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156K views 133 replies 48 participants last post by  GuitarBizarre 
#1 · (Edited)
I started writing this long, long ago but I never finished it. It has been sat on my hard drive for ages, but I figured someone somewhere might benefit from this information. So here it is... incomplete, but probably quite useful? I don't know. Maybe I'll finish it one day.

STRING TENSION CHARTS

All calculations are based on D'Addario nickel wound [NW] and plain steel [PL] strings. Custom sets can be put together using single strings. D'Addario and Ernie Ball are two string manufacturers offering singles.

I put together my own set because I was tired of the sloppy B and low E strings in a regular 9-42 set (a common trend in all standard sets), as well as the sloppy B-string on a 7-string guitar. For the sake of good tone, consistency and feel, electric guitar strings should gradually rise in tension as the diameter increases. To some of us, this is known as an "optimized" or "progressive tension" set. Currently there are no string manufacturers offering optimized sets except for Alex at Zachary Custom Guitars. If you wish to experiment, these charts will hopefully be useful to you.

The charts for the custom sets are based on my suggested gauges, but of course, they are also based on simple science. I have made these suggestions with the intention of putting minimal extra strain on the neck, hopefully meaning no truss rod adjustments are needed at all because they do not drastically deviate in tension from the standard sets they are "correcting". Usually, minor adjustments to the tremolo spring claw will be required if you have a floating bridge equipped guitar.

There has been a lot of debate about the issue of optimized string sets, and my intention is not to fuel the fire. This post is to help anyone who is interested in getting the best out of their instrument. If you are happy with your regular sets, by all means carry on using them!

6-STRING GUITAR

STANDARD TUNING, 25.5" SCALE
________________________

Gauge: 8-38 Standard Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .008" [PL] = 10.38 pounds
B: .010" [PL] = 09.10 pounds
G: .015" [PL] = 12.90 pounds
D: .021" [NW] = 12.05 pounds
A: .030" [NW] = 14.05 pounds
E: .040" [NW] = 12.11 pounds

Total Tension = 70.59 pounds
*NOTE: This is a standard 8-38 set. The B, D, and low E strings are particularly low in tension.

________________________

Gauge: 8-42 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .008" [PL] = 10.38 pounds
B: .011" [PL] = 11.01 pounds
G: .015" [PL] = 12.90 pounds
D: .022" [NW] = 13.34 pounds
A: .030" [NW] = 14.05 pounds
E: .042" [NW] = 14.77 pounds

Total Tension = 76.45 pounds
*NOTE: A slightly heavier alternative to the standard 8-40 set. Replacing the B, D, and low E strings with a gauge higher makes this into a well-balanced set.

________________________

Gauge: 9-42 Standard Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009" [PL] = 13.13 pounds
B: .011" [PL] = 11.01 pounds
G: .016" [PL] = 14.68 pounds
D: .024" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
A: .032" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
E: .042" [NW] = 14.77 pounds

Total Tension = 85.13 pounds
*NOTE: 9-42 is the most common set. It is usually fitted to most new electric guitars. Notice that the low E and B strings are lacking tension which can lead to a slightly mushy tone and sloppy feel.

________________________

Gauge: 9-44 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009" [PL] = 13.13 pounds
B: .012" [PL] = 13.11 pounds
G: .016" [PL] = 14.68 pounds
D: .024" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
A: .032" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
E: .044" [NW] = 16.10 pounds

Total Tension = 88.56 pounds
*NOTE: This is the custom set I use on my 6-strings (various Ibanez RG models). I noticed an improvement in tone and feel after switching from being a 9-42 user for 20 years. With the custom set, string to string balance is better, picked runs feel smoother and easier to pick, chords sound slightly fuller and more resonant because of the heavier E string. It's a small enough difference so you don't feel the need to re-adapt to your guitar, but large enough to be noticeable. I only wish this was the standard 9 set.

________________________

Gauge: 10-46 Standard Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .013" [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017" [PL] = 16.57 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .046" [NW] = 17.48 pounds

Total Tension = 103.59 pounds
*NOTE: Same problem as the 9-42 set, where the B and Low E strings can suffer slightly due to lower tension than ideal.

