Are you a fan of that deep, heavy sound from the drop D tuning on your guitar?
Then get ready to rock because we’ve compiled a list of the greatest drop D tuning songs that will satisfy your musical cravings.
Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting with this unique tuning, you’ll find something here that will have you headbanging and strumming along in no time!
So, let’s dive into some awesome tunes.
1. Killing In The Name by Rage Against the Machine
“Killing In The Name” by Rage Against the Machine is an influential and iconic song that has stood the test of time.
It showcases the band’s trademark fusion of aggressive riffs and politically charged lyrics and features one of rock history’s most memorable guitar solos.
The song’s heavy use of drop D tuning, with Tom Morello expertly manipulating the low end to create a thick and gritty sound, has made it a go-to for guitarists looking to jam out and unleash their inner rebel.
2. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz
“I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz is a soulful and heartfelt ballad that resonates with anyone going through a tough time.
With his smooth vocals and simple yet powerful lyrics, Mraz reminds us to never give up on our dreams and to keep pushing forward despite our challenges.
This song is exceptional for guitarists as it is one of the best songs to play in drop D tuning.
The beautiful melody played on the low D string adds a unique depth and richness to the song.
Mraz’s fingerpicking style, combined with the open chords used in drop D tuning, creates a mesmerizing sound that captivates listeners.
3. Never Going Back Again by Fleetwood Mac
One of the most iconic songs by the legendary band Fleetwood Mac is “Never Going Back Again.”
This beautiful ballad, written and sung by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, has stood the test of time and remains a fan favorite.
What makes this song unique is its use of drop D tuning, a technique that creates a unique and melancholic sound.
This tuning allows the player to create richer and fuller chords, giving the song a bittersweet tone that perfectly complements the heartfelt lyrics.
4. Decode by Paramore
“Decode” by Paramore is an absolute fan-favorite and is considered one of the best songs.
This song showcases the band’s incredible energy, talent, and ability to experiment with different musical genres.
One of the standout aspects of this track is its unique drop D tuning, which gives it a heavier and grungier edge compared to its usual pop-punk sound.
5. My Sacrifice by Creed
“My Sacrifice” by Creed is an iconic song that pulls at listeners’ heartstrings.
From its captivating melody to its deeply personal lyrics, this track showcases the raw emotion and vulnerability of the band’s vocalist, Scott Stapp.
Drop D tuning in this song adds a powerful depth to the guitar riffs, making it stand out as one of the most significant drop D tuning songs.
The haunting yet uplifting chorus speaks about sacrificing oneself for love, whether for a person or a more significant cause.
6. I Hate Everything About You by Three Days Grace
“I Hate Everything About You” by Three Days Grace is one of those songs that will immediately catch your attention with its intense and raw energy.
From the moment the heavy guitar riff in drop D tuning kicks in, you know you’re in for a great ride.
The lyrics perfectly convey the frustration and anger towards someone who has hurt us deeply, making it relatable to many listeners.
The lead singer’s powerful voice adds an extra emotion to the song, making it impossible not to sing along or headbang.
7. Never Too Late by Three Days Grace
“Never Too Late” by Three Days Grace is a timeless hit that showcases the band’s talent for creating powerful and impactful rock music.
The song, which is in drop-D tuning, immediately grabs the listener’s attention with its heavy guitar riffs and haunting lyrics.
It carries a sense of urgency and hope, delivering a message that it’s never too late to turn your life around and make a change for the better.
The strong vocals of lead singer Adam Gontier are complemented perfectly by the hard-hitting drums and bassline, making this song an instant classic among alternative rock fans.
8. Last Resort by Papa Roach
“Last Resort” by Papa Roach is a must-listen for any rock music enthusiast.
This song stands out because of its powerful lyrics, catchy melody, and the unique drop D tuning used in its composition.
The heavy guitar riffs and intense vocals of lead singer Jacoby Shaddix perfectly complement the angsty theme of the song, making it an instant favorite among fans.
Combined with the explosive instrumentation, this emotional depth creates an unforgettable listening experience that will have you headbanging along in no time.
9. Lips Of An Angel by Hinder
“Lips Of An Angel” by Hinder is a fantastic drop D tuning song that has captivated listeners for years.
The hard-hitting riffs and powerful lyrics make it a favorite among rock and alternative music fans.
