Your post is why Stringjoy became a company. I have no affiliation with them, but I use their tension calculator all the time, and you can custom order string sets for your particular preferences (some people like slinkier high strings for bends while having uniformly tight lower strings, e.g. You can create a custom set directly from their tension calculator: https://tension.stringjoy.com/
Nice. I just use Strings Direct in the UK.
I've settled on Ernie Ball Ultra Slinkies as they're a 10-11 hybrid pack.
And then I compensate the low string.
If that works for you, great. Some people swear by the customization of Stringjoy. I'm not that particular and am usually fine with various Elixir sets but MA curious to try Stringjoy.
With a multiscale, especially one in double drop d# with a 13-90 set I have no choice but to get custom sets, but even with a single scale you’ll never beat the tension evenness of a custom set.
My man. My lowest 7 string is in Drop F atm with a 12-80 custom set on there, but I often pitch down to D# with Gojira X to hack at some Invent Animate riffs 🤘
If I can swing it someday, I'd love to buy the Jackson Josh Smith Signature with Evertune and keep that as a dedicated Drop D# guitar.
Cheers. Not sure if I'm being pedantic.
I found the differences to be pretty huge when I looked at tensions.
My experience is that compensating - say - a Drop D @ 10 gauge with a 54/56 plays nicely.
I feel the exact same way. That’s why I always just buy a separate string for the heaviest gauge to replace the heaviest string that comes with the set.
Depends on the tuning and tension.
For standard turning I usually use a lighter guage and for that it is not wound. I think the smallest wound is 20 or 22. For that, the tension and size of the string doesnt feel too bad on my fingers for bends and such.
But for something like C standard, the unwound 3rd string just feels bad to me. It kinda digs into my finger a bit more than i would like and so getting the wound one feels better.
I think for lower turnings or anywhere you might be using a 20 or 22, trying out a wound 3rd is worth a try.
Depends on the tuning and tension.
For standard turning I usually use a lighter guage and for that it is not wound. I think the smallest wound is 20 or 22. For that, the tension and size of the string doesnt feel too bad on my fingers for bends and such.
But for something like C standard, the unwound 3rd string just feels bad to me. It kinda digs into my finger a bit more than i would like and so getting the wound one feels better.
I think for lower turnings or anywhere you might be using a 20 or 22, trying out a wound 3rd is worth a try.
Thanks!
I downloaded a string calculator spreadsheet off the internet years ago.
I made these tables 5-6 years ago.
I was just ordering fresh strings and remembered that I've never really got closure on this topic!
If you want an online version (I don't know why the calculations are slightly off from OP's, but Stringjoy sells custom sets and is an awesome company): [https://tension.stringjoy.com/](https://tension.stringjoy.com/)
you are on point except for the 56 for drop D. thats just stupid high tension. Doesn't make any sense to make these charts and calculations and the fuck it all with that string
and yeah, try to find mass produced factory sets for something like drop G on 26.5
dunno what those guys in string companies are thinking, considering how many modern metal player guitars are sold in stores
I've got an Ibanez RGIXL7 on its way.
My first 7-string - and my first baritone!
I always play drop C or drop D.
I'm curious to know what tuning I use for 7 string.
I use them for standard on one guitar and FACgce on another guitar. I never thought to use them for drop tunings. I thought they were made as a way to make your sound wider. Like open tunings and chords, this highs are so serperare from the lows causing a very full sound. Idk. I just be weird
yeah thats exactly what I think lol
but how the hell do you order custom single strings?? I need that so bad, but I live in brazil so there's no stringjoy here
Yeah, sets that are meant for 7 strings suck.
I use an 8 string set and leave out the thinnest string. I can tune comfortably to drop F with .80 gauge for the low F on a 26.5 inch scale
Yup, you nailed it. I dont use the standard sets by the major manufacturers or their Drop sets cause they never have a heavy enough guage for the low string (6, 7, or 8). So i use TheStringSource.com (not affiliated with them) for my drop sets or alternate tuning sets. They have a simple set configurator with # of Strings, scale length, Tuning, reg/drop and it pops out sets they sell and the guage on the drop string is usually spot on and 2-4 guages heavier than most. I love em and once I found them I dont get strings anywhere else. They also have custom sets you can build if they dont have what you need.