________________________

Gauge: 9.5-49 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009.5" [PL] = 14.63 pounds
B: .013"   [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017"   [PL] = 16.57 pounds
D: .026"   [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036"   [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .049"   [NW] = 19.68 pounds

Total Tension  = 104.21 pounds
*NOTE: An alternative to a standard 10-46 set? This is close, only it switches the high E string for a .009.5" instead of the .010". In a regular 10-46 set there is almost as much tension on the high E string as there is on the G. For the sake of better string-to-string balance, my suggestion is to try a 9.5 (available from D'Addario as a single). There is still plenty of tension on a .009.5" to feel and sound good.

At the low end there is a .049". The standard 10-46 set has a low E string that's several pounds lighter in tension than the A, which seems slightly backwards. Using a .049" corrects this, having slightly more tension than the A, as it should.

Dislikes: The almost 2 pounds difference between the D and G. This cannot be avoided because no-one makes .025" gauge strings, to my knowledge, so the best compromise might be to keep the D and G from the original 10-46 set. I think this would be better than fattening up the G, as not only would it upset the balance of the B string, it may possibly disrupt Saturn's orbital path.


________________________

Gauge: 10-49 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .014" [PL] = 17.84 pounds
G: .018" [PL] = 18.58 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .049" [NW] = 19.68 pounds

Total Tension = 110.25 pounds
*NOTE: A slightly heavier alternative to the standard 10-46 set, only better balanced from string to string. It isn't perfect, but this is as close as you'll get.

________________________

Gauge: 11-49 Standard Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .011" [PL] = 19.62 pounds
B: .014" [PL] = 17.84 pounds
G: .018" [PL] = 18.58 pounds
D: .028" [NW] = 21.30 pounds
A: .038" [NW] = 21.58 pounds
E: .049" [NW] = 19.68 pounds

Total Tension = 118.6 pounds
*NOTE: See the trend here? In all of standard sets there are random dips and rises in tension between strings, the low E and B strings of the 11-49 set following the same pattern as the previous sets, only this time the high E is even heavier than the G. There is an almost 3 pound leap in tension from the G to D. Balance is all over the place.

________________________

Gauge: 11-52 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .011" [PL] = 19.62 pounds
B: .015" [PL] = 20.48 pounds
G: .019" [PL] = 20.70 pounds
D: .028" [NW] = 21.30 pounds
A: .038" [NW] = 21.58 pounds
E: .052" [NW] = 22.01 pounds

Total Tension = 125.69 pounds
*NOTE: A heavier alternative to the standard 11-49 set, once again, creating a better balanced set overall.

________________________

Gauge: 12-54 Standard Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .012" [PL] = 23.35 pounds
B: .016" [PL] = 23.30 pounds
G: .020" [PL] = 22.93 pounds
D: .032" [NW] = 28.10 pounds
A: .042" [NW] = 26.31 pounds
E: .054" [NW] = 24.18 pounds

Total Tension = 148.18 pounds
*NOTE: This is a standard 12-54 set, and yet again, tension is all over the place. An almost 6 pounds jump in tension from the G to D strings? Atrocious.

________________________

Gauge: 12-56 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .012" [PL] = 23.35 pounds
B: .016" [PL] = 23.30 pounds
G: .020" [PL] = 22.93 pounds
D: .030" [NW] = 25.04 pounds
A: .042" [NW] = 26.31 pounds
E: .056" [NW] = 26.35 pounds

Total Tension = 147.29 pounds
*NOTE: It's not perfect, but this custom set should address some of the problems with the 12-54 set. Using a thinner D string and a heavier low E, this set is actually very slightly lighter overall. No adjustments to the truss rod should be needed.
 
