whats the point of drop D tuning on a guitar ?

Answer 1

Gives a low bass note to use as a pedal point - especially in the key of D or G

Makes a decent cross-over between true open tunings and standard tunings.

Here is an example of me playing with a dropped D using it more or less as simple added low bass note:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwcXdQqyJH4

Answer 2

The difference of drop D from standard tuning allows for the three bass strings to form a D5 power chord, which can be shifted up or down the fretboard with a single finger (usually the index) to produce any power chord quickly and easily. Drop-D also enables the guitarist to play a whole tone lower than in standard tuning, and many artists value this deeper, fuller sound.

Dropped D tuning is perhaps most widely used in heavy metal or rock music as they take full advantage of the easier power chord transitions needed for extremely fast playing. However, the tuning has also been used in many other types of music, including blues, country, and folk. Most modern metal guitarists use or have used Dropped D tuning.

This tuning may be the most prominent tuning in modern rock and metal, but it is not uncommon for these guitarists to play in E-flat tuning/down tuning or dropped C tuning.

Drop D also allows fingerpickers to play chord shapes higher up the neck while maintaining an alternating bass.

Answer 3

Drop D tuning gives solo acoustic players a low D bass note to play songs in the key of D with.
Drop D tuning makes the 4th, 5th, and 6th strings a power chord. Electric guitar players who like metal love it.
Drop D tuning gives slide players a bass note to solo over.
That's the point of drop D.

Answer 4

It gives a different more modal sound, with a D in the bass.
If you tune to a D chord it's gresat for slides and bottleneck. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Lots of acoustic players use it also: listen (or play) Neil Young's "Harvest Moon". Dm and C progressions sound really nice.

Answer 6

One possibility; get within someones singing range.