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.
The Formula and a Full Worked Example
Each semitone multiplies frequency by the twelfth root of 2 (about 1.0595). The new frequency is: standard frequency × 2^(shift ÷ 12). Shifting down two semitones multiplies every string by about 0.891.
Example (D standard, −2): E2 82.41 Hz becomes D2 at 73.42 Hz, A2 becomes G2 at 98.00 Hz, D3 becomes C3 at 130.81 Hz, G3 becomes F3 at 174.61 Hz, B3 becomes A3 at 220.00 Hz, and E4 becomes D4 at 293.66 Hz. Tune each string until your tuner shows those values.
Practical Tips for Changing Tunings
Retune in small steps and let the neck settle, because strings stretch when tuned to a new pitch. After a large drop, check the intonation and the truss rod, and consider heavier strings to keep tension comfortable. For playing along with recordings tuned to A=432 or A=442, change the reference pitch as well as the shift.
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.
Which shift gives Drop D or Half-Step Down?
Half-step down (E♭ standard) is −1 and whole-step down (D standard) is −2. Drop D only changes the low string, so tune that string down two semitones by itself.
Why does my tuner show slightly different numbers?
Check that the tuner uses the same reference pitch as the calculator. Small differences also come from a tuner rounding to the nearest cent or from the string not yet settling.