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#2 · (Edited)
7's

7-STRING GUITAR

STANDARD TUNING, 25.5" SCALE
________________________

Gauge: 9-54 Standard Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009" [PL] = 13.13 pounds
B: .011" [PL] = 11.01 pounds
G: .016" [PL] = 14.68 pounds
D: .024" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
A: .032" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
E: .042" [NW] = 14.77 pounds
B: .054" [NW] = 13.57 pounds

Total Tension = 98.70 pounds
*NOTE: The standard D'Addario 7-string set, EXL120-7. The low-B string tension is, frankly, absurd. It is barely higher in tension than the high-E string! So who comes up with these gauges... a monkey? :lol: The tension on the thickest string here is very low. This is exactly what you don't need on your 7-string guitar. It can only lead to flabby tone, sloppy, unbalanced feel, bad breath and low sex appeal.

________________________

Gauge: 9-59 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009" [PL] = 13.13 pounds
B: .012" [PL] = 13.11 pounds
G: .016" [PL] = 14.68 pounds
D: .024" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
A: .032" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
E: .044" [NW] = 16.10 pounds
B: .059  [NW] = 16.48 pounds

Total Tension = 105.04 pounds
*NOTE: Aaaah, that's better. This is the corrected 9's set, and what D'Addario and any self-respecting string manufacturers should be offering, in my opinion. The improvement in tone and feel is obvious if you've spent any time with the standard set. The extra three pounds on the low-B string make a good difference here.

________________________

Gauge: 10-59 Standard Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .013" [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017" [PL] = 16.57 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .046" [NW] = 17.48 pounds
B: .059" [NW] = 16.48 pounds

Total Tension = 120.08 pounds
*NOTE: The standard D'Addario 7-string set, EXL110-7.

________________________

Gauge: 9.5-66 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009.5" [PL] = 14.63 pounds
B: .013" [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017" [PL] = 16.57 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .050" [NW] = 20.46 pounds
B: .066" [NW] = 20.51 pounds

Total Tension = 125.5 pounds
*Note: As an alternative to the standard 10's set, this could be a good one. It replaces the high E string with a 9.5, so it's slightly lighter and easier on bends, but there's still plenty of tension. For a heavier alternative, see below.

________________________

Gauge: 10-68 Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .014" [PL] = 17.84 pounds
G: .018" [PL] = 18.58 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .050" [NW] = 20.46 pounds
B: .068" [NW] = 21.73 pounds

Total Tension = 132.76 pounds
*Note: A heavier alternative to the standard 10's set.

________________________

STANDARD TUNING, 27" SCALE
________________________

Gauge: 9-59 Custom Set
Scale: 27"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009" [PL] = 14.72 pounds 
B: .012" [PL] = 14.69 pounds
G: .016" [PL] = 16.46 pounds
D: .024" [NW] = 17.68 pounds
A: .032" [NW] = 17.68 pounds
E: .044" [NW] = 18.05 pounds
B: .059  [NW] = 18.48 pounds

Total Tension = 117.76 pounds
*Note: This should work well for a 27" scale 7-string.

 
#3 ·
Alt's

________________________

ALTERNATE TUNINGS
________________________

Gauge: 12-54 Standard Set
Scale: 25.0"
Tuning: CGCFAD


Code:
D: .012" [PL] = 17.82 pounds
A: .016" [PL] = 17.77 pounds
F: .020" [PL] = 17.5 pounds
C: .032" [NW] = 21.44 pounds
G: .042" [NW] = 20.07 pounds
C: .054" [NW] = 14.64 pounds

Total Tension = 109.24 pounds
*NOTE: A regular 12-54 set tuned to CGCFAD. As you can see, it's not such a great idea -- the heaviest string is 3 pounds lower in tension than the thinnest string. On a 24.75" (Gibson) scale length it might feel pretty bad!

________________________

Gauge: 11-58 Custom Set
Scale: 25.0"
Tuning: CGCFAD


Code:
D: .011" [PL] = 14.97 pounds
A: .015" [PL] = 15.62 pounds
F: .019" [PL] = 15.79 pounds
C: .028" [NW] = 16.25 pounds
G: .038" [NW] = 16.46 pounds
C: .058" [NW] = 17.17 pounds

Total Tension = 96.27 pounds
*NOTE: This was originally suggested to Dag at Jemsite forums for his PRS 25" scale guitar. This might be a nicely balanced set for CGCFAD tuning.

