Can I use one string gauge for standard D and drop B tuning?What are the repercussions of using really thick gauge strings on my electric guitar?How many drop tunings can I use with one set of strings?String gauge, scale, and tuning relationship? (Guitar in particular)Standard guitar string gauge?Tuning Acoustic from Drop D to Standard RepeatedlyIs It OK to use smaller gauge strings than those that came from the factory for an electric guitar?Can I set up my electric guitar with a 11-14-18-38-49-64 string-gauge set up? Could that damage my guitar?String gauge for playing on Drop G# on a 25.5 scale 7 string guitarStringing an acoustic for down-tuningCan you move the strings on 3/4 size electric guitar to get better tuning?
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Can I use one string gauge for standard D and drop B tuning?
What are the repercussions of using really thick gauge strings on my electric guitar?How many drop tunings can I use with one set of strings?String gauge, scale, and tuning relationship? (Guitar in particular)Standard guitar string gauge?Tuning Acoustic from Drop D to Standard RepeatedlyIs It OK to use smaller gauge strings than those that came from the factory for an electric guitar?Can I set up my electric guitar with a 11-14-18-38-49-64 string-gauge set up? Could that damage my guitar?String gauge for playing on Drop G# on a 25.5 scale 7 string guitarStringing an acoustic for down-tuningCan you move the strings on 3/4 size electric guitar to get better tuning?
I've been using 10 - 48 gauge strings for standard E tuning for 3 years, but I want to change to standard D tuning. I read somewhere that I should use 11 - 58 or 10 - 58 gauge strings for this tuning; is that correct? I don't want the strings to be too slack. And can I use one string gauge for standard D and drop B tuning ?
electric-guitar alternative-tunings string-gauge
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
add a comment |
I've been using 10 - 48 gauge strings for standard E tuning for 3 years, but I want to change to standard D tuning. I read somewhere that I should use 11 - 58 or 10 - 58 gauge strings for this tuning; is that correct? I don't want the strings to be too slack. And can I use one string gauge for standard D and drop B tuning ?
electric-guitar alternative-tunings string-gauge
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
Tuning down by 5 semi-tones is pretty insane. May I recommend that you switch to a seven-string at some point, if you're certain you want to play lower pitches.
– Agustín Lado
Jun 10 at 16:41
add a comment |
I've been using 10 - 48 gauge strings for standard E tuning for 3 years, but I want to change to standard D tuning. I read somewhere that I should use 11 - 58 or 10 - 58 gauge strings for this tuning; is that correct? I don't want the strings to be too slack. And can I use one string gauge for standard D and drop B tuning ?
electric-guitar alternative-tunings string-gauge
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
I've been using 10 - 48 gauge strings for standard E tuning for 3 years, but I want to change to standard D tuning. I read somewhere that I should use 11 - 58 or 10 - 58 gauge strings for this tuning; is that correct? I don't want the strings to be too slack. And can I use one string gauge for standard D and drop B tuning ?
electric-guitar alternative-tunings string-gauge
electric-guitar alternative-tunings string-gauge
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
edited Jun 9 at 22:23
Your Uncle Bob
2,0141421
2,0141421
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
asked Jun 9 at 20:14
amir mehramir mehr
362
362
Tuning down by 5 semi-tones is pretty insane. May I recommend that you switch to a seven-string at some point, if you're certain you want to play lower pitches.
– Agustín Lado
Jun 10 at 16:41
add a comment |
Tuning down by 5 semi-tones is pretty insane. May I recommend that you switch to a seven-string at some point, if you're certain you want to play lower pitches.
– Agustín Lado
Jun 10 at 16:41
Tuning down by 5 semi-tones is pretty insane. May I recommend that you switch to a seven-string at some point, if you're certain you want to play lower pitches.
– Agustín Lado
Jun 10 at 16:41
Tuning down by 5 semi-tones is pretty insane. May I recommend that you switch to a seven-string at some point, if you're certain you want to play lower pitches.
– Agustín Lado
Jun 10 at 16:41
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
I agree with what you heard that if you drop all the strings two frets you want to go up at least one step in string gauge. Perhaps two. I played two frets down in one band and I ended up stringing 12s for that, so to me, 11s certainly make sense.
Drop B is a big difference for the lowest string. It’s gonna be floppy, but unless you get a custom gauge string, it will be floppy. If I were in your shoes I would just deal with the floppy feel and learn to work it. Another option is pick up a second hand guitar that isn’t too expensive and customize the strings for drop B and switch for those songs. A string that’s not floppy for drop B will be too tight for standard D tuning.
