Enter a semitone shift from standard tuning to see the exact note and frequency of all six strings on a standard-tuned guitar (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4).
Whether you’re setting up drop D, D standard, or any other whole-guitar shift, this calculator gives you the exact target frequency for each string so a tuner reads it precisely.
Alternate Tuning Frequencies
Shift (semitones, negative = down):
Reference A4 (Hz):
How This Calculator Works
Standard guitar tuning, low to high, is E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4. This tool shifts every string by the same number of semitones and reports the resulting note name and exact frequency for each, based on your chosen reference pitch.
How to Use This Calculator
- Shift: semitones from standard tuning; use -1 for D standard, -2 for C standard, and so on. Positive numbers tune up.
- Reference A4: the tuning standard to measure against; defaults to 440 Hz.
- Click Calculate Tuning to see the new note and frequency for all six strings.
Example: a -2 semitone shift (D standard) turns the low E string into D2 at about 73.4 Hz.
Did You Know?
- “Drop D” only lowers the low E string by a whole step, while “D standard” lowers all six strings by a whole step, keeping the same relative intervals as standard tuning.
- Tuning down generally reduces string tension, which is why many players use slightly heavier gauge strings for tunings a whole step or more below standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work for bass guitar too?
The note math is the same for any instrument; this calculator uses standard 6-string guitar tuning as its base, so for 4-string bass (E1 A1 D2 G2) apply the same semitone shift to those open notes manually.
Can I use this for drop tunings that only change one string?
This calculator shifts all six strings together for whole-tuning changes. For a drop tuning that changes only the low string, apply the shift to that single string’s standard frequency by ear or with a tuner.