________________________

Thanks for reading. As stated at the beginning, if you are happy with your usual strings, by all means carry on using them. I would appreciate if people refrain from arguing about my findings here. These charts are based on science and logic, not random numbers and tradition. Most of us guitarists are very stubborn and reluctant when it comes to change, even when it means a better end result, but hopefully you will see that this all makes sense. If more people put together custom sets, discuss this article with others and explain why standard sets are illogical and detrimental to tone and feel, we may eventually get the string manufacturers to change their ways. What does it take to hammer this point home? We shouldn't even be questioning it. I think the manufacturers are foolish for not jumping on the progressive tension set idea. If these were available on the shop shelf and maybe endorsed by well-known players, I feel they would sell.

I hope this article has been helpful to someone. Happy experimentation. ;)

Dee
 
#4 ·
Very interesting and informative post. My guess is you're one of maybe three people on here who have given this much serious thought. I've been meaning to put together custom sets, but it's just such a pain when I can slap on a set of XL120s or XL110s and be done with it.
 
#6 ·
I read about this over at Zachary's a while ago. It does intrigue me. I find it hard to opt for stiffer strings, so I'll likely switch from standard 9s to balanced 8s if I do try it.

You say no manufacturers offer a balanced set. What about the Dean Markley set endorsed by Yngwie? I'm sure those are available in an 8-42 set.
 
#8 ·
Gauge: Dean Markley "Yngwie Malmsteen Signature" Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .008" [PL] = 10.38 pounds
B: .011" [PL] = 11.01 pounds
G: .014" [PL] = 11.24 pounds
D: .022" [NW] = 13.34 pounds
A: .032" [NW] = 15.77 pounds
E: .048" [NW] = 18.93 pounds

Total tension = 80.68 pounds
Not bad. Yngwie has the right idea. They are better tensioned than I originally imagined. Not so many people use 8's, though.
 
#12 ·
I haven't tried those. Here's the stats for them:

Gauge: D'Addario EXL120+ Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .0095" [PL] = 14.63 pounds
B: .0115" [PL] = 12.04 pounds
G: .016"  [PL] = 14.68 pounds
D: .024"  [NW] = 15.77 pounds
A: .034"  [NW] = 17.60 pounds
E: .044"  [NW] = 16.10 pounds

Total Tension = 90.82 pounds
Looks like the high E is too heavy (bends will be harder). It's almost the same as the G.

The low E is too light.

With this set, I'd choose a .009" and a .046", and ditch the two E's that came with it.
 
#27 ·
I use that set on my Les Paul (24.75" scale).
It makes the feel pretty much identical to my 25.5" guitars with standard .009-.042, making the Les Paul shred like a maniac while still beating the **** out of all the other guitars tonewise and sustainwise.
Then again I'm going back to .010-.046 on my Les Paul. I don't mind working a bit extra on the Les Paul, and getting even MORE tone in return :)
 
#14 ·
Something like this...

Gauge: Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky 9-46
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .009" [PL] = 13.13 pounds
B: .011" [PL] = 11.01 pounds
G: .016" [PL] = 14.68 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .046" [NW] = 17.48 pounds

Total Tension = 94.25 pounds
 
#16 ·
Possibly. Depends what kind of feel you want, I guess! Only you can decide that. Me, I wouldn't use a .011" with those strings. Look at the difference in tension between the E, B, and G. The B is just too slack. A .012" would be OK, and yes, personally I would prefer a heavier bottom E, too.

A .048" would give you 18.93 pounds and feel more balanced overall. The D is just too heavy, though. I don't like the look of that set of strings at all. There's 4 pounds of difference between the D and G. Not good.
 
#17 ·
Possibly. Depends what kind of feel you want, I guess! Only you can decide that. Me, I wouldn't use a .011" with those strings. Look at the difference in tension between the E, B, and G. The B is just too slack. A .012" would be OK, and yes, personally I would prefer a heavier bottom E, too.

