Bass tuning

Drop D (D-A-D-G)

Drop D on bass lowers the lowest string from E to D, giving D-A-D-G. You gain two semitones of low end and can play root fifths on the two lowest strings without shifting position.

The tuner opens already preconfigured; you only need to allow microphone access.

Strings and frequencies

How it sounds

It provides a deeper, heavier foundation, ideal for backing Drop D guitars or for punchy riffs. The change from standard is minimal, so it is quick to adapt to.

Styles and genres

Recommended string gauges

The fourth string feels a little loose dropped to D; a 0.050-0.110 set, or one with a reinforced E, keeps the low end defined. The rest is fine with normal gauges.

Tuning tip

If you are backing a guitar in Drop D, make sure you both start from the same reference D: just sound your low strings together and adjust until there are no beats.