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
Can floppy string hurt the guitar neck ? if not I can use d tune string gauge for drop b because I am not a big fan of drop b tune (I just like slipknot songs )
– amir mehr
Jun 10 at 6:44
@amirmehr - floppy strings probably won't hurt the neck - although the neck relief and action may well change with floppy strings. They'll rattle more, and be easier to press out of tune (sharp) and maybe they'll give a different feel to themselves when you play them.
– Tim
Jun 10 at 14:22
add a comment |
You don't say what the guitar is - Les Paul versus Strat means different tensions for the same string gauge and tuning, so it's not that straightforward.
It makes sense that whatever tension you are already used to, that same tension, approximately, is retained for each string in the new tuning regime.
You need to experiment a bit, by going up in gauge as a particular string goes down in pitch. There are individual strings available to facilitate this.
One set of strings for two rather different tunings isn't going to be anything but a compromise. As Todd says, a second guitar is a far beter option if you want to do that. Apart, faffing about re-tuning, unless done smartly, always sounds so amateur, and wastes a lot of time. Then after, the same faffing to re-tune..!
40 odd years ago, I made the same sort of decision, and from then use a hybrid set on several guitars - unfortunately not avaiable as a complete set of strings off the shelf - but in standard tuning, it works for me. Others hate it, and it means I'm so used to the feel, it's not pleasant playing others' guitars, but there we have it. We can set up our own guitar action, (or have it done for us), so why not have a bespoke set of strings to boot?
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
1
While there are more guitar styles than LP and strat, I agree with the notion that the guitar plays an important role. If you happen to have a tremolo system that is suspended by springs, changing (adding/removing/replacing) springs in the back of the guitar can help accomodating for different tension due to tuning.
– Ian
Jun 11 at 6:37
@Ian - I was thinking more about the scale lengths, but, good point about springs v. strings.
– Tim
Jun 11 at 6:55
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
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votes
I agree with what you heard that if you drop all the strings two frets you want to go up at least one step in string gauge. Perhaps two. I played two frets down in one band and I ended up stringing 12s for that, so to me, 11s certainly make sense.
Drop B is a big difference for the lowest string. It’s gonna be floppy, but unless you get a custom gauge string, it will be floppy. If I were in your shoes I would just deal with the floppy feel and learn to work it. Another option is pick up a second hand guitar that isn’t too expensive and customize the strings for drop B and switch for those songs. A string that’s not floppy for drop B will be too tight for standard D tuning.
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
Can floppy string hurt the guitar neck ? if not I can use d tune string gauge for drop b because I am not a big fan of drop b tune (I just like slipknot songs )
– amir mehr
Jun 10 at 6:44
@amirmehr - floppy strings probably won't hurt the neck - although the neck relief and action may well change with floppy strings. They'll rattle more, and be easier to press out of tune (sharp) and maybe they'll give a different feel to themselves when you play them.
– Tim
Jun 10 at 14:22
add a comment |
I agree with what you heard that if you drop all the strings two frets you want to go up at least one step in string gauge. Perhaps two. I played two frets down in one band and I ended up stringing 12s for that, so to me, 11s certainly make sense.
Drop B is a big difference for the lowest string. It’s gonna be floppy, but unless you get a custom gauge string, it will be floppy. If I were in your shoes I would just deal with the floppy feel and learn to work it. Another option is pick up a second hand guitar that isn’t too expensive and customize the strings for drop B and switch for those songs. A string that’s not floppy for drop B will be too tight for standard D tuning.
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
Can floppy string hurt the guitar neck ? if not I can use d tune string gauge for drop b because I am not a big fan of drop b tune (I just like slipknot songs )
– amir mehr
Jun 10 at 6:44
@amirmehr - floppy strings probably won't hurt the neck - although the neck relief and action may well change with floppy strings. They'll rattle more, and be easier to press out of tune (sharp) and maybe they'll give a different feel to themselves when you play them.
– Tim
Jun 10 at 14:22
add a comment |
I agree with what you heard that if you drop all the strings two frets you want to go up at least one step in string gauge. Perhaps two. I played two frets down in one band and I ended up stringing 12s for that, so to me, 11s certainly make sense.
Drop B is a big difference for the lowest string. It’s gonna be floppy, but unless you get a custom gauge string, it will be floppy. If I were in your shoes I would just deal with the floppy feel and learn to work it. Another option is pick up a second hand guitar that isn’t too expensive and customize the strings for drop B and switch for those songs. A string that’s not floppy for drop B will be too tight for standard D tuning.
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
I agree with what you heard that if you drop all the strings two frets you want to go up at least one step in string gauge. Perhaps two. I played two frets down in one band and I ended up stringing 12s for that, so to me, 11s certainly make sense.
