The Power Chords Cheat tuning, despite its 'dropped DAEAC#E' moniker, is actually tuned to C2-G2-D3-G3-B2-E4 (low to high). This radical low tuning is specifically engineered for heavy music styles such as punk, hardcore, and beatdown, making it exceptionally easy to produce powerful, impactful riffs. It excels in delivering a thick, crushing tone ideal for palm muting and rhythmic beatdown sections.

Technically, the tuning offers immediate access to strong power chord voicings. The 6th and 5th strings (C2 and G2) form a perfect C5 power chord, providing a deep, guttural foundation. Further up the neck, the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings (G2, D3, G3) naturally produce a G5 power chord. Additionally, the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (D3, G3, B2) collectively form an inverted G Major triad. The overall low register, particularly with C2 on the lowest string, ensures a massive sound that drives home heavy rhythms. The unique open string relationships make complex power chord shapes across the lower strings accessible with minimal fretting, simplifying rapid chord changes and heavy chugging.

Important Note on String Gauge: This tuning involves significant drops from standard EADGBe. The 6th string drops 4 semitones (from E to C) and the 2nd string drops an entire octave (12 semitones, from B to B2). For these strings, a heavier gauge is strongly advised to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and to ensure playability without excessive floppiness. The octave drop on the 2nd string in particular will necessitate a substantially thicker string to prevent intonation issues and provide adequate tension.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): C2
• String 5 (A): G2
• String 4 (D): D3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): B2
• String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune from Standard EADGBe:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) - D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) - G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 12 semitones from B to B2. Caution: This is a full octave drop and strongly advises a much heavier gauge string to avoid excessive looseness and poor intonation.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) - E4.