Tuning one step down. Wich string gauge now?

[Silvio55]

Hi guys! I'm currently using EB 9's with my electric guitars, been using them for years, always in standard tuning.
But now, in my band we want to try playing with the guitar and bass tuned one step down, to make us easier to sing some songs.
The question is: wich string gauge should I try?
Thanks!

 

[Blix]

First just try tuning down what you already have. It that is too loose for you, go up a gauge, or even try a half-gauge up.

 

[GeorgeNada]

For only a half step change i would keep the same strings......maybe go up to 10's if the 9s feel to loose

 

[gtrguru]

I use NYXL 11s. The package even says optimized for D standard. They are great sounding strings for D standard or drop C. And a bonus, they last forever.

I didn't like the NYXL when I tried them on my standard tuning guitars. Give them a try.

 

[drbob1]

They do make 9.5s for that 1/2 step down thing!

 

[Hugo Da Rosa]

First just try tuning down what you already have. It that is too loose for you, go up a gauge, or even try a half-gauge up.

This. You'll want to also check for intonation in addition to string tension. If either tension or intonation (or both) don't quite translate to something you like with a full step down tuning, then consider moving up to 9.5 or 10s

Edit: Also check for dead frets. If that's the case and a string gauge change doesn't quite resolve it, then you may need to consider having a pro setup the guitar again.

 

[T Dizz]

Hi guys! I'm currently using EB 9's with my electric guitars, been using them for years, always in standard tuning.
But now, in my band we want to try playing with the guitar and bass tuned one step down, to make us easier to sing some songs.
The question is: wich string gauge should I try?
Thanks!

EB Beefy set works great for my D standard axe

 

[MrKite89]

Here you can get an idea of what gauge you may need: http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf

 

[Jet Bycraft]

I tuned down a whole step many years ago and 10-46 was too loose. I ended up going with 11-48 (YMMV).

 

[Advisable Owl]

Which scale length? IIRC Hendrix was able to use 10-38s on his D guitars for Machine Gun and Voodoo Chile.

 

[Sociophile]

My band does drop C# (drop D with the whole guitar down a half step), and the Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottoms have worked well for me. They go 10 to 52, keeping your solos from being too painful but giving you lots of tightness in the low end.

 

[Silvio55]

Thanks all! I think I Will try 10's and see how they feel, 9's are too loose tuning down a full step. I was thinking even trying 11's as my first choice.
I use 9's in my 24 3/4 scale guitars and my Strat as well.

 

[stevel]

@Silvio55 follow the D'addario link given above. This will give you a rough idea how to keep the tension in the same range to keep the feel the same.

If you can keep the same general tension, you may not need a new setup - because realistically if you keep the same gauge and just tune down, putting less tension on the guitar, the neck will relax some, which may change your action (making it feel even more sloppy on the fingerboard in addition to the lower tension) and may cause intonation issues.

Really, you should find what works and get the guitar set up by a tech to play like you want it to play when it was in standard tuning - intonation and action are both likely going to change with a change in gauge or tension, though it is possible that by matching the tension pretty closely it won't be a big concern.

 

[TheNightMoose]

I've always used Power Slinkys (11's) when tuned down to D Standard. Whatever gauge you choose, get your guitar setup for that tuning.

 

[PFDarkside]

10-46 in D Standard will feel similar to 9-42 in E.

 

[Vuur]

First just try tuning down what you already have. It that is too loose for you, go up a gauge, or even try a half-gauge up.

This. It can really be that simple. Much simpler than taking other people's take on something as subjective as this.

 

[zenmindbeginner]

For every step down, you go down one gauge from what you are already using.

 

[barfoden]

If you use 9-42 in standard go to 10-46 in e-flat. D-standard use 11-49.
I have used 10-46 in standard and tried them in E-flat (25.5 scale). But the wound strings are just slighty too soft for my taste.

 

[ryandfl]

I generally tune 1 step down. On Fender scale guitars.

I like 10-52, light and heavy, the best.

But really standard 10s and 11s are fine for me. Tune any lower and 11s are needed.

I tried 12s and 13s when tuning to C and Drop C. I am so glad I'm using normal strings now. It's just not worth it to fight with the guitar and not be able to bend well. Unless you're a giant.

 

[oildrops]

I use 11s on a lp tuned to drop C#. The tension is similar to normal tuning with 10s to me.