This classic death metal song combines melodic riffs with powerful lyrics for an anthemic chorus that will get audiences chanting along.
Standard tuning with the 6th string dropped one full step is often used by bands/artists such as Pantera (425 Hz), Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Black Label Society Periphery and Nothing More to create power chords.
1. Leprosy – “Pull the Plug”
Ghost provides an ideal starting point if you’re new to D standard tuning. The Swedish metal group primarily utilizes this tuning for their music combining occultism, doom and metal into a unique form known as ghost metal; their song “Cirice” even received James Hetfield’s live cover performance!
Death’s debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, featured an atmospheric reverb that made listeners feel immersed and subterranean. However, their second effort, Leprosy, upped both brutality and vitriol while at the same time emphasizing Chuck Schuldiner’s technical proficiency that would only further develop during his brief and tragically brief career.
This brutal death metal album doesn’t waste its time with unnecessary flourishes. While its sound contains elements from thrash, doom, and traditional metal influences – not to mention one or two non-metal listeners could follow along easily thanks to easily distinguishable patterns of riffs, melodies and vocals – there aren’t too many extreme metal albums that non-metal listeners could appreciate without difficulty.
2. Megadeth – “Poisonous Shadows”
Megadeth’s “Poisonous Shadows” stands out as one of the most well-known death metal songs ever. Boasting earth-shattering riffs and an emotive melody that elevates their heavy, ferocious sound, this track describes a character struggling with guilt and remorse while the music adds a trippy quality that plays with listener imagination while emphasizing themes such as alienation and isolation.
Dream Theater’s “Endless Sacrifice” is one of the most beloved songs in d standard, paying a heartfelt ode to John Petrucci’s wife who made incredible sacrifices so he could pursue his dreams. The song features gentle verses with heavier choruses; Michael Romeo adds his trademark tapping technique which adds another level to its guitar riffs.
Pantera’s 1993 hit song, “Vulgar Display of Power”, uses the D standard tuning and features Dimebag Darrell’s razor-sharp riffs in D tuning. This song serves as an excellent way to learn this tuning; though more complex than some of the others on this list due to using more chord shapes than usual. Once you understand its complexities though, playing it shouldn’t be too challenging!
3. Abyss – “Iron Moon”
Chelsea Wolfe, an iconic figure of grunge metal music, proves that D standard can sound both heavy and fun to play. Her 2013 album Pain Is Beauty includes this track featuring droning guitars and an entertaining wah-wah solo, making this track an absolute blast to perform live. You will need a thorough grasp of palm muting techniques in order to master it; but once accomplished it will certainly pay dividends!
Drop D is two steps below standard tuning and has been employed by bands like Enox, Issues (for their song Downfall), Fractalize on “Prophet of Destruction”, etc. Additionally it may be combined with Drop G which adds another string on top.
CoF’s debut album features this stunning track in D standard that is hard to describe but stunning in its results. Starting off with an emotive keyboard intro that sets the scene, this dark and brutal track offers growling vocals, distortion-fueled riffs, and some impressive drumming that will have you wanting more from CoF! An instant classic that will have you eagerly waiting for more from this band.
4. Sylosis – “I Sever”
Sylosis were pioneers of melodic death metal music, pioneering melodic hooks into their arsenal of riffs with tuning guitars down to D standard; their signature sound can be heard here in this song which perfectly showcases their distinctive sound.
Cycle of Suffering was an impressive comeback by Sylosis after Dormant Heart saw them go into hibernation and guitarist Josh Middleton joining Architects – a more mainstream djent/metalcore act which put Sylosis’ future on hold.
Middleton recently reformed Sylosis and their latest album is an exhilarating return to old glory days. “Abandon,” one of Sylosis’ signature melodic death-doom tracks that takes advantage of low tuning for an earthen, melancholic vibe is an epic finale to an amazing record and captures everything that made Sylosis one of the most beloved technical death metal bands ever!
5. Chelsea Wolfe – “Iron Moon”
This depressing track by California metal band features Chelsea Wolfe’s melancholy vocals over a distorted guitar background. Inspired by her father’s death, this song uses D standard tuning (two steps below Drop E).
Fans love this genre-defying metal band for many reasons, with “Blood and Thunder” from 2004’s Leviathan album providing an amazing display of technical proficiency in D standard. From its captivating intro riff to the furious drumming, this track shouldn’t be missed out on.
Dimebag Darrell fans will adore this track from Pantera’s debut record; featuring sharp guitar shredding and hard-hitting vocals from Anselmo. As the song first made available from their debut record release, and remains one of their fans’ favorites to this day, its 17 minute runtime presents an irreverent commentary on those willing to sacrifice everything for money or power.
6. Devildriver – “Cloud over California”
Devildriver’s metalcore song “Devil’s Duet” provides the ideal opportunity to test out your drop D technique. The tuning is only one step lower from standard, giving the band’s brooding acoustic intro an explosive boost of power. While its main guitar riffs can easily be picked up ear, its dynamic solo changes provide ample opportunities to practice your drop D skills.
Mastodon are well known for incorporating various tunings, with D standard being their signature tuning. Their tracks such as “Quintessence” from Crack the Skye showcase Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds’ impressive guitar playing abilities with memorable licks like those found in this track.
Gojira stands out as not only one of the heaviest bands out there but also among the most eco-conscious bands around, as evidenced by their anthem “Flying Whales” from Cycle of Suffering featuring whale imagery and growling vocals reminiscent of traditional whale songs from their roots in Japan. At seven minutes long this track whelms listeners with its jaw-dropping display of deep and complex riffs tuned to D standard tuning – jaw-droppingly impressive indeed!
7. Amorphis – “The Bee”
Amorphis are masters at creating albums with an entirely original sound. Combining elements from death metal, power metal and folk into their unique style of progressive metal music. On their most recent album Queen of Time they took it even further by incorporating flutes and sitar as well as Pekka Kainulainen’s poetic lyrics from their debut Oracles into this more melodic setting – truly unique to Amorphis.
Amorphis employs various mystical sounds such as male throat singing and ancient instruments throughout its track to add an epic feel. But its main riff stands out – huge, powerful and truly memorable!
This song by Amorphis is proof that they remain at the top of their game even at such an advanced stage of their career. I believe this to be one of their best ever compositions.
8. George Ezra – “Budapest”
George Ezra is an English singer-songwriter who has rapidly risen to become one of the biggest artists in the UK, thanks to hits like Budapest and Shotgun that dominated chart positions. Additionally, this year saw his performance at Glastonbury Festival.
On his debut album poems, some songs use Drop D tuning – one step down from standard D. This type of tuning has also been utilized by Black Sabbath, Metallica, Asking Alexandria and Memphis May Fire bands.
Jimi Hendrix’s “Machine Gun,” an anti-war track of twelve and a half minutes that engages audiences through fluid riffs and solos that provide an unforgettable listening experience, is another D standard song widely played. Nirvana features prominently with their iconic song “Drain You” from their seminal album Nevermind; its opening riff has become iconic within pop culture history, making this track one to learn with power chords!