Drop B is a big difference for the lowest string. It’s gonna be floppy, but unless you get a custom gauge string, it will be floppy. If I were in your shoes I would just deal with the floppy feel and learn to work it. Another option is pick up a second hand guitar that isn’t too expensive and customize the strings for drop B and switch for those songs. A string that’s not floppy for drop B will be too tight for standard D tuning.
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
answered Jun 10 at 6:24
Todd WilcoxTodd Wilcox
39.4k474135
39.4k474135
Can floppy string hurt the guitar neck ? if not I can use d tune string gauge for drop b because I am not a big fan of drop b tune (I just like slipknot songs )
– amir mehr
Jun 10 at 6:44
@amirmehr - floppy strings probably won't hurt the neck - although the neck relief and action may well change with floppy strings. They'll rattle more, and be easier to press out of tune (sharp) and maybe they'll give a different feel to themselves when you play them.
– Tim
Jun 10 at 14:22
add a comment |
Can floppy string hurt the guitar neck ? if not I can use d tune string gauge for drop b because I am not a big fan of drop b tune (I just like slipknot songs )
– amir mehr
Jun 10 at 6:44
@amirmehr - floppy strings probably won't hurt the neck - although the neck relief and action may well change with floppy strings. They'll rattle more, and be easier to press out of tune (sharp) and maybe they'll give a different feel to themselves when you play them.
– Tim
Jun 10 at 14:22
Can floppy string hurt the guitar neck ? if not I can use d tune string gauge for drop b because I am not a big fan of drop b tune (I just like slipknot songs )
– amir mehr
Jun 10 at 6:44
Can floppy string hurt the guitar neck ? if not I can use d tune string gauge for drop b because I am not a big fan of drop b tune (I just like slipknot songs )
– amir mehr
Jun 10 at 6:44
@amirmehr - floppy strings probably won't hurt the neck - although the neck relief and action may well change with floppy strings. They'll rattle more, and be easier to press out of tune (sharp) and maybe they'll give a different feel to themselves when you play them.
– Tim
Jun 10 at 14:22
@amirmehr - floppy strings probably won't hurt the neck - although the neck relief and action may well change with floppy strings. They'll rattle more, and be easier to press out of tune (sharp) and maybe they'll give a different feel to themselves when you play them.
– Tim
Jun 10 at 14:22
add a comment |
You don't say what the guitar is - Les Paul versus Strat means different tensions for the same string gauge and tuning, so it's not that straightforward.
It makes sense that whatever tension you are already used to, that same tension, approximately, is retained for each string in the new tuning regime.
You need to experiment a bit, by going up in gauge as a particular string goes down in pitch. There are individual strings available to facilitate this.
One set of strings for two rather different tunings isn't going to be anything but a compromise. As Todd says, a second guitar is a far beter option if you want to do that. Apart, faffing about re-tuning, unless done smartly, always sounds so amateur, and wastes a lot of time. Then after, the same faffing to re-tune..!
40 odd years ago, I made the same sort of decision, and from then use a hybrid set on several guitars - unfortunately not avaiable as a complete set of strings off the shelf - but in standard tuning, it works for me. Others hate it, and it means I'm so used to the feel, it's not pleasant playing others' guitars, but there we have it. We can set up our own guitar action, (or have it done for us), so why not have a bespoke set of strings to boot?
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
1
While there are more guitar styles than LP and strat, I agree with the notion that the guitar plays an important role. If you happen to have a tremolo system that is suspended by springs, changing (adding/removing/replacing) springs in the back of the guitar can help accomodating for different tension due to tuning.
– Ian
Jun 11 at 6:37
@Ian - I was thinking more about the scale lengths, but, good point about springs v. strings.
– Tim
Jun 11 at 6:55
add a comment |
You don't say what the guitar is - Les Paul versus Strat means different tensions for the same string gauge and tuning, so it's not that straightforward.
It makes sense that whatever tension you are already used to, that same tension, approximately, is retained for each string in the new tuning regime.
You need to experiment a bit, by going up in gauge as a particular string goes down in pitch. There are individual strings available to facilitate this.
One set of strings for two rather different tunings isn't going to be anything but a compromise. As Todd says, a second guitar is a far beter option if you want to do that. Apart, faffing about re-tuning, unless done smartly, always sounds so amateur, and wastes a lot of time. Then after, the same faffing to re-tune..!
