Drop C tuning (CGCFAD)

Drop C tuning is an alternative guitar tuning where at least one string has been lowered to a C, but most commonly refers to CGCFAD, which can be described as D tuning with a 6th string dropped to C, or drop D tuning transposed down a whole step. Because of its heavier tone, it is most commonly used in rock and heavy metal music.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Variations

• CGDGBE – Dropping the low E string to a C, and the A string to a G, to make a fifth chord. The rest of the strings remain the same.^[6]
• CADGBE – This is achieved by taking standard tuning (EADGBE), and dropping the low E to a C. All other strings remain in standard tuning.^[7]

Artists that have used CGCFAD

• Alter Bridge (on some songs such as "Isolation")^[8]
• Arch/Matheos^[9]
• Black Stone Cherry^[10][11]
• Chimaira^[12] (on most songs after their first album)
• Dååth^[4]
• Dope^[13]
• Escape the Fate^[14]
• Heaven & Hell (on "Follow the Tears") ^[15]
• King's X^[16] (most later material and live performances, also used on some songs since Dogman)
• Nickelback (on some songs) ^[17][18]
• Skillet^[19] (on "Monster")
• System of a Down^[20]
• Theory of a Deadman^[21]
• Triggerfinger^[22]
• Wintersun^[23] (on some songs)

Artists that have used CADGBE

• Bob Dylan – predominantly in the period 1965-1966.^[24]
• John Mayer – on the song "Neon".^[25][26]
• Muse – on the songs "Map Of The Problematique"^[26][27] & "Dead Inside"
• Brad Richter – on the piece "Flirtation"^[28]
• The Tallest Man on Earth – on the song "The Sparrow and the Medicine".^[29][30]

Artists that have used CGDGBE

• Keola Beamer^[31]
• Richard Thompson^[32][33]
• Soundgarden^[34]

References