What are the notes of full step down tuning?

From the thickest string to the thinnest: D2 (6th), G2 (5th), C3 (4th), F3 (3rd), A3 (2nd), D4 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is D2 73.42 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz, C3 130.81 Hz, F3 174.61 Hz, A3 220.00 Hz, D4 293.66 Hz.

How do I tune to full step down tuning from standard?

Tune every string down a whole step (2 frets): E2 → D2, A2 → G2, D3 → C3, G3 → F3, B3 → A3, E4 → D4. Use the tuner above, set to full step down, or check by ear with the fret method on this page.

Can I use a chromatic tuner for full step down tuning?

Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at D G C F A D in turn. This tuner has a full step down preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.

Full Step Down Tuning (D Standard) — Free Online Tuner

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What full step down tuning is for

Full step down, or D standard, lowers all six strings by a whole step. Like half step down, it keeps the spacing of standard tuning, so chord shapes carry over and simply sound two semitones lower. It suits heavier rock and metal, a lower vocal range, and players who want looser strings for wide bends; heavier string gauges help the strings stay taut at the lower pitch.

Press Start tuner above, allow the microphone and play one open string at a time. The tuner is already set to full step down, so in Auto mode it picks the nearest string and shows how many cents sharp or flat it is; switch to Manual to aim at one string. Bring each string up to the note from below, which helps it hold.

The strings: D G C F A D

Thickest string first, with the frequency at the standard A = 440 Hz. Each note opens the tuning drone on that pitch, for tuning by ear.

String	Note	Frequency	From standard
6th	D2	73.42 Hz	down a whole step (2 frets) from E2
5th	G2	98.00 Hz	down a whole step (2 frets) from A2
4th	C3	130.81 Hz	down a whole step (2 frets) from D3
3rd	F3	174.61 Hz	down a whole step (2 frets) from G3
2nd	A3	220.00 Hz	down a whole step (2 frets) from B3
1st	D4	293.66 Hz	down a whole step (2 frets) from E4

How to get there from standard tuning

Tune every string down a whole step (2 frets): E2 → D2, A2 → G2, D3 → C3, G3 → F3, B3 → A3, E4 → D4.

Check it by ear

Once one string is right, each neighbouring string can be checked against it — the beating between the two notes slows and stops when they agree.

Press the 6th string (D2) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 5th string (G2).
Press the 5th string (G2) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 4th string (C3).
Press the 4th string (C3) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 3rd string (F3).
Press the 3rd string (F3) at the 4th fret: it should match the open 2nd string (A3).
Press the 2nd string (A3) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 1st string (D4).

More about full step down tuning

Guitar string names

What musicians say

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AnonymousOct 19, 2026
Cool, though basic

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of full step down tuning?: From the thickest string to the thinnest: D2 (6th), G2 (5th), C3 (4th), F3 (3rd), A3 (2nd), D4 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is D2 73.42 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz, C3 130.81 Hz, F3 174.61 Hz, A3 220.00 Hz, D4 293.66 Hz.
How do I tune to full step down tuning from standard?: Tune every string down a whole step (2 frets): E2 → D2, A2 → G2, D3 → C3, G3 → F3, B3 → A3, E4 → D4. Use the tuner above, set to full step down, or check by ear with the fret method on this page.
Can I use a chromatic tuner for full step down tuning?: Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at D G C F A D in turn. This tuner has a full step down preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.