Are you tired of playing the same old songs in standard tuning?
We’ve curated a list of must-play songs in Drop C tuning that will reignite your passion for guitar playing.
From heavy metal riffage to melodic ballads, we’ve got something for everyone on this list. So grab your guitar and prepare to add new bangers to your repertoire.
Let’s dive into our ultimate list of Drop C Tuning Songs!
1. Are You Dead Yet by Children of Bodom
“Are You Dead Yet” is a highly acclaimed song by the Finnish heavy metal band Children of Bodom.
It was released in 2005 as part of their studio album with the same title.
This song has gained massive popularity among metal fans, especially for its easy drop C tuning, making it one of the most requested songs to learn on guitar.
2. As I Lay Dying by Through Struggle
“As I Lay Dying” by Through Struggle is a popular easy drop C tuning song that has captivated listeners with its intense and heavy sound.
The song starts with a fierce guitar riff that immediately grabs your attention, setting the tone for what’s to come.
The powerful vocals of frontman Tim Lambesis add depth and emotion to the lyrics, which tell a story of struggle and determination.
Drop C tuning gives the song an edgy and aggressive feel, making it perfect for headbanging along.
Fans of metalcore music will appreciate the intricate drum patterns and breakdowns that add intensity to this track.
3. It Never Ends by Bring Me the Horizon
“Bring Me the Horizon’s “It Never Ends” is a viral and beloved song among band fans, metalcore, and easy drop C tuning enthusiasts.
The track perfectly showcases the band’s signature aggressive screams mixed with beautifully melodic guitar riffs.
The lyrics tell a story of personal struggles and battles with inner demons, making it relatable to many listeners.
This song stands out because of its unique blend of catchy choruses and breakdowns that will have you headbanging along in no time.
4. Back Burner by August Burns Red
August Burns Red is a metalcore band known for their high-energy performances and technical prowess, and one of their most popular songs is “Back Burner.”
This track played in the easy drop C tuning, has become a fan favorite with its heavy riffs, intricate guitar work, and intense breakdowns.
The song starts with a burst of energy and never lets up until the end.
Vocalist Jake Luhrs’ powerful screams add to the song’s intensity as it tackles themes of perseverance and not giving up in the face of challenges.
5. My Curse by Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage’s “My Curse” is a fan-favorite and a must-learn for guitarists looking to play in Drop C tuning.
This song perfectly captures the essence of the band’s signature sound, blending melodic and heavy elements seamlessly.
The catchy riffs and intense vocals make it a perfect song for headbanging and singing along at concerts.
The song is relatively easy to play, with power chords being the mainstay, making it accessible for beginners and experienced players.
The Drop C tuning gives it a unique tone that stands out from other metal songs.
6. Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
“Your Guardian Angel” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is a must-listen for any alternative rock music fan.
This popular drop-C tuning song has captured the hearts of listeners with its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals.
The band’s lead singer, Ronnie Winter, sings about the unconditional love and protection of a guardian angel, making it a heartfelt and relatable track to many.
The sad melody, paired with intense guitar riffs, creates a perfect blend of emotions that leave a lasting impact on the listener.
7. Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace
“Animal I Have Become” by Three Days Grace is a popular song that showcases the band’s signature sound and style.
Released in 2006, it quickly became a fan favorite with its intense lyrics and aggressive instrumentals.
The song is played in drop C tuning, giving it a dark and heavy sound that perfectly matches the emotions conveyed in the lyrics.
The raw vocals of lead singer Adam Gontier add to the song’s intensity, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt trapped or out of control.
8. Monster by Skillet
“Monster” by Skillet is a viral drop C tuning song that has captivated listeners worldwide with its powerful message and energetic sound.
The song tells a story of battling inner demons, represented as a “monster” within oneself.
Lead singer John Cooper’s dynamic vocals and the heavy guitar riffs in drop C tuning create an intense atmosphere that perfectly conveys the struggle against this metaphorical monster.
The lyrics are relatable for many people, who can find solace in knowing they are not alone in their battles.
9. This War Is Ours by Escape The Fate
“This War Is Ours” is an influential and iconic song by the American rock band Escape The Fate.
Released in 2008, it quickly became a fan favorite and solidified their place in the music industry.
What makes this particular song stand out is its energetic sound, catchy chorus, and profound lyrics that depict the struggle of someone fighting their inner demons and overcoming them.
