Why Lower Tunings Need Heavier Strings
A string's tension depends on three things: its weight, the scale length, and the pitch. D'Addario gives the formula as tension = unit weight × (2 × scale length × frequency)² ÷ 386.4, in pounds, with the unit weight in pounds per inch and the scale length in inches. Multiply by 4.45 for newtons.
Because the frequency is squared, a small drop in pitch takes away a lot of tension. Each half step lowers the frequency by a factor of 2^(1/12), the equal-tempered ratio that Joe Wolfe of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) gives. On the same strings:
- Half a step down (E♭ standard): about 11% less tension.
- A whole step down (drop D's low string, or D standard): about 21% less.
- Three half steps down (C♯ standard): about 29% less.
- Two whole steps down (drop C's low string, or C standard): about 37% less.
- Five half steps down (drop B's low string, E to B): about 44% less.
D'Addario notes that lower tension makes strings more sensitive to movement and pick attack, which shows up as fret buzz, a floppy feel, and notes that go sharp when you dig in. A heavier gauge has more weight per inch, so it reaches the same pitch at a higher tension.
String Sets by Tuning
These are the electric guitar sets D'Addario names in its alternate tuning guide (updated January 2026). The numbers are the thinnest and thickest strings, in thousandths of an inch.
- Drop D (D A D G B E): 10–52 (EXL140 or NYXL1052). D'Addario also says its 11–56 EXL117 is made for D standard or drop D.
- D standard (D G C F A D): 11–56 (EXL117).
- Drop C (C G C F A D): 12–60 (NYXL1260). D'Addario's drop C guide says most players use sets from 11–56 to 12–60.
- C standard (C F A♯ D♯ G C): 12–60 (EXL148 or NYXL1260). D'Addario says this set tuned to C standard feels about like a typical light set at standard pitch. For a lighter feel it also offers 12–54 (EXL145).
- Open C and open D: 11–52 (EXL116 or NYXL1152).
- 7-string guitar: 11–64 (NYXL1164). Baritone guitar: 14–68 (EXL157).
D'Addario's guide names no set for drop B. It sits a half step below drop C, so start no lighter than the 12–60 sets above and see the strings section of our drop B tuner for more. If a set still feels slack, go up one step in gauge. If it feels stiff, go down one.
Scale Length Changes the Answer
The same strings at the same pitch are tighter on a longer neck. D'Addario's example: a 25.5 inch scale guitar has more tension than a 24.75 inch scale guitar with identical strings and tuning. So a shorter-scale guitar may want a step heavier than the sets above, and a longer scale can often go a step lighter.
Setup After a Gauge Change
Heavier strings pull harder on the neck and sit differently in the nut. D'Addario's drop C guide suggests these checks:
- Make sure each nut slot fits the new, thicker string without binding. A little graphite in the slots helps the strings slide.
- If the strings buzz, add a little neck relief with the truss rod, then raise the bridge if buzz remains on some frets.
- Stretch new strings well when you fit them, so they settle sooner and hold their tuning.
Check the intonation afterward too: a new gauge and a new pitch both move it. If you are not comfortable adjusting a truss rod, a guitar tech can do the setup.
Tune It and Check It
Once the new strings are on, tune each one with the tuner for your tuning. The drop C tuner and the other tuning pages listen through your phone or computer mic, show each string's note and how many cents sharp or flat it is, and play the target note. New strings stretch, so tune again a few times over the first day. For standard tuning and the picker of other tunings, use the guitar tuner.