tuning to a song

[emo_killer]

I find it a little difficult to find the tuning of a song I'm about to learn. If I cant find a tab for it I usually just listen for the lowest note in the song and assume its the open on the 4rth, which is usually right. Metal songs are easier to pick out because of the usual chugging riffs on the C, D, or E note octaves, but what about the drop tunings? How do you find the tuning for songs? thanks

[lemur821]

I just tune when I notice a note is off. It doesn't really matter which it is.

[JimmyM]

Drop tunings are easy. It's always the lowest note that's open, then you tune up in fourths above whatever the lowest note is. At least that's how most of the bands I've seen that tune down do it. Except if the songs's in D. Then they usually just drop the E to a D.

Or you can take the coward's way out and buy a 5-string

[jackmurray]

Nice one Jimmy. I'll use that 'till you say a better one.