Drop A tuning, often used by metal, hardcore, and djent guitarists, involves tuning the lowest string of a guitar down to A, creating a deep, heavy sound that enhances riffing and power chords. This list covers notable songs that utilize drop A tuning, offering insight for guitarists interested in exploring its tonal possibilities or fans curious about how this tuning shapes the music they love.
1. “The Glass Prison” by Dream Theater
Dream Theater’s “The Glass Prison” is a prime example of drop A tuning used in progressive metal. John Petrucci employs drop A to achieve a thick, aggressive riff tone that complements the song’s complex rhythms and dynamic shifts. The tuning allows for heavy chugging while maintaining clarity in intricate passages, making it a staple for players wanting both power and precision.
2. “Bleed” by Meshuggah
Meshuggah is synonymous with low tunings, and “Bleed” showcases their use of drop A to create an intense, polyrhythmic assault. The drop A tuning on their 8-string guitars provides a thunderous foundation, enabling the band’s signature djent sound. This track is often cited as a benchmark for modern metal guitarists seeking to master low tunings and complex riffing.
3. “Imperium” by Machine Head
Machine Head’s “Imperium” uses drop A tuning to emphasize the song’s aggressive groove and pounding riffs. Robb Flynn’s use of drop A provides a heavier, darker tone that enhances the song’s militant and anthemic feel. It’s a great example of how drop A can be used to add punch and weight without sacrificing articulation.
4. “Black Tongue” by Mastodon
In “Black Tongue,” Mastodon takes advantage of drop A tuning to deepen their sludge metal sound. The tuning adds a gritty, resonant low end that supports the track’s thick textures and complex layering. It’s a key factor in achieving the track’s heavy yet dynamic sonic character.
5. “Roots Bloody Roots” by Sepultura
Sepultura’s “Roots Bloody Roots” features drop A tuning to deliver a raw, primal heaviness aligned with their groove metal style. The tuning helps create the song’s iconic chugging riffs and tribal rhythms, giving it a distinctive low-end punch and aggressive edge that influenced many metal bands thereafter.
6. “Dystopia” by Megadeth
While Megadeth traditionally uses standard or half-step down tunings, “Dystopia” finds the band experimenting with drop A tuning to modernize their thrash sound. The drop A tuning adds depth and heaviness to Dave Mustaine’s riffing, contributing to the album’s darker, heavier atmosphere compared to their earlier work.
7. “Obsolete” by Fear Factory
Fear Factory’s “Obsolete” employs drop A tuning to create a mechanized, industrial metal sound. The low tuning supports the band’s signature blend of heavy riffing and precise, rhythmic patterns, enhancing the dystopian themes of the album. It demonstrates how drop A tuning can be integrated into tightly controlled metal arrangements.
8. “Lateralus” by Tool
Tool’s “Lateralus” uses drop A tuning to underpin its complex time signatures and layered instrumentation. Adam Jones’s guitar work relies on the tuning to produce a rich, resonant tone that balances heaviness with melodic nuance. This song shows drop A’s versatility beyond just brute force, enabling subtlety and depth.
9. “Chop Suey!” by System of a Down
System of a Down’s “Chop Suey!” is played in drop A tuning, contributing to its distinctive aggressive yet melodic sound. The tuning allows for rapid riffing and dynamic shifts between heavy and soft sections, amplifying the song’s emotional intensity. It’s a key part of the band’s unique approach to heavy alternative metal.
10. “Ghost Walking” by Lamb of God
Lamb of God’s “Ghost Walking” uses drop A tuning to deliver crushing riffs and tight groove metal rhythms. Mark Morton’s guitar tone benefits from the low tuning’s added thickness, which enhances the song’s aggressive energy without losing clarity. This track is a great example of drop A’s role in modern American metal.
How to Choose
Choosing between songs in drop A tuning depends on what you want to achieve musically. If you’re looking for technical complexity and polyrhythms, Meshuggah’s “Bleed” or Dream Theater’s “The Glass Prison” are excellent models. For groove and aggression, tracks like Machine Head’s “Imperium” or Sepultura’s “Roots Bloody Roots” showcase how drop A enhances rhythmic heaviness. Consider your guitar’s setup, as drop A often requires thicker strings and adjustments to maintain tension and intonation. Also, think about the genre or style you want to explore since drop A tuning is widely used in metal but can also suit experimental or progressive music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is drop A tuning exactly?
Drop A tuning involves tuning the lowest guitar string down to A, usually from E, and often tuning the other strings down accordingly to maintain scale and tension.
Q: What kind of guitar is best for drop A tuning?
Extended range guitars like 7- or 8-string models are common, but standard 6-strings can also be tuned to drop A with heavier gauge strings and setup adjustments.
Q: Does drop A tuning damage your guitar?
If properly set up with the right string gauges and truss rod adjustments, drop A tuning won’t damage your guitar, but improper tension can cause tuning instability or neck issues.
Q: Can I play drop A tuning on an acoustic guitar?
It’s possible but challenging; acoustic guitars may struggle with the low tension and may require heavier strings or a baritone acoustic designed for lower tunings.
Q: How does drop A tuning affect playing style?
Drop A allows easier power chord shapes on the lowest strings and encourages heavy riffing and palm muting, often emphasizing rhythm over fast lead lines.
Q: Is drop A tuning only for metal?
While popular in metal genres, drop A can be used in any style that benefits from a deep, heavy sound, including alternative, experimental, and even some blues or rock contexts.
Final Thoughts
Drop A tuning opens up a world of sonic possibilities, especially for guitarists seeking heavier, more aggressive tones or exploring complex rhythmic patterns. The songs listed here demonstrate how drop A can shape the character of music across various metal subgenres and beyond. Whether you’re a player looking to expand your tonal palette or a fan curious about the technical underpinnings of your favorite tracks, understanding drop A tuning enriches your appreciation for the depth and power it brings to guitar-driven music.
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