What is Drop D tuning on guitar?

Drop D tuning lowers the 6th (lowest) string from E to D. The full tuning from low to high is D-A-D-G-B-E. This makes power chords playable with one finger on the bottom three strings.

What scales work best in Drop D tuning?

All scales work in Drop D, but D minor, D major, and the D minor pentatonic are particularly effective because they take advantage of the open low D string as a pedal tone. The Dorian and Mixolydian modes rooted on D also sound great.

Is Drop D tuning good for beginners?

Yes! Drop D is one of the easiest alternate tunings to learn. You only change one string, and it makes power chords much easier to play. It's a great first step into alternate tunings.

E Minor Six Pentatonic Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

E Minor Six Pentatonic in Drop D — Notes and Intervals

The E Minor Six Pentatonic scale is a variation of the minor pentatonic that introduces a major sixth, giving it a Dorian flavor. On Guitar, the notes are E, G, A, B, C#. It is more sophisticated and soulful than the standard minor pentatonic and is frequently used in jazz and fusion to outline minor chords with a brighter edge. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, R&B. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Erykah Badu. Use over m6, m7, mMaj7 chords. Adds a jazz sophistication to minor chord soloing without fully committing to a 7-note scale.

Notes: E, G, A, B, C#

Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5

Formula: WH-W-W-W-WH

Number of notes: 5

Tuning: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)

About Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.

Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.

Hard RockMetalGrungeAlternativeAcoustic Fingerpicking

Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage

Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone

Musical Character

SoulfulSophisticatedWarmJazzy

By replacing the b7 of the minor pentatonic with a natural 6th, this scale gains a Dorian flavor — brighter and more sophisticated than standard minor pentatonic.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

vi – viM7 – vi7 – II (Descending Minor Cliché)Classical / Pop — Romance & Intrigue
iv – ♭VII – I (Backdoor Cadence)Jazz / Soul — Soulful & Unexpected

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Drop D tuning