string size for d tuning

[guitorture]

I usually play in e with 9-42s, but I would like to experiment with the d tuning (whole step down)...what string gauge would be acceptible for this? The smaller the better.

 

[Kenneth R.]

i use that same set. works for me.

 

[Tubbs]

I also use 9-42. The dropped strings are a little floppy, but should not effect the overall sound.

However, you could just use 10-46 and they would probably be better.

Hell, 11-48 might be even better than that. Any larger might be a little too big though.

 

[PoisonSeed]

imo 10-46 are the way to go in D tuning

 

[guitorture]

awesome, i'll probably go with the 10s...it seems like 9s might be too floppy. thanks for the quick responses, guys!

 

[Yngvai X]

I would never go with anything lighter than 10's for D standard. if you use 9's the strings are going to be too loose and your pick attack is going to severely lack definition. (so yes, it most certainly DOES affect your tone).

 

[Jaen]

i like the way 10's feel for D std. 9's are usually too loose for me and tend to not sound as good and defined, in other words: what Yngvai X said

 

[Kenneth R.]

awesome, i'll probably go with the 10s...it seems like 9s might be too floppy. thanks for the quick responses, guys!

welcome btw.

I agree with these guys, just that my tremolo bridge keeps that tension for me even with 9's. it lowers the action to its minimum without buzzing, which is fine by me as well

 

[RobbM]

I've always like Erie Balls skinny top, heavy bottom set which are 10-13-17-30-42-52...there far less floppy and have nice tone when in D, drop C or Minor 3rd (C#)..I usually use 10's for Eb...

 

[the_satanic_rabbit]

10-46 or 10-52 like ^^^

 

[Horus]

I use 9's, but thats only because I use them on my flying v, which with the strings I use, (D'Addario XL's) they stay in tune through anything, no matter what it's tuned to. But I really do need anoter flying v to keep in D.

 

[Matt]

our guitarist uses 10-46's. But he also has a V and it works just fine for him.

 

[MartyF]

I'm using 10-42 for D tuning and it works fine.

 

[Tubbs]

I think the majority here agrees on 10-46. 9-42 is too small.

And I also mentioned 11-48. See if that works for C tuning perhaps?

 

[Yngvai X]

on my drop C guitar Im using a 10 set with a 49 for the low C string.

 

[1by4by9]

I prefer 10's too. I have always used 10's whether in E or D-tuning.

 

[Tubbs]

on my drop C guitar Im using a 10 set with a 49 for the low C string.

Exactly, so 11-48 or so would be good for standard C.

 

[Jaen]

yea. by the way, what's wrong with saying "theatre"? its just the way they say in in Europe.

 

[Tubbs]

Because that's not their name.

And I'm fully aware that that is how it is said in Europe.

 

[Anonymous]

10-52 Elixirs on my DGCFAD tuned guitar