String gauge for C tuning?

Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I feel like a weirdo/idiot after reading this thread. Am I the only one that uses 9's for drop tunings? I mean, My main guitar is tuned to D standard(full step down) and I have 9's on it. Mainly it's because I have the hands of a newborn child and it feels weird to use other strings. and I like getting stupid high bends.

:|
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

C is my standard tuning and these are the only strings i use

beefy__88280_zoom.jpg
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

10-52 is tolerable but floppy for C-standard, kinda like playing 8/9 in E. If you like the top string slinkiness but need more bass string tension, try the GHS 10-60 set.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I just installed 10-52... Not good. It's still loose in the lows. To reduce string buzz the action needs to be very high.
I'm gonna try 60's.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

The heavy EB's (11-54/12-56) have a ridiculous heavy plain 3rd that doesn't feel or sound right. I used the 12-56 sets for a minute, that string sticks out like a sore thumb, can't stress enough how much I hated it. Other than that they're fine, but I much prefer the D'Addario 11-56, 12-60, 12-54 sets, which are all balanced much better. Short of going custom guages they're the best for me.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

for C standard, I'd go 11-54 for a light set, 12-56 for a regular set, 11-60 for light top/hvy bottom, and 13-60+ for a heavy set.

This.

Will feel like a light 9 set in standard, regular 10 standard etc.
Rule of thumb, increase gauge one at a time per half tone drop.
That's if you want it to feel the same as when you play in standard with similar tension and neck bow.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

For me, even if i tune to C# Standard, 11-52 were to loose... but i prefer 11-52 in D Standard. 25.5 scale. but i have Les Paul in E Standard. 10-48. which should i use on 24-3/4 scale in standard c ? 12-56... or 13-60 ?
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

Haha another Necro thread...ahh F*** it... I'll bite. What I use for Drop C or D standard on 25.5 scale Necks:

204608_1_daddario_electric_gtr_str_xl_011056_mediumheavy_btm_set_exl117_special_for_drop_d_tunin.jpg

IMO I don't like the feel of Piano Wires for strings and these hold up just fine without sacrificing bend-ability.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

^ those strings are good too, but I consider that the bottom strings are a bit too heavy.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I use 13-60 in D /Dropped C, so I'd be looking along the lines of 14-66 or so..... btw C-B is about where I feel the "breaking point" is of when a guitar starts to sound too flabby with a standard scale. C is still OK, but B and lower has to be a a baritone to sound worth anything IMO.

That D`Addario 11-56 set looks interesting for standard tuning, though, may have to give them another whirl after all if I can get that set reasonably well over here. After all, they cost, like, a third of what my DRs do.....
 
Last edited:
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I use light top heavy bottom. gives you a nice heft to your low strings and makes your high strings bend great
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

You should try 10-52's. Bulk up the low strings, keep the high strings flexible for leads. Perfect if you tend to switch between c, e, and everywhere in between.

+1 - i use ernie ball skinny top heavy bottom (10-52) for drop C on an SG 24.75 " scale - they might be a little too loose on the higher strings in C standard though
 
Back
Top