What is Drop C tuning exactly?

Drop C is C G C F A D, from the lowest string to the highest. You start by tuning all six strings down one whole step from standard (D standard: D G C F A D), then drop the lowest string one more step from D down to C.

Is Drop C the same as C Standard?

No. C Standard means all six strings tuned down a whole step from standard: C F Bb Eb G C. Drop C keeps the upper five strings at D standard (G C F A D) and drops only the lowest string one more step to C.

Are these songs definitely in Drop C and not Drop D?

Each song on this list is widely discussed and tabbed by the guitar community as Drop C. However, tuning can vary between versions; always compare the open string to a reference C note.

Do I need heavier strings for Drop C?

Yes. Most players prefer 0.010–0.052 or 0.011–0.052 sets to maintain tension and control for palm muting.

Are there Drop C songs that work on acoustic guitar?

Change (In the House of Flies) and Cherry Waves by Deftones adapt reasonably well to an acoustic approach due to their atmospheric nature.

Where can I find tabs for these songs?

Guitar tab sites carry these tracks; always confirm the tuning header shows C G C F A D before playing.

Songs With Drop C Tuning: 12 Picks

Drop C tuning — strings tuned to C G C F A D — lowers your whole guitar a step and drops the low string further, opening the heavy, resonant sound that defines a wide range of rock and metal.

Open the Reference Tone Generator External tuner: GuitarTuner.io — tunings

System Overview: Technical Reference Guide

Before you play: make sure your guitar is actually in Drop C. The tuning reference at the bottom of the page will help.

Difficulty Rating: 01

Where to Start: Three Beginner Drop C Songs

These three songs use the open low-C string as a rhythmic anchor, which means your fretting hand stays in one general area and you can focus on getting the palm muting feel right.

Chop Suey!

Beginner

Artist: System of a Down

Year: 2001 | Genre: Alternative metal

Technical Note:

"The main riff pivots around the open low-C string as a power chord anchor — your fretting hand barely moves between heavy downstrokes."

Down with the Sickness

Beginner

Artist: Disturbed

Year: 2000 | Genre: Nu-metal

Technical Note:

"The iconic opening riff is built almost entirely on the open sixth string; once palm muting pressure is right, you can lock in without hunting for new frets."

Change (In the House of Flies)

Beginner

Artist: Deftones

Year: 2000 | Genre: Alternative metal

Technical Note:

"Slower and more atmospheric — the main riff is a short two-note movement on lower strings, giving you time to dial in tone before the heavy parts."

Difficulty Rating: 02

Building the Catalog: Five Intermediate Drop C Songs

These five tracks add more to think about — faster picking patterns, mixing clean and distorted sections, or melodic lines alongside the heavier riffs.

Stricken

Intermediate

Disturbed (2005) • Hard rock

"The crunchy single-note intro riff rewards tight downstrokes — pick attack and palm muting together define how this riff lands."

Aerials

Intermediate

System of a Down (2001) • Alternative metal

"Less about raw heaviness, more about feel — expands how you think about harmony beyond standard power chords."

Tears Don't Fall

Intermediate

Bullet for My Valentine (2005) • Metalcore

"Smooth tone-switching between clean arpeggios and heavy chords is where most players spend practice time."

Rose of Sharyn

Intermediate

Killswitch Engage (2004) • Melodic metalcore

"Melodic lead lines run between chord hits — tracking when the melody comes in versus chords is the central challenge."

Cherry Waves

Intermediate

Deftones (2006) • Alternative metal

"Getting sustained notes to ring clearly together without bleed takes more control than it first seems."

Difficulty Rating: 03

Push the Tuning: Four Advanced Drop C Songs

These four songs are technically demanding or require a level of precision that takes time to develop. Fast tremolo picking and rhythmic chugging at tempo are standard here.

The End of Heartache

Killswitch Engage (2004)

Advanced

Quick reset of pick angle and pressure is required to stay clean during transitions.

Waking the Demon

Bullet for My Valentine (2008)

Advanced

Keeping tremolo even while the chord root changes is the defining challenge.

Strings of Your Martyr

Trivium (2005)

Advanced

Galloping rhythmic patterns and fast-picked lines require solid foundational technique.

Black Label

Lamb of God (2003)

Advanced

Demands locked-in downpicking at tempo over long repeating groove phrases.

After You Tune

The Drop C sound only works when you're actually in Drop C.

Every song on this list assumes your guitar is tuned to C G C F A D. A few cents off in this tuning makes power chords sound unresolved.

Check Your Tuning

External tuner: GuitarTuner.io — tunings How to tune with a tuner

External Lesson Resource

In tune. Now learn the song.

Guitar Tricks offers structured video lessons built around specific songs and techniques — useful once you know which Drop C tracks you want to learn.

View lessons

Questions About Drop C Songs

What is Drop C tuning exactly?: Drop C is C G C F A D. You start by tuning down one whole step from standard (D Standard), then drop the lowest string one more step to C. This gives you a low C power chord using one finger.
Is Drop C the same as C Standard?: No. C Standard is C F Bb Eb G C. Drop C keeps the upper five strings at D standard and drops only the lowest string, allowing for easier power chord transitions.
Do I need heavier strings for Drop C?: Yes. Standard light gauge strings (0.009) feel too loose. A 0.010–0.052 or 0.011–0.052 set is recommended for firmness and control during palm muting.
Are there Drop C songs that work on acoustic?: Most are for electric with distortion, but atmospheric tracks like 'Change' or 'Cherry Waves' adapt reasonably well to acoustic guitars.