A .048" would give you 18.93 pounds and feel more balanced overall. The D is just too heavy, though. I don't like the look of that set of strings at all. There's 4 pounds of difference between the D and G. Not good.
To ne honest. For standard tuning the Hybred Sinkies feel perfect for me. I wouldn't really change that unless it was really easy to do so.
 
#19 ·
Thanks for the super-informative posts, Dee! You have me thinking, would .009-.042's from different manufacturers vary much in overall tension?

Specifically, I'm wondering if the 9-42 Ernie Ball Super Slinky's would vary any from the D'Addario EXL-120 set? Any chance I could prod you into measuring this? :wink:

This is the specific set I'm curious about (I have used them before, but it was many years ago):

https://store.ernieball.com/product/part_number=P02223/574.0.5908.16037.0.0.0
 
#20 ·
On wound strings only will the tension vary between manufacturers. Plain strings should usually be the same. I have always found Ernie's to be a little stiffer than D'Addario, but I haven't found any exact tension specs made available by EB. I wouldn't imagine there's a huge amount of tension difference in any 9-42 nickel wound set, but the winding size, and probably the shape of the core wires (hex or round) do vary enough to make a difference in overall feel.

If I find any tension specs for Ernie Ball I'll post them!
 
#21 ·
I use Slinky Light Top Heavy Bottoms for Drop C tuning but also tune the guitar (SZ4020 - 25" scale - fixed bridge) back to standard E.

Any recommendations for something that would work best for both tunings in one set?
 
#23 ·
It's cool - no hurry. I would have PM'd you if I was in a hurry ;)


I actually drop tune the low E, A and D strings (the only ones used in the song) to drop C. I leave the other strings in standard so I can easily tune back up if I need to use that guitar for other material with double bends and other stuff that doesn't work so well with a full floating guitars. I use the guitar for Drop D tunings as well.

E>C
A>G
D>C
G
B
E

Due to the odd nature of how I tune that guitar (SZ4020) is why I went with the EB Heavy Bottom and Skinny Tops. If you can think of a better alternative, I'm all ears.

I usually take two RG's with floating trems and my SZ4020 to gigs to have my basses covered. Very shortly I will have a new RGT42fxqm in hands (this week) and I'll swap between it and my SZ4020 until I figure out how to add a piezo setup in the RGT, then it will come with to all gigs. I'll hae to look into a piezo bridge for the SZ ;)
 
#26 ·
It's cool - no hurry. I would have PM'd you if I was in a hurry ;)

I actually drop tune the low E, A and D strings (the only ones used in the song) to drop C. I leave the other strings in standard so I can easily tune back up if I need to use that guitar for other material with double bends and other stuff that doesn't work so well with a full floating guitars. I use the guitar for Drop D tunings as well.

E>C
A>G
D>C
G
B
E

Due to the odd nature of how I tune that guitar (SZ4020) is why I went with the EB Heavy Bottom and Skinny Tops. If you can think of a better alternative, I'm all ears.

I usually take two RG's with floating trems and my SZ4020 to gigs to have my basses covered. Very shortly I will have a new RGT42fxqm in hands (this week) and I'll swap between it and my SZ4020 until I figure out how to add a piezo setup in the RGT, then it will come with to all gigs. I'll hae to look into a piezo bridge for the SZ ;)
OK, this is a tricky one because it's not staying in one tuning. Obviously, we need to find a happy medium between standard tuning tension and drop C.

*Bear in mind, these measurements are based on D'Addario nickel wound string tension, but I doubt Ernie Ball strings differ greatly.

Gauge: Ernie Ball "Skinny Top Heavy Bottom" set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .013" [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017" [PL] = 16.57 pounds
D: .030" [NW] = 25.04 pounds
A: .042" [NW] = 26.31 pounds
E: .052" [NW] = 22.01 pounds

Total Tension = 121.53 pounds
When tuned to standard there's a huge amount of difference in tension between the plain and wound strings. Almost 9 pounds difference between the D and G alone! This was pretty much expected, though. As usual, the high E is tighter than the B. How about switching that string for a D'Addario .009.5"? Should make bends easier and balance with the other strings a little better.