The iconic opening guitar riff immediately draws you in, setting the tone for the emotional journey the song takes you on.
As lead singer Austin Winkler’s soulful vocals tell the story of forbidden love and longing, you can’t help but feel every word he sings.
10. Everlong by Foo Fighters
“Everlong” by Foo Fighters is a timeless and beloved song that never fails to captivate listeners with its powerful lyrics and catchy melody.
What makes this song even more remarkable is the use of drop D tuning, delivering an intense and unique sound.
The iconic guitar riff in drop D adds depth and richness to the music, making it impossible to resist headbanging along.
The dynamic shifts between soft verses and explosive choruses create a rollercoaster of emotions, perfectly complemented by Dave Grohl’s raw vocals.
11. Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow by Frank Zappa
“Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow” by Frank Zappa is a classic song that has stood the test of time due to its unique sound and memorable lyrics.
The title immediately grabs attention and leaves listeners curious about what the song could be about.
But beyond its catchy name, the song is known for its excellent drop D tuning, which gives it a distinct sound that sets it apart from other songs.
12. The Great American Nightmare by Rob Zombie
“The Great American Nightmare” by the iconic metal artist Rob Zombie is undoubtedly a great drop-D tuning song that has stood the test of time.
From haunting and heavy guitar riffs to aggressive and angst-filled lyrics, this song perfectly captures the essence of a true American nightmare.
The raw energy and intense emotion in every note and lyric leave a lasting impact on listeners, making it an unforgettable experience.
13. One by Ed Sheeran
“One” by Ed Sheeran is a song masterpiece that showcases his incredible vocals and guitar skills.
What makes it even more impressive is that it is played in a drop D tuning, a technique where the guitar’s lowest string is tuned down one whole step.
This gives the song a unique and deep sound perfectly complements the heartfelt lyrics about unrequited love and longing for someone.
14. Bat Country by Avenged Sevenfold
“Bat Country” by Avenged Sevenfold is an absolute masterpiece that will leave every rock fan in awe.
With its powerful riffs and complex guitar solos, this song showcases the band’s incredible musicianship and shows why they are considered one of the greatest rock bands ever.
The drop D tuning in this song adds a unique heaviness and depth to the already impressive sound of Avenged Sevenfold.
The lyrics tell a deep and thought-provoking story about fear and self-destruction, adding another layer to the song’s brilliance.
15. Therapy by All Time Low
“Therapy by All Time Low is an excellent drop-D tuning song that never fails to captivate listeners with its catchy beat and relatable lyrics.
The band’s signature pop-punk sound is perfectly complemented by the deep, melodic riffs in this song, making it an instant favorite among fans.
It’s a reminder that we all have our battles to fight; sometimes, we need someone or something to hold onto to keep us going.
16. Mr. Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan
“Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dylan is not just a song. It’s a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
This iconic folk-rock ballad, written and recorded in 1965, showcases Dylan’s unique poetic lyrics and soulful vocals.
What sets this song apart is its use of drop D tuning, which adds a haunting yet mesmerizing tone to the overall composition.
The guitar riff in this song is instantly recognizable and has inspired countless musicians over the years.
But beyond the music, “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a deep and introspective piece that touches on themes of escapism and freedom.
17. Walk by Pantera
If you’re a fan of heavy metal music, then chances are you’ve come across the name Pantera.
This American band rose to fame in the 90s with their unique sound and intense energy on stage.
One song that stands out in their discography is “Walk,” considered one of their greatest hits and a great example of drop D tuning.
This specific tuning gives the song its signature heavy and aggressive sound, creating a perfect atmosphere for headbanging and moshing.
18. Schism by Tool
“Schism” by Tool is an absolute masterpiece in drop D tuning.
The heavy, brooding guitar riffs combined with Maynard James Keenan’s haunting vocals create a dark and intense atmosphere that is both captivating and powerful.
The intricate and complex drum patterns add another layer of depth to the song, showcasing the incredible musicianship of the band members.
This song has become an anthem for many fans due to its thought-provoking lyrics, exploring themes of division and separation within oneself and society.
19. Sugar, We’re Goin Down by Fall Out Boy
“Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” by Fall Out Boy is an iconic song that has captured the hearts of generations with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics.
The song showcases a perfect combination of pop-punk and emo elements, making it a fan favorite.