The heavy riffs and breakdowns create an intense atmosphere, perfecting it for headbanging and moshing at concerts.
10. Chop Suey! by System Of A Down
“Chop Suey!” by System Of A Down is a wildly popular and iconic song instantly recognizable from its opening guitar riff.
This heavy metal track played in drop C tuning, has become one of the band’s signature songs and a fan favorite at live concerts.
The band’s unique blend of heavy guitar riffs, progressive rhythms, and Middle Eastern influences make this song stand out in the metal genre.
11. Hearts Burst Into Fire by Bullet For My Valentine
“Hearts Burst Into Fire” is a popular song by the Welsh heavy metal band Bullet For My Valentine, known for their intense sound and electrifying live performances.
What makes this track stand out even more is the use of Drop C tuning, which adds a more profound and heavier tone to their already powerful instrumentals.
The song opens with an emotional guitar riff that sets the tone for the following lyrics.
The vocalist sings about the pain of heartbreak and longing for a lost love, perfectly capturing the raw emotions of a broken heart.
12. So Cold by Breaking Benjamin
“So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin is a fan-favorite song known for its powerful and emotional lyrics and unique guitar tuning in Drop C.
This popular alternative rock tune showcases the band’s signature sound with heavy guitar riffs and haunting vocals from lead singer Benjamin Burnley.
Drop C tuning gives the song a darker and more intense tone, perfectly complementing the sad lyrics about heartache and loss.
13. I Stand Alone by Godsmack
“I Stand Alone” by Godsmack is a powerful and popular song in the rock music scene, known for its heavy riffs and intense vocals.
As one of the band’s most well-known songs, it has become an anthem for many fans.
The song features the distinctive Drop C tuning, adding to its unique sound and making it a favorite among guitar players.
Lyrically, “I Stand Alone” speaks about personal strength and defiance in the face of challenges, empowering listeners.
14. Change (In The House Of Flies) by Deftones
“Change (In The House Of Flies)” by Deftones is a powerful, dynamic song showcasing the band’s signature blend of heavy alternative metal and experimental rock.
Released in 2000, it quickly became one of their most famous songs, known for its unforgettable riff in drop C tuning.
The hypnotic guitar melodies and haunting vocals of lead singer Chino Moreno create an eerie atmosphere that perfectly captures the change theme.
15. If You Can’t Hang by Sleeping With Sirens
“If You Can’t Hang” by Sleeping With Sirens is a popular rock song that showcases the band’s signature Drop C tuning.
The song perfectly blends electrifying guitar riffs, powerful drums, and lead singer Kellin Quinn’s soaring vocals.
The lyrics tell a story of a relationship on the verge of falling apart, with lines like “I’m not gonna take this anymore” and “You’re just wasting all my time.”
The chorus is an anthem for anyone who has been in a toxic relationship and can relate to the struggle of not being able to let go.
16. Inside The Fire by Disturbed
“Inside The Fire” by Disturbed is a popular song that showcases the band’s signature sound and technical skills.
It is played in Drop C tuning, which gives the guitar a deep and heavy tone.
The powerful vocals of lead singer David Draiman add to the intense lyrics that tell the story of a person torn between giving into their inner demons or fighting against them.
The complex guitar riffs and pounding drums create a sense of urgency and chaos, perfectly reflecting the internal struggle depicted in the song.
17. All I Want by A Day to Remember
“All I Want” by A Day to Remember is an incredibly catchy and energetic song that perfectly captures the band’s unique blend of metalcore and pop-punk.
It is an excellent Drop C tuning song, with heavy guitar riffs and breakdowns that will have you headbanging in no time.
The lyrics are relatable and empowering, conveying the message of staying true to yourself and not letting anyone bring you down.
The chorus is undeniably infectious, making it impossible not to sing along.
18. Savin’ Me by Nickelback
“Savin’ Me” by Nickelback is a powerful rock ballad that captivates listeners with its hauntingly beautiful Drop C tuning.
The song tells the story of someone who feels lost and hopeless, desperately searching for a way out of their darkness.
With Chad Kroeger’s raw and emotionally charged vocals, the lyrics tug at our heartstrings as we are taken on a journey of self-reflection and redemption.
Drop C tuning adds depth and richness to the song, making it stand out as one of Nickelback’s greatest hits.
