Tuning curiosity: drop tuning?

[Buslady7803]

I see around the net folks sometimes tune in this "drop C" or "drop D"...as a rookie, i have an idea but I'm not sure.

Is it as simple as turning the tuner and for example I was fooling around with my E, tuned it to a lower D...is that all it is?? Or is it a whole new set of strings?

[FunkMetalBass]

Standard: E, A, D, G
Drop D (literally detune the E to a D): D, A, D, G
Drop C (like drop D, whole step down): C, G, C, F

[RavynWolf]

Drop tuning is usually dropping the top string a step down from the rest. Drop D is usually dropped standard (DADG) whereas Drop C is dropped D standard (CGCF)

[bassist4dalord]

In essence, yes, that's "all it is." Drop tuning is when you tune one string, typically your lowest string, down i.e Drop-D = DADG. This is not to be confused with D-Standard, which is DGCF (every string down one whole step.)

As for strings and whatnot, if you're habitually drop-tuning, you may want a thicker lowest string. For example, I tune to Drop-D with 1 .110 low string. This way, the tension will be relatively consistent. Also, you may want to have your truss rod and such set up for the higher-tension string.

[Flyingaero]

Its when you drop the E string to a D or a C etc. I use this for all my tuning http://www.tunemybass.com/

[Buslady7803]

Ok thanks guys! That took care of my curiosity.

I was just fooling around, I'm not keeping it there, esp if I have to fool with the truss- that's Arnie's job..he's the expert. I retuned back up to standard.