But what makes this track truly stand out is its brilliant use of drop D tuning – a technique where the guitar’s lowest string is tuned down to a D note, giving it a more profound and heavier sound.
20. Unholy Confessions by Avenged Sevenfold
“Unholy Confessions” by Avenged Sevenfold is a popular drop-tuning song that has captivated audiences since its release in 2003.
With its heavy guitar riffs, melodic choruses, and passionate lyrics, this track has become a staple in the metalcore genre.
The opening guitar solo sets the tone for the intense and raw energy of the song, while lead singer M. Shadows’ powerful vocals convey themes of inner turmoil, guilt, and struggle.
FAQs
What is drop D tuning good for?
Drop D tuning is a popular alternative guitar tuning that has been used for centuries in various genres of music.
It involves tuning the low E string down to a D. Hence the name “drop D.” This simple change in tuning has many benefits and can enhance your playing experience in many ways.
Firstly, it allows you to play power chords with just one finger, making them more accessible and faster to execute.
Additionally, the lower string creates a more profound and fuller sound, adding more depth and richness to your music.
Drop D tuning also provides a broader range of notes, giving musicians more room for experimentation and creativity in their songwriting.
It benefits heavy music styles like rock, metal, and grunge, producing a richer sound that complements these genres perfectly.
Moreover, drop D tuning can be easily converted back to standard tuning when needed without any permanent changes to your instrument.
Why are so many rock songs in drop D?
Drop D tuning has become increasingly popular among rock musicians due to its unique and heavy sound.
Lowering the sixth string, or low E, down to a D creates a more open and deeper tone that is not easily replicated in standard tuning.
This enables guitarists to play power chords with one finger across three strings, making it easier to form chord shapes and create full-sounding riffs.
The low D also allows for more flexibility in playing higher notes on the fifth and fourth strings, adding versatility to the instrument.
Many iconic rock songs have been written in drop D tuning, such as Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” solidifying its place in music history.
Additionally, the use of drop D provides a unique challenge for musicians looking to push their skills and explore new sounds.
Did Kurt Cobain use drop D tuning?
Yes, Kurt Cobain frequently used drop D tuning in his guitar playing.
This tuning involves lowering the guitar’s sixth string down a whole step from E to D, hence the term “drop D.”
Nirvana’s most iconic songs, like “Come As You Are” and “Lithium,” were played in Drop D.
This tuning allowed for a heavier and fuller sound and added a raw quality to their music.
What rock bands use Drop D?
Some notable bands that use Drop D include Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Tool, Metallica, and Soundgarden.
These bands have incorporated the Drop D tuning in their songs to add depth and intensity to their music.
This tuning allows them to create crushing power chords and play low-sounding melodies quickly.
Is Drop D lazy?
The debate on whether drop D tuning is considered “lazy” has continued among musicians for years.
Some may argue that this alternate tuning is simply a shortcut for guitarists too lazy to learn to play a song in standard tuning.
However, others argue that drop D allows for more creative freedom and adds a unique sound to a song.
It’s all about perspective and preference.
There is no “easy” or “lazy” way to play music. It takes dedication and practice regardless of the tuning used.
Does Nirvana play in drop D?
Yes, Nirvana did play in Drop D.
It was one of the signature elements of their sound. Drop D tuning is where the lowest string on the guitar, typically tuned to an E, is lowered to a D.
This creates a heavier, grungy sound, perfect for Nirvana’s style.
Their most famous song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” was played in drop D tuning, and many other songs from their discography also used this tuning.
Who first used Drop D tuning?
It was legendary American guitarist and songwriter James Hetfield of Metallica.
In 1991, while recording their self-titled fifth studio album, commonly known as “The Black Album,” Hetfield experimented with different tunings.
He stumbled upon Drop D tuning while trying different chords for one of their songs.
The result was a heavier sound that became an iconic part of Metallica’s music.
Since then, Drop D tuning has been widely used and has influenced numerous musicians to incorporate it into their musical style. And all thanks to James Hetfield for being the pioneer who first utilized this exceptional technique in his music!
Conclusion
Drop D tuning is a fantastic addition to any guitarist’s repertoire and opens up new musical possibilities.
We hope this list of the best Drop D tuning songs has inspired you to pick up your guitar and try this popular alternate tuning.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these songs showcase the unique sound and versatility of Drop D tuning.
So go ahead and try it. Who knows – maybe one of these songs will become your new favorite to play.