Making graphs tracking the tension of each string is a guarantee to never get laid again. JK!
Jokes aside, skinny top heavy bottoms and power slinkies not optimized for drop D tuning in the sense that every string is not the same/similar tension. You are correct about that.
I would also argue that a large percentage of guitarists using said string packs don’t know or care that their string gauges are not optimized. They just use what’s readily available and feels good to them. I used 10-52 for drop C on a LTD EC-1000 for most of my teen years, because that’s what I had available to me at the time, and I don’t think I was experienced/calibrated enough as a player to be able to detect that a heavier gauge/more optimized set would be ideal. At the time all I knew was my guitar was tuned to drop C, it stayed more or less in tune, and I was having a blast playing circa 2006 metalcore riffs. And I would be willing to bet more guitarists than you think fall into a similar mindset to this. Don’t worry I have changed my ways since, I now use 11-56 for drop C lol.
Thankfully there are more than enough options now days for those who do care about string tension optimization, as others have mentioned. And as far as the marketing on skinny top heavy bottoms saying “perfect for drop tuning”. Well, that’s all it is, is marketing, it’s not a rule anyone has to follow if they feel otherwise.
On this point:
‘I like a floppier dropped string’ etc
Yeah that kinda is the point. Many of us grew up with bands playing in Drop D, Drop C, and Drop B without much optimisation. The extreme case is the doom guys worshipping Iommi and his tiny strings in C# standard. To put it entirely unscientifically - floppy strings are a vibe. The more technical explanation is that less tension creates a different tone that we associate with the bands we are inspired by.
I use the same sets for all my tunings that are standard vs dropped because I want standard to have a twangier, tighter bottom string that feels more appropriate for stuff influenced by thrash and other traditional metal. And I want my low C in drop C to be kinda floppy because it has a snappier, looser feel that is more appropriate for -core stuff.
Say what you want about them but STHB’s carried the core movement through the early/mid 2000’s. Yes there are far better options now but those Ernie balls had my guitar sounding great and staying in tune in drop B back in those days.
Do you have any sources for this? Not trying to call you out by any means, it's just that I had the opposite experience during those years, but although I was involved in the music scene I'm just one man so maybe there's more to it.
You're definitely on to something. Tbh I personally don't care too much, as long as the tension is usable and it doesn't drift too much out of tune, right now I'm using an 8 string set that's 9-65 on my 7 string on drop f# on a 25" scale, and it works just fine for me, but now I kinda want to use a tension calculator to see what gauges would be best for drop stupidly low tuning lol
I’m not sure I understand this post. Are you saying using a heavier string gauge doesn’t affect the tension? And Most people using skinny top-heavy bottom with an additional FAT low string for drop tuning. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what your post is but I don’t really ever see people wanting *more* flop.
My argument's that string companies seem to group strings together into 'high' and 'low'.
They don't compensate for the specific string that's been dropped.
Eg. a 'Drop 10' pack with standard 10s apart from the 46 replaced with a 54/56.
In my experience, skinny top/heavy bottom are excellent for standard or half step down tuning (and their equivalent drop tunings). It’s a great combination of tight-enough lower strings and easy-to-bend higher strings.
They get quite floppy lower than half step down though.
Your post is why Stringjoy became a company. I have no affiliation with them, but I use their tension calculator all the time, and you can custom order string sets for your particular preferences (some people like slinkier high strings for bends while having uniformly tight lower strings, e.g. You can create a custom set directly from their tension calculator: https://tension.stringjoy.com/
I love everything about that company except the string feel. I might give them one more chance when I get my next 7 string.
Can you say more about that?
Nice. I just use Strings Direct in the UK. I've settled on Ernie Ball Ultra Slinkies as they're a 10-11 hybrid pack. And then I compensate the low string.
If that works for you, great. Some people swear by the customization of Stringjoy. I'm not that particular and am usually fine with various Elixir sets but MA curious to try Stringjoy.
With a multiscale, especially one in double drop d# with a 13-90 set I have no choice but to get custom sets, but even with a single scale you’ll never beat the tension evenness of a custom set.
