Drop C Tuning
Tune your 4-string bass to Drop C — C1, G1, C2, F2
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C bass tuning (C1-G1-C2-F2) combines a full step down tuning with a dropped lowest string, matching the popular Drop C guitar tuning used in metalcore and modern metal. The low C1 provides earth-shaking sub-bass that defines the genre's crushing heaviness.
Drop C became the tuning of choice for metalcore and post-hardcore in the 2000s. Bands like Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Bullet for My Valentine, and August Burns Red all use Drop C. System of a Down's Daron Malakian also popularized it. When the guitarist and bassist lock in on the same Drop C tuning, the result is a massive, unified wall of sound.
Like Drop D, the lowest string is tuned a fifth below the second string, enabling one-finger power chords on the bottom two strings. The only difference is that everything sits a whole step lower. This makes fast, chugging metal riffs easy to play while the sub-bass frequencies add physical impact.
String Notes
4-String Bass
Recommended Strings
Drop C demands heavier strings than standard. The low C1 at 32.7 Hz needs a heavy gauge — .115 minimum, and many players prefer .120 or even .130. Without sufficient string mass, the low C will sound muddy and unfocused. D'Addario, Ernie Ball, and Dunlop all make dedicated drop-tuning bass sets. Consider a tapered-core low string for better intonation.
How to Tune to Drop C
- 1.Start from standard tuning. You'll tune everything down a whole step, then drop the lowest string an additional step.
- 2.Tune the lowest string down to C1 (32.70 Hz). This is a large drop from standard E1 — go slowly and use a tuner.
- 3.Tune the A string down to G1 (49 Hz).
- 4.Tune the D string down to C2 (65.41 Hz). This should be exactly one octave above the lowest string.
- 5.Tune the G string down to F2 (87.31 Hz).
- 6.Verify: the lowest two strings open should form a power fifth (C-G). Bar them at any fret for instant power chords.
Techniques for Drop C
One-Finger Power Chords
Bar the bottom two strings at any fret. Same as Drop D but lower and heavier — the foundation of metalcore bass.
Palm-Muted Chugging
Mute the strings near the bridge while picking for a tight, percussive attack. Essential for modern metal rhythms.
Octave C Riffs
The two C strings (C1 and C2) provide a powerful octave pairing for aggressive, punchy lines.
String Clarity
At these low frequencies, clean technique matters more. Use a lighter touch and let the amp do the work — overplaying causes muddiness.
Other Bass Tunings
Standard
4-String · E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
Drop D
4-String · D1 - A1 - D2 - G2
Half Step Down
4-String · D#1 - G#1 - C#2 - F#2
Full Step Down
4-String · D1 - G1 - C2 - F2
Drop B
4-String · B0 - F#1 - B1 - E2
DADG
4-String · D1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Standard
5-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Drop A
5-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Drop G
5-String · G0 - D1 - G1 - C2 - F2
6-String Standard
6-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3
6-String Drop A
6-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3