Editing Drop D tuning (section)

== Uses ==
In drop D, the three open bass strings form a D5 [[power chord]]. Other fifth chords are made when barred with the index finger of the fretting hand shifted up the [[fretboard]]. Drop D tuning is frequently used in [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] and its various subgenres, as guitarists in these styles often need fast transitions between power chords. Drop D is also used in metal because it adds two lower semitones to the bass range of the [[rhythm guitar]], which adds two more low-range power chords (E{{music|flat}} and D) and enables a heavier, deeper sound. The tuning has also been used in many other styles of music, including [[blues]], [[Country music|country]], [[folk music|folk]], and [[classical guitar|classical]]. Due to its similarity to standard tuning, drop D is recognised as a useful introduction to alternative tunings, leading logically to an exploration of [[DADGAD]], [[open D]], D tuning (in which all strings are tuned 1 full note lower DGCFAD), drop D{{music|flat}} (in which only the 6th string is tuned 3 frets lower D{{music|flat}}ADGBe) and drop D drop G (in which both the 5th and 6th strings are dropped a tone DGDGBe) tunings.

The tuning allows for chords with a root or bass note of D to be played with a D an octave lower than with standard tuning. It also allows the playing of open D chords that include the fifth and sixth strings, letting the full sonority of the guitar be heard. This can be especially useful for songs in the keys of D major or minor and is particularly effective on acoustic guitar. Drop D also allows [[fingerpicking|fingerpickers]] to play chord shapes higher up the neck while maintaining an [[alternating bass]]. The bottom three strings, if left open, will vibrate [[Sympathetic resonance|sympathetically]] and, using chord shapes limited to the top three strings, a [[Drone (music)|drone]] effect can easily be achieved.

The trade-off is the loss of the open bass E note in chords or fingerings, which the player can adjust to include fretting the sixth string at the second fret (now E).{{dubious|date=September 2014}}