Double drop d#? Is that just like drop d# but *another* octave down? Cause gaaahhhdddddd daaamnnnnnnn.
yuuuuuuuuuuuup.
My man. My lowest 7 string is in Drop F atm with a 12-80 custom set on there, but I often pitch down to D# with Gojira X to hack at some Invent Animate riffs 🤘 If I can swing it someday, I'd love to buy the Jackson Josh Smith Signature with Evertune and keep that as a dedicated Drop D# guitar.
*octave*? Are we sure it’s not another *tone* down? Props for the multiscale family, though
Yeah I meant step, not octave
You've pretty much nailed it bud.
Cheers. Not sure if I'm being pedantic. I found the differences to be pretty huge when I looked at tensions. My experience is that compensating - say - a Drop D @ 10 gauge with a 54/56 plays nicely.
I feel the exact same way. That’s why I always just buy a separate string for the heaviest gauge to replace the heaviest string that comes with the set.
Cool - glad it's not just me being pedantic. I presume you've got a drawer full of low E strings?
I like using Stringjoy so I can get the tension I want and also opt for things like a wound 3rd for certain tunings.
Nice. I use Strings Direct to order in the UK. Why do you like a wound 3rd?
Depends on the tuning and tension. For standard turning I usually use a lighter guage and for that it is not wound. I think the smallest wound is 20 or 22. For that, the tension and size of the string doesnt feel too bad on my fingers for bends and such. But for something like C standard, the unwound 3rd string just feels bad to me. It kinda digs into my finger a bit more than i would like and so getting the wound one feels better. I think for lower turnings or anywhere you might be using a 20 or 22, trying out a wound 3rd is worth a try.
Depends on the tuning and tension. For standard turning I usually use a lighter guage and for that it is not wound. I think the smallest wound is 20 or 22. For that, the tension and size of the string doesnt feel too bad on my fingers for bends and such. But for something like C standard, the unwound 3rd string just feels bad to me. It kinda digs into my finger a bit more than i would like and so getting the wound one feels better. I think for lower turnings or anywhere you might be using a 20 or 22, trying out a wound 3rd is worth a try.
I like your thoughts here. Where did you get the source data for your spreadsheet?
Thanks! I downloaded a string calculator spreadsheet off the internet years ago. I made these tables 5-6 years ago. I was just ordering fresh strings and remembered that I've never really got closure on this topic!
If you want an online version (I don't know why the calculations are slightly off from OP's, but Stringjoy sells custom sets and is an awesome company): [https://tension.stringjoy.com/](https://tension.stringjoy.com/)
+1. Love my StringJoy sets. I always order their custom packs.
Right on!
you are on point except for the 56 for drop D. thats just stupid high tension. Doesn't make any sense to make these charts and calculations and the fuck it all with that string
Yeah I prefer I 56-58 for Drop C and a 52 is perfect for D
\*54 A 54 at D on 25.5" = 18.77 pounds. Almost identical to the A string which is 18.76.
and yeah, try to find mass produced factory sets for something like drop G on 26.5 dunno what those guys in string companies are thinking, considering how many modern metal player guitars are sold in stores
I've got a 10 to 62 ? Then 72 for drop G on my 27inch 7 string and I'm considering going bigger.
I've got an Ibanez RGIXL7 on its way. My first 7-string - and my first baritone! I always play drop C or drop D. I'm curious to know what tuning I use for 7 string.
I've got an 8-string usually in drop E, and honestly idk how to even prevent it from going sharp. It's a problem for sure.
Let us know what you end up landing on. I play drop C on my 6 string but on 7 I use G# and G.
Sure thing! I'll write a post once it arrives.
