Killing in the Name
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - E
Tune to Drop D TuningTuning Note Frequencies
Tune each guitar string to these exact pitch frequencies to play “Killing in the Name”.
| String | Note Pitch | Exact Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| String 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| String 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| String 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| String 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
Tom Morello's riff masterpiece uses Drop D to unleash one of the most famous riff hooks in rock history. Heavy pitch-shifting, Whammy pedal effects, and heavy low D basslines define the song.
Key Chord Voicings:
D5 (0-0-0-x-x-x)F5 (3-3-3-x-x-x)G5 (5-5-5-x-x-x)
Want tabs or video lessons?Find Chords & Tabs
More Songs by Rage Against the Machine
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Rage Against the Machine:
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardIntermediate
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Other Songs in Drop D Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next: