Dave Grohl - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Foo Fighters
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Drop D
- String Gauge
- .011, .014, .018, .028, .042, .060 (Custom hybrid set)
- String Brand
- D'Addario EXL 115 (modified)
- Genre
- Grunge / Alternative Rock
About Dave Grohl's Sound
David Eric Grohl (born 1969) emerged as Nirvana's drummer before founding Foo Fighters in 1994. Initially a one-man project (Grohl played all instruments on the debut), Foo Fighters became one of rock's most successful bands. His songwriting blends punk energy with classic rock melody. Beyond Foo Fighters, Grohl has played drums on countless albums (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, Nine Inch Nails) and directed the documentary Sound City. The band has won 15 Grammy Awards. His enthusiasm and work ethic make him one of rock's most beloved figures.
Tunings Used
Drop D - 7 songs
- Everlong Try this tuning →
- The Pretender Try this tuning →
- Best of You Try this tuning →
- My Hero Try this tuning →
- Monkey Wrench Try this tuning →
- Times Like These Try this tuning →
- All My Life Try this tuning →
E Standard - 1 song
- Learn to Fly Try this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
D'Addario EXL 115 (modified)
.011, .014, .018, .028, .042, .060 (Custom hybrid set)
Why Dave Grohl uses these
Grohl's unusual string setup (.011-.060 hybrid) uses very heavy bottom strings while keeping the top strings standard. His tech replaces the bottom two strings from an EXL 115 pack with a .042 A and .060 E. This allows massive low-end power chords in Drop D while maintaining playability for lead lines. His aggressive strumming style requires durable strings. Grohl primarily uses Gibson guitars (ES-335, Explorer, Les Paul) through Mesa Boogie amplifiers. The heavy low E string is essential for the thick rhythm tone that defines Foo Fighters.