40 odd years ago, I made the same sort of decision, and from then use a hybrid set on several guitars - unfortunately not avaiable as a complete set of strings off the shelf - but in standard tuning, it works for me. Others hate it, and it means I'm so used to the feel, it's not pleasant playing others' guitars, but there we have it. We can set up our own guitar action, (or have it done for us), so why not have a bespoke set of strings to boot?
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
1
While there are more guitar styles than LP and strat, I agree with the notion that the guitar plays an important role. If you happen to have a tremolo system that is suspended by springs, changing (adding/removing/replacing) springs in the back of the guitar can help accomodating for different tension due to tuning.
– Ian
Jun 11 at 6:37
@Ian - I was thinking more about the scale lengths, but, good point about springs v. strings.
– Tim
Jun 11 at 6:55
add a comment |
You don't say what the guitar is - Les Paul versus Strat means different tensions for the same string gauge and tuning, so it's not that straightforward.
It makes sense that whatever tension you are already used to, that same tension, approximately, is retained for each string in the new tuning regime.
You need to experiment a bit, by going up in gauge as a particular string goes down in pitch. There are individual strings available to facilitate this.
One set of strings for two rather different tunings isn't going to be anything but a compromise. As Todd says, a second guitar is a far beter option if you want to do that. Apart, faffing about re-tuning, unless done smartly, always sounds so amateur, and wastes a lot of time. Then after, the same faffing to re-tune..!
40 odd years ago, I made the same sort of decision, and from then use a hybrid set on several guitars - unfortunately not avaiable as a complete set of strings off the shelf - but in standard tuning, it works for me. Others hate it, and it means I'm so used to the feel, it's not pleasant playing others' guitars, but there we have it. We can set up our own guitar action, (or have it done for us), so why not have a bespoke set of strings to boot?
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
You don't say what the guitar is - Les Paul versus Strat means different tensions for the same string gauge and tuning, so it's not that straightforward.
It makes sense that whatever tension you are already used to, that same tension, approximately, is retained for each string in the new tuning regime.
You need to experiment a bit, by going up in gauge as a particular string goes down in pitch. There are individual strings available to facilitate this.
One set of strings for two rather different tunings isn't going to be anything but a compromise. As Todd says, a second guitar is a far beter option if you want to do that. Apart, faffing about re-tuning, unless done smartly, always sounds so amateur, and wastes a lot of time. Then after, the same faffing to re-tune..!
40 odd years ago, I made the same sort of decision, and from then use a hybrid set on several guitars - unfortunately not avaiable as a complete set of strings off the shelf - but in standard tuning, it works for me. Others hate it, and it means I'm so used to the feel, it's not pleasant playing others' guitars, but there we have it. We can set up our own guitar action, (or have it done for us), so why not have a bespoke set of strings to boot?
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
answered Jun 10 at 6:50
TimTim
108k11107276
108k11107276
1
While there are more guitar styles than LP and strat, I agree with the notion that the guitar plays an important role. If you happen to have a tremolo system that is suspended by springs, changing (adding/removing/replacing) springs in the back of the guitar can help accomodating for different tension due to tuning.
– Ian
Jun 11 at 6:37
@Ian - I was thinking more about the scale lengths, but, good point about springs v. strings.
– Tim
Jun 11 at 6:55
add a comment |
1
While there are more guitar styles than LP and strat, I agree with the notion that the guitar plays an important role. If you happen to have a tremolo system that is suspended by springs, changing (adding/removing/replacing) springs in the back of the guitar can help accomodating for different tension due to tuning.
– Ian
Jun 11 at 6:37
@Ian - I was thinking more about the scale lengths, but, good point about springs v. strings.
– Tim
Jun 11 at 6:55
1
1
While there are more guitar styles than LP and strat, I agree with the notion that the guitar plays an important role. If you happen to have a tremolo system that is suspended by springs, changing (adding/removing/replacing) springs in the back of the guitar can help accomodating for different tension due to tuning.
– Ian
Jun 11 at 6:37
While there are more guitar styles than LP and strat, I agree with the notion that the guitar plays an important role. If you happen to have a tremolo system that is suspended by springs, changing (adding/removing/replacing) springs in the back of the guitar can help accomodating for different tension due to tuning.
– Ian
Jun 11 at 6:37
@Ian - I was thinking more about the scale lengths, but, good point about springs v. strings.
– Tim
Jun 11 at 6:55
@Ian - I was thinking more about the scale lengths, but, good point about springs v. strings.
– Tim
Jun 11 at 6:55
add a comment |
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Tuning down by 5 semi-tones is pretty insane. May I recommend that you switch to a seven-string at some point, if you're certain you want to play lower pitches.
– Agustín Lado
Jun 10 at 16:41