So no matter what string you are playing the root on, the 5th will be 2 frets higher on the next highest string.

does this only apply to standard tuning?
or does this work with any tuning?

Only when the strings are tuned in 4ths.

Originally posted by metron
Only when the strings are tuned in 4ths.


which is standard tuning for anyone that might not know that :)

rather, E-A-D-G is 4ths

hmm okay then...

so if I am tuned to B-D-A-D-G....

where is the 5th located from the root, if my low E is dropped to D?

From your B string the fifth above it would be one fret back instead of two up on the detuned string. Roots on the detuned string will have a fifth directly above. Why would you detune like that? You already have a low B. Seems kinda confusing and pointless to me...

Originally posted by metron
From your B string the fifth above it would be one fret back instead of two up on the detuned string. Roots on the detuned string will have a fifth directly above. Why would you detune like that? You already have a low B. Seems kinda confusing and pointless to me...

I use that tuning on a song that my guitarist wrote in drop-D tuning that has a number of riffs that are basically impossible to play otherwise, mostly because he loves ascending scales hammering on from and pulling off to an open string, like this:


G -----------------------------------
D -----------------------------------
A -----------------------------------
D 3-0-5-0-7-0-8-0-10-0-12-0-10-0-12-0
B -----------------------------------


Try playing that as 16th notes at 120bpm while fretting all the Ds at the 3rd fret on the B-string. :)

I see! Ok so maybe its not so pointless. :hiding:

thanks.

word. it gets annoying to keep fretting the third on the B. so i dropped my E to D to keep up with his speed.

Originally posted by fivesevenoh
So no matter what string you are playing the root on, the 5th will be 2 frets higher on the next highest string.


Not if the chord in question has a flattened fifth or sharp fifth - if for example, the song/tune you are playing, includes a half-diminished chord.

Originally posted by Bruce Lindfield


Not if the chord in question has a flattened fifth or sharp fifth - if for example, the song/tune you are playing, includes a half-diminished chord.

hmm could you please explain what a half-diminished chord is?

1-3b-5b-7b Also known as minor flat 5 or minor 7 flat 5.

Example: E half diminished chord (Em7b5) will have E-G-Bb-D.

Im pretty sure about this... someone please correct me if Im wrong! :cool:

A half diminished chord included a b5 and b7. If you're playing in drop D you're probably playing some variant of rock so I doubt you'll run into them too often ;) You've got the right idea though. Just remember the fifth is up (in pitch) by one fret if it's augmented and down by one fret if it's diminished. The best way to get used to the "odd" dropped D is by playing scales starting with a note on it. Eventually it will become second nature and you won't have to think about it.

p.s. in doing arpeggios with drop D I find it more comfortable to do the 3rd also on the D string to avoid strange stretches.