19. Blew by Nirvana
“Blew” by Nirvana is a great drop-tuning song that genuinely encapsulates the raw, gritty sound of the grunge era.
Released in 1989 as part of their debut album “Bleach,” this track showcases frontman Kurt Cobain’s signature raspy vocals and powerful guitar riffs.
Drop C tuning adds a heavy and intense quality to the music, creating an atmosphere of angst and rebellion.
The lyrics touch upon self-doubt and alienation, making them relatable to many listeners.
20. I Don’t Wanna Stop by Ozzy Osbourne
“I Don’t Wanna Stop” by Ozzy Osbourne is a viral rock song that has caught the attention of many listeners for its unique sound and powerful lyrics.
What sets this song apart is its use of Drop C tuning, which gives it a heavy and dark vibe, adding to the overall intensity of the music.
The guitar riffs are infectious, and the drums provide a strong backbone, creating an undeniable headbanging rhythm.
As for the lyrics, they speak of not giving up despite facing challenges and setbacks in life.
FAQs
What is drop C tuning good for?
Drop C tuning is a popular alternative guitar tuning that offers a lower, heavier sound than standard tunings.
It involves lowering the lowest string (typically tuned to an E) to a C, dropping two whole steps.
This creates a versatile and powerful sound highly favored by metal and hard rock musicians.
Drop C tuning allows for easy power chord shapes and can add depth and intensity to riffs, making them sound more aggressive and darker.
Is Drop C heavy?
Yes. Drop C tuning is commonly associated with heavy music genres such as metal and hardcore.
This tuning involves lowering the pitch of the guitar strings, resulting in a deeper and darker sound.
It provides a heavier and chunkier tone, making it perfect for those who want to create a more aggressive and intense sound.
The lower string tension in Drop C also allows more power chords to be played quickly, adding to the heaviness of the overall sound.
However, it is essential to note that the heaviness of Drop C also depends on how the guitarist uses it.
With proper techniques and skills, one can make any tuning sound heavy and powerful.
Is Drop C tuning safe?
Drop C tuning is safe as long as it is done correctly and on a properly set up guitar to handle the lower tuning.
It involves tuning the guitar’s lowest string down to a C instead of the usual E, resulting in a heavier and deeper sound.
This can be achieved by manually tuning each string or using a specialized drop tuner pedal.
However, it is essential to ensure that the guitar’s neck and intonation are adjusted accordingly to prevent damage.
With proper precautions and maintenance, there should be no harm in utilizing Drop C tuning for your music.
Is drop C deeper than drop D?
There has been a long-standing debate among guitarists over whether drop C tuning is deeper than drop D.
While both tunings are popular among heavy metal and hard rock musicians, they have some key differences.
Drop C tuning consists of lowering the lowest string on the guitar to a C note, while drop D tuning lowers it to a D note.
This small change can make all the difference in terms of depth and heaviness of sound.
Many musicians argue that drop C produces a much lower and heavier sound than drop D, making it perfect for genres like death metal or any style requiring an extra level of aggression.
However, this is not to say that drop D cannot be equally heavy or intense.
It depends on how the guitarist utilizes the different notes and strings within the tuning.
Some may even argue that using techniques such as palm muting and alternate picking can achieve similar depth in both tunings.
What is the heaviest guitar tuning?
The heaviest guitar tuning refers to a specific arrangement of strings on a guitar that produces the lowest and most profound sound possible.
It is often used in heavy metal, hard rock, and other genres that require a more serious and darker tone.
The most common heaviest tuning is known as “Drop A,” where the strings are tuned to A-E-A-D-F#-B.
This creates a powerful sound with strong bass notes and is favored by guitarists looking for a more aggressive and intense sound.
However, even lower tunings, such as “Drop G” or “Drop F#,” produce an even heavier and booming sound.
These tunings are not commonly used but serve as an option for those seeking their music’s ultimate level of heaviness.
Conclusion
Drop C tuning is popular for many guitarists looking to create heavy and powerful sounds.
With its unique low and thick sound, it’s no wonder that so many iconic songs are written in this tuning.
The list of Drop C tuning songs is endless, from iconic metal bands like Metallica and Slipknot to alternative rock groups like Deftones and Breaking Benjamin.
So grab your guitar, tune it down to Drop C, and get ready to rock out to some epic tunes!
We hope this list has inspired you to explore more music in this tuning and add new songs to your repertoire. Happy playing!