Gauge: Ernie Ball "Skinny Top Heavy Bottom" set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: CGCGBE (Bones' Drop C)


Code:
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .013" [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017" [PL] = 16.57 pounds
C: .030" [NW] = 19.87 pounds
G: .042" [NW] = 20.89 pounds
C: .052" [NW] = 13.87 pounds

Total Tension = 102.79 pounds
And this is your Ernie Ball set drop tuned. The main problem is the extremely low tension of the .052", especially compared to the next string up, there's a difference of 7 pounds. It's safe to suggest it would benefit from being beefed up a bit. I would probably go as far as a .059" here, which may sound kinda extreme, but really it isn't. I use a .059" on my 7-string which is tuned to B, and it's certainly not too tight. If anything, I would like to try a .60".

Suggestions for a custom set...

Gauge: D'Addario Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Standard


Code:
E: .0095" [PL] = 14.63 pounds
B: .013"  [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017"  [PL] = 16.57 pounds
D: .028"  [NW] = 21.30 pounds
A: .039"  [NW] = 22.77 pounds
E: .059"  [NW] = 29.37 pounds

Total Tension = 120.03 pounds
While there's a big difference between the two thickest strings, I think this will feel better than your usual set. You could try a .058" so there's less of a jump, but it won't work quite as well when drop tuned (see below). On the other hand, .058" or .059" will be far better in terms of tone and feel than the .052" from the original set.

Gauge: D'Addario Custom Set
Scale: 25.5"
Tuning: Bones' Drop C


Code:
E: .0095" [PL] = 14.63 pounds
B: .013"  [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017"  [PL] = 16.57 pounds
C: .028"  [NW] = 16.91 pounds
G: .039"  [NW] = 18.07 pounds
C: .059"  [NW] = 18.50 pounds

Total Tension = 100.07 pounds
I quite like how this one looks on paper. .039" can be bought from D'Addario, btw. I like the fact they offer "odd" sizes. Lowest I'd go on the thickest string is a 0.58". While a custom set like this can never be perfect because of the changes in tuning, I would imagine it feels better than the set you're currently using. I'd be interested to know how it goes if you try it.
 
#24 ·
Great thread Dee.

I've using D'addario 10-52 (XL140) as well on my RGA, but I'm using this version of drop-C:

C - 2 steps down (6th string)
G - 1 step down
C - 1 step down
F - 1 step down
A - 1 step down
D - 1 step down

The 6th string doesn't have anywhere near enough tension in this tuning, so I'll probably switch to something heavier.
 
#25 ·
awesome thread, and something that i've been experimenting with for years. except for one or two guitars, i haven't used a standard pack of strings in a LONG time. the set i'm currently using (in standard tuning down a major third, C F Bb Eb G C as well as standard tuning down a whole step, D G C F A D) goes a little something like this: .010 - .014 - .020 - .030 - .042 - .056

for standard tuning AKA guitars i play at home, i use d'addario 9's as it's just wiffle ball and i don't really need to get so particular about things like that for sitting on my bed playing racer x songs through a fender frontman 25r. also, it tends to be my JS and i hear Joe hisself uses those same strings. haha
 
#28 ·
Yeah, the difference in scale length has a pretty noticeable effect. I also prefer slightly heavier strings on a 24.75" scale length. The .009.5" is perfect for the high E, I think. A .010" is just a touch too heavy for me. With a 10-46 set I'd want to replace the high and low E's with a .009.5" and a .049".
 
#29 ·
I will surely try out the custom set you are suggesting and let you know how it works out. I play that guitar in my Drop C more than standard but truthfully, the guitar has to be ready to perform double duty as a backup in standard tuning and if we pull out any Drop D tunes.

BIG thanks Dee, you are Da MAN!!!! :mrgreen:
 
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