Ohio – CSNY
- Going to California – Led Zeppelin
- The Chain – Fleetwood Mac (outro section)
- Black Water – The Doobie Brothers