Your Guitar Tuner: Drop C# / Db (C#, G#, C#, F#, A# and D#)

Quickly tune your guitar with your new guitar tuner, Drop C# / Db. Notes are C#, G#, C#, F#, A# and D#.
Drop C# (often written as Drop Db) is a popular alternative guitar tuning that sits between standard tuning and the heavier-sounding Drop C. It is sometimes referred to as Drop Db because C# (C sharp) and Db (D flat) are enharmonic equivalents (they represent the same pitch on a piano keyboard but are named differently for theoretical or musical context).
This tuning is slightly lower than standard tuning (by one semitone) and lower than Drop D by another semitone, giving it a deeper, heavier tonality than standard but still brighter than Drop C. It’s a sweet spot for many rock and metal guitarists who want more low-end impact without going too low.
As with all drop tunings, the lowest three strings form a power chord shape when barred with one finger. This makes certain riffs easier to play, especially in heavier or more aggressive styles of music.
Drop C# / Db is a versatile compromise between standard and heavier drop tunings. It offers a lower range than Drop D without going as low as Drop C, making it a favorite of rock and metal players looking for a punchy tone that doesn’t sacrifice all brightness. With a suitable string gauge and proper setup, Drop C# / Db can be both comfortable to play and sonically powerful, unlocking new riff possibilities and accommodating vocal ranges more easily.
Here are some songs that utilize Drop C# / Db tuning:
Linkin Park - “One Step Closer”
Disturbed - “Down with the Sickness”
Disturbed - “Stricken”
Deftones - “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)”
Three Days Grace - “Animal I Have Become”
Nonpoint - “Bullet With a Name”
Seether - “Remedy”
Staind - “Open Your Eyes”
Chevelle - Various Deep Cuts (e.g., select B-sides)
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