string gauge and string tension question

Willy25

New member
hey guys, i wanna play in drop c, but i really do not want to put really heavy strings like a 56 on the e string where most sites recommend.
i want the same tension as 9s. any tips? i heard that Micheal Romeo uses 10s for D standard and he still manages to get a good tone. the reason im asking is because i have symptoms of carpel tunnel and with 9s im really comfortable.
 
Last edited:
Re: string gauge and string tension question

Try a 10-52 set first. If the big string is too floppy for your liking then replace it (only it) with a 54 or 56.

If ordering strings individually(to build your own custom sets), then try; (for drop C)
10.5, 14, 20w, 30, 40, 54
 
Last edited:
Re: string gauge and string tension question

http://stringtensionpro.com

9-42 in E is similar to: 10-46 and replace the bottom with a .052

Yea that about nails it really. I play 8's and 9's in C# with no problems myself, but to do it correctly to get the same feel you'd wanna go 10-46 with a swapped 52. And I did that for a while, but got lazy and kept the 9's on it. I use 25.5" so its really not that bad as opposed to Iommi using 8's/9's in C#, C on a 24-3/4"... I wouldn't want that feel.
 
Last edited:
Re: string gauge and string tension question

Thanks guys im going to try those options. I dont know how people play 11s and up on E standard it looks painfull. And I cant do 10s lol

Also do guys know any acoustic guitars that could have a similar feel, tension of an electric guitar with 9s? Maybe not right? Thanks
 
Last edited:
Re: string gauge and string tension question

I play 11-46s DR pure blues on my LP in open E I went with this set up because of Derek Trucks and play slide. I don't like the tone of the super heavy bottom strings. I recently switched my Tele in standard E to the same stings, I think DR makes the best strings with the best tone and the tone on the high strings is much better with 11's and do play some slide on both guitars but I do a lot of bending too, I play mostly blues and southern rock. I don't have much issue at all. I played my buddy's with 9's and felt they were way too noodly for my liking. I think it's whatever you are use to. Hopefully one of those suggestions helps you out.
 
string gauge and string tension question

What's the scale length for the guitar in question? If you're in 24-3/4s, you can get away with these: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DHCN1048

Edit: 10-52 for sure and honestly, the heavy core 11-50s don't feel too bad in D standard/Drop C. I would say it feels similar to 10s in E standard. With your carpal tunnel though, I'm not sure.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Re: string gauge and string tension question

hey guys, i wanna play in drop c, but i really do not want to put really heavy strings like a 56 on the e string where most sites recommend.
i want the same tension as 9s. any tips? i heard that Micheal Romeo uses 10s for D standard and he still manages to get a good tone. the reason im asking is because i have symptoms of carpel tunnel and with 9s im really comfortable.

I run 11-56 or 11-54 in DropD on low action guitars with purrfect fretwork, 10-46 on sloppier stuff... I'm guessing you want ~10-50 then

Tension varies between brands and designs of strings.

Note that with low tension you cant have low action.

Carpal tunnel? You might actually benefit from VERY high tension / superlow action setups.... perhaps 11-56 / 25.5" or 12-60 / 24.75"

Be aware that anything not made in Japan or USA will almost certainly need a full service pitstop at a luthier/good tech before you can dial in low action. Sloppier QC = higher tolerances = discrepancies that cause fret buzz
 
Re: string gauge and string tension question

I play 11-46s DR pure blues on my LP in open E I went with this set up because of Derek Trucks and play slide. I don't like the tone of the super heavy bottom strings. I recently switched my Tele in standard E to the same stings, I think DR makes the best strings with the best tone and the tone on the high strings is much better with 11's and do play some slide on both guitars but I do a lot of bending too, I play mostly blues and southern rock. I don't have much issue at all. I played my buddy's with 9's and felt they were way too noodly for my liking. I think it's whatever you are use to. Hopefully one of those suggestions helps you out.

DRs are high tension strings though
 
Re: string gauge and string tension question

Thanks guys im going to try those options. I dont know how people play 11s and up on E standard it looks painfull.

Setups and low action.

Easy peasy, effortless 11-56 DropD, despite carpal tunnel issues myself:

20170611_122720.jpg
 
Re: string gauge and string tension question

I use:
.010, .013, .017, 0.30, .042, .052 for E standard,Drop D and D standard
.010, .013, .017,.030, .042, .060 for C# standard, drop C and C standard
0.12,016 .020, .034, .046, .074 for Drop B, B standard and Drop A.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Back
Top