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.Guitar Setup for Drop C Tuning article explains drop tunings for rock guitars and metal bands on the Guitar Repair Bench Luthier Website
Examples CGCFAD tuning
Alter Bridge – on the song "Isolation" Arch/Matheos – on the song "Sympathetic Resonance" Chimaira – on most songs after their first album Metallica – on the majority of songs in the St. Anger album Nickelback – on most songs in their 2003 album The Long Road Skillet – on the song "Monster" System of a Down – on the song "Sugar"
CADGBE tuning Bob Dylan – predominantly in the period 1965–1966 John Mayer – on the song "Neon" Muse – on the song "Map Of The Problematique" Brad Richter – on the piece "Flirtation" The Tallest Man on Earth – on the song "The Sparrow and the Medicine"
CGDGBE tuning Richard Thompson – on the song "Hope You Like The New Me" Soundgarden – on the song "Limo Wreck"
References