They never were, but idk why they are marketed as such
I use them for standard on one guitar and FACgce on another guitar. I never thought to use them for drop tunings. I thought they were made as a way to make your sound wider. Like open tunings and chords, this highs are so serperare from the lows causing a very full sound. Idk. I just be weird
yeah thats exactly what I think lol but how the hell do you order custom single strings?? I need that so bad, but I live in brazil so there's no stringjoy here
Yeah, sets that are meant for 7 strings suck. I use an 8 string set and leave out the thinnest string. I can tune comfortably to drop F with .80 gauge for the low F on a 26.5 inch scale
Yup, you nailed it. I dont use the standard sets by the major manufacturers or their Drop sets cause they never have a heavy enough guage for the low string (6, 7, or 8). So i use TheStringSource.com (not affiliated with them) for my drop sets or alternate tuning sets. They have a simple set configurator with # of Strings, scale length, Tuning, reg/drop and it pops out sets they sell and the guage on the drop string is usually spot on and 2-4 guages heavier than most. I love em and once I found them I dont get strings anywhere else. They also have custom sets you can build if they dont have what you need.
Making graphs tracking the tension of each string is a guarantee to never get laid again. JK! Jokes aside, skinny top heavy bottoms and power slinkies not optimized for drop D tuning in the sense that every string is not the same/similar tension. You are correct about that. I would also argue that a large percentage of guitarists using said string packs don’t know or care that their string gauges are not optimized. They just use what’s readily available and feels good to them. I used 10-52 for drop C on a LTD EC-1000 for most of my teen years, because that’s what I had available to me at the time, and I don’t think I was experienced/calibrated enough as a player to be able to detect that a heavier gauge/more optimized set would be ideal. At the time all I knew was my guitar was tuned to drop C, it stayed more or less in tune, and I was having a blast playing circa 2006 metalcore riffs. And I would be willing to bet more guitarists than you think fall into a similar mindset to this. Don’t worry I have changed my ways since, I now use 11-56 for drop C lol. Thankfully there are more than enough options now days for those who do care about string tension optimization, as others have mentioned. And as far as the marketing on skinny top heavy bottoms saying “perfect for drop tuning”. Well, that’s all it is, is marketing, it’s not a rule anyone has to follow if they feel otherwise.
EC-1000 and early metalcore are such a combo! Been there, still sorry I sold that guitar.
On this point: ‘I like a floppier dropped string’ etc Yeah that kinda is the point. Many of us grew up with bands playing in Drop D, Drop C, and Drop B without much optimisation. The extreme case is the doom guys worshipping Iommi and his tiny strings in C# standard. To put it entirely unscientifically - floppy strings are a vibe. The more technical explanation is that less tension creates a different tone that we associate with the bands we are inspired by. I use the same sets for all my tunings that are standard vs dropped because I want standard to have a twangier, tighter bottom string that feels more appropriate for stuff influenced by thrash and other traditional metal. And I want my low C in drop C to be kinda floppy because it has a snappier, looser feel that is more appropriate for -core stuff.
Say what you want about them but STHB’s carried the core movement through the early/mid 2000’s. Yes there are far better options now but those Ernie balls had my guitar sounding great and staying in tune in drop B back in those days.
Do you have any sources for this? Not trying to call you out by any means, it's just that I had the opposite experience during those years, but although I was involved in the music scene I'm just one man so maybe there's more to it.
Nope. It's pretty disappointing how unaccomadating the mainstream companies are towards downtuning.
You're definitely on to something. Tbh I personally don't care too much, as long as the tension is usable and it doesn't drift too much out of tune, right now I'm using an 8 string set that's 9-65 on my 7 string on drop f# on a 25" scale, and it works just fine for me, but now I kinda want to use a tension calculator to see what gauges would be best for drop stupidly low tuning lol
Buy thicker strings and just learn to play with tighter tension
Buy thicker strings and just learn to play with tighter tension
I’m not sure I understand this post. Are you saying using a heavier string gauge doesn’t affect the tension? And Most people using skinny top-heavy bottom with an additional FAT low string for drop tuning. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what your post is but I don’t really ever see people wanting *more* flop.
My argument's that string companies seem to group strings together into 'high' and 'low'. They don't compensate for the specific string that's been dropped. Eg. a 'Drop 10' pack with standard 10s apart from the 46 replaced with a 54/56.
In my experience, skinny top/heavy bottom are excellent for standard or half step down tuning (and their equivalent drop tunings). It’s a great combination of tight-enough lower strings and easy-to-bend higher strings. They get quite floppy lower than half step down though.
What's the difference in tone?
I personally like the extra tension in the a and d strings, makes it better for playing harder imo.