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Question Drop G tuning strings gauge (7 strings) / D standard (6 strings)

A

adamts

Member
Joined
May 19, 2014
Messages
9
Hey guys,

i am using a drop A tuning in my JP12-7, the strings gauge is 10-56.
But now, my band decided to change the tuning to Drop G ( G-D-G-C-F-A-D).

So any idea what string gauge should i choose for the Drop G tuning(7strings) ?
Or Anyone is using D standard in 6 strings can share what strings gauge you are using for my reference ?

Thanks.
 
I'd recommend upping your gauges to the following.

11-49 for the first 6 (DGCFAD), then throwing a .66 or .68 on the top for that low G. I personally use a .60 for Drop A, but since I stick to B Standard most of the time it works for me, if I were primarily in A, I'd be using a .62. But when I tune the low 7th to B1, it matches the tension of the Low E and works perfectly for that so I'd rather have it balanced out like that.

In fact, your current low string is mightly low in tension in comparison to your other strings. Your low A is something along the lines of 11lbs of tension, while your other 6 strings are around 16-17lbs.

.56 in A1 = 11.7lbs of Tension
.60 in A1 = 13.5lbs of Tension
.62 in A1 = 14.4lbs of Tension

.66 in G1 = 12.9lbs of Tension
.68 in G1 = 13.7lbs of Tension

You generally want the same tension across the board or at least something very close to the rest. Here's the tension calculation for the first 6 with the 11-52 set I recommended.

.49 in D2 = 15.6lbs of Tension - OR if you plan on tuning to Drop C AS WELL - .54 in C2 = 15.5lbs of Tension
.36 in G2 = 15.5lbs of Tension
.26 in C3 = 14.6lbs of Tension
.18 in F3 = 14.7lbs of Tension
.14 in A3 = 14.1lbs of Tension
.11 in D4 = 15.6lbs of Tension

This is simply the technical way of representing string tension, I honestly recommend grabbing a few sets of strings, and then ordering a slew of different low G string gauges so you can experiment. I experimented quite a bit before deciding on my .60 for B/A, hope this helped a bit! :D
 
Kenji, thanks for your reply.
Your replied contented so many useful information to me.
Thank you!
 
adamts said:
Kenji, thanks for your reply.
Your replied contented so many useful information to me.
Thank you!
Click to expand...

No problem bud! Also forgot to mention, you may have to drill the tuner for the low string a bit. I've been able to fit a .60 through my low B but I've often heard of people having trouble fitting anything larger in the low tuner. Fairly simply procedure as well, recommend doing it by removing the tuner from the headstock first as well.
 
I have a set of 10-48 in D-Standard for my JP12-6, they work great for me. I don't think anything larger that a .48 would fit in the nut slot without filing it some. I wasn't able to fit a .52 and I'm not about to file the nut to do so lol.
I took the top 3 from regular slinkies and bottom 3 from power slinkie btw.
 
I am wondering should i try d'addario 10-59 for the drop G tuning, according to BOO.
Or 11-49 for the D-standard + 59/60 for the low G.
Because i dont want to drill the tuner.
btw, lets say in 10-59 , hows the tension will be.

Thank you kenji and t_rod
 
That'd be on the low side, that's pretty wild that they use that in Drop G. I'd say give it a shot and see how it suits you! I think that 59 is below 10lbs of tension in G so you might run into some intonation issues. Everything else won't be too bad, but it isn't optimal for that tuning I'd say.
 
I use 10-62 Cobalt Slinky on my JP7 with drop A tuning and they're ok for me (didnt have to drill the tuner, but had to file the nut slot). I think they'd be a bit sloppy in drop G.
 
You do have a floating trem on that guitar.... On my JPXI7 I used a set of 9's with a .056 for the low string tuned a half step down. Most people would say that's too light a gauge but with a floating trem most strings feel similar when you adjust the springs. Personally had to use only two springs, but it worked fine. Most people use far too heavy strings IMHO:p
 
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