Heavy Metal Guitars

5 guitar techniques every metal guitarist should know

Metal Guitars

Want a seriously heavy sound? Explore a wide selection of metal guitars built for high-gain tones, fast riffs, and aggressive rhythm playing—ideal for heavy, thrash, and modern metal.

Video: tips for metal guitarists

Whether you’re just getting into metal guitar or already playing heavier styles, this video covers five essentials for tighter riffs, cleaner picking, and a modern high-gain tone.

Drop tuning guide

The difference between Drop D and Drop C comes down to how far the strings are detuned. Both are popular drop tunings in metal for heavier low end and easy one-finger power chords.

Which tuning works best depends on the sound you want and how your guitar is set up. Drop D is quick and versatile, while Drop C goes noticeably lower and often benefits from heavier strings and a proper setup.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

Standard tuning (reference)

• E - A - D - G - B - e (lowest to highest string)

1. Drop D tuning (DADGBe)

• Definition: In Drop D, only the low E string is tuned down by a whole step (two semitones) from E to D. All other strings remain in standard tuning.
• Tuning:
  • D (low string)
  • A
  • D
  • G
  • B
  • e (high string)
• Pros:
  • Easy power chords: one-finger shapes on the lowest three strings (D-A-D) — fast, tight, riff-ready.
  • Lower range: deeper root note (D) compared to standard tuning.
  • Minimal tension change: only one string is affected, so the feel often stays stable.
• Cons:
  • Chord shapes and scale patterns on the lowest string change, so you’ll need to adjust your fretboard reference there.
• Where it’s used: very common in rock and many metal subgenres (including alternative metal and early nu metal), and also outside metal.

2. Drop C tuning (CGCFAd)

Key point: Drop C is essentially Drop D tuned one whole step lower — a darker, heavier sound that fits modern metal riffs.

• Definition: All strings are tuned down a whole step compared to standard tuning, and the lowest string is then dropped an additional whole step (from D down to C).
• Tuning:
  • C (low string)
  • G
  • C
  • F
  • A
  • d
• Pros:
  • Lower, heavier tone: the C root sounds thicker and more aggressive — ideal for modern riffing.
  • One-finger power chords: same convenience on the lowest three strings (C-G-C).
• Cons:
  • Lower string tension: can cause “floppy” strings, intonation issues, and reduced clarity.
  • Heavier strings help: many players use .011/.012 sets or hybrid sets with thicker bass strings.
  • Setup is often recommended: neck relief, action, and intonation adjustments help keep things tight and clean.
• Where it’s used: popular in metalcore, nu metal, death metal, and modern metal styles that rely on deep, aggressive rhythm tones.

FAQ – Drop tunings (Drop D & Drop C)