GUITAR · C G C F A D

Drop C tuning

String 6 to string 1, low to high

Tap a string to hear its target note · frequencies in Hz

From standard (E A D G B E): lower string 6 two whole steps, E→C; lower strings 5–1 one whole step each.
From Drop D (D A D G B E): lower every string one whole step.

Drop C is Drop D lowered one whole step: the same shapes, every note two semitones lower. No sign-up; the notes above use A4 = 440 Hz.

Drop C chord workbench

C50 0 0 X X X

Drop C · C2 G2 C3 F3 A3 D4

Root Quality

Finger row: suggested finger — 1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 pinky; – not fretted. A bar means one finger holds several strings.

Sounding notes, string six to string one
String	Fret	Note	Role
6	0	C2	Root
5	0	G2	5th
4	0	C3	Root
3–1	X	—	Muted

What is checked: each fret is applied to C2–G2–C3–F3–A3–D4 and the resulting pitch classes must match the selected quality. Only the selected strings sound. These are exact-pitch references within fifteen frets, not promises about comfortable fingering.

Same shape, new name

Drop D shapes in Drop C

Keep your Drop D fingering; every chord name moves down a whole step.

Fret code (6→1)	In Drop D	In Drop C	Drop C notes
0 0 0 X X X	D5	C5	C2 G2 C3
2 2 2 X X X	E5	D5	D2 A2 D3
3 3 3 X X X	F5	D#5 / Eb5	D#2 A#2 D#3
5 5 5 X X X	G5	F5	F2 C3 F3
7 7 7 X X X	A5	G5	G2 D3 G3
0 0 0 2 X 2	D	C	C2 G2 C3 G3 E4
0 0 0 X X 1	Dm	Cm	C2 G2 C3 D#4
0 0 0 2 1 2	D7	C7	C2 G2 C3 G3 A#3 E4

Neighbour tunings

Drop C vs Drop C# vs Drop D

Tuning	6	5	4	3	2	1	From Drop D
Drop D	D2	A2	D3	G3	B3	E4	—
Drop C# (Drop D♭)	C#2	G#2	C#3	F#3	A#3	D#4	every string −1 semitone
Drop C	C2	G2	C3	F3	A3	D4	every string −2 semitones

Drop C# tuning is a separate tuning half a step above Drop C. A Drop C# song played in Drop C sounds one semitone lower.

Compare the original shapes in Drop D chords.

Strings and set-up

Strings for Drop C

Why the low string feels loose

On the same string and scale length, tension follows the square of the pitch. String 6 drops four semitones, E2 to C2, so it keeps about 63% of its standard tension — roughly 37% less. Strings 5 to 1 each drop two semitones and keep about 79% — roughly 21% less. That is why a standard set can feel floppy or buzz in Drop C; a heavier set brings the tension back.

After retuning

Lower tension lets the neck relax a little. Tune all six strings again after a few minutes, because they settle. Compare each open string with its 12th-fret note to check intonation. If strings start to buzz or the action changes, the fix is a set-up — truss rod and intonation — done by a technician if you are unsure.

Drop C tuning questions

What are the notes of Drop C tuning?

From string 6 to string 1: C2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4 — written C G C F A D.

How do I tune from standard to Drop C?

Lower string 6 by four semitones (E to C) and every other string by two semitones.

Is Drop C the same as C standard?

No. C standard is C F A# D# G C. Drop C is D standard (D G C F A D) with string 6 lowered one more whole step to C.

Can I play Drop D songs in Drop C?

Yes — same fingering, and every chord sounds a whole step lower (D5 becomes C5).

More tunings: DADGAD chords.