My Secret Method To Pick Guitar Strings For Down Tuning & Metal (It’s not what you think…)

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Today I'm showing you how to pick the right string gauges for down tuning using the simple string tension calculator from Stringjoy!

This method works for any tuning and really couldn't be easier!

#downtuning #droptuning #metalguitar
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[legoharry]

Stringjoy is the GOAT for strings. I've been using them exclusively since 2017 for all kinds of tunings and guitars.

[kennethfrazee]

I did go 9-42 in C# once and there it was, Master of Reality. Super slack strings sound so sick if u can stay in tune and learn to play them clean.

[josefk.]

Aside from loving Doom metal, and this channel - you have some of the most informative and well explained technique and general guitar information, period. 🤘🏽

[michaelorourke]

Thank you Steve, That's a great tool to use for getting the right strings for lower timings. Years ago When I started to tune to double drop F it was a struggle at first to get the right string gauge. Back then if i tried to ask someone at the guitar center for string advice they would look at me like I was insane.

[tito.tarantula]

Wow, this is brilliant. My journey into down-tunings is quite recent so this vid has been an absolute eye-opener. Thx so much.

[dukeofphale]

Great video. The stringjoy calculator is also useful for figuring out which strings to use if you want to experiment with unusual tunings. But you should probably warn people that going to that site can be a real rabbit hole experience if you want to find the 'perfect' set of strings for your guitar.

Quick note on the B-standard tuning - when you drop the tuning by five semitones you are basically shifting over one string (the A string drops to E, the D to A, etc.), so you should be mostly OK using a regular set of 9-42, but will still need a heavier string for the bottom. A set of strings for a seven string guitar is a good short cut (i.e., get the D'Addario 9-54 7 string set and save the 9 as a spare) if you want to experiment with a down tuning for the first time.

[jedmarsillo]

Always dropping knowledge on drop tunnings. We appreciate it. Thanks Steve 🤘

[Loki_FPV]

That's a really helpful resource. I both broke and dislocated the pointer finger on my fretting hand two years ago and I've been trying to find just the right strings to make playing less painful.

[sickaroony]

Damn, a string tension calculator. That's genius, thanks for the find!

[harleyray]

Really love Stringjoy and their calculator. I use them on my EGC baritone in G# standard. Perfect tension and feel without the strings feeling too flubby or too tight and they ring out perfectly. So much sustain.

[-processdrone-]

so it IS what I think.
When I found my first online string tension calculator it changed my life (albeit I had pretty good intuition it turned out)
Good advice, glad it's out there.

[AndrewWukusick]

This helped me so much. I love the feel of 10-52 in drop C# on 25.5", turns out it's around 112.3lbs, so I was able to get some strings to get that same tension for all my different tunings and guitars. Such a well made tool 👏

[chrispoints]

I stick to B/C/C# (and corresponding drop tunings) for most of my Doom/Stoner/Sludge. For my SG/Les Pauls I use Ernie Ball not even slinkys (12-56), they work incredibly well and have been my go to since EB started selling the set in the mid 2000s

[poyerdude]

For a guitar newb wanting to play heavy riffs you guys are great. Thanks for the info!

[johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

That is exactly the same website I used when I was doing that tuning of D# standard then you drop the lowest string all the way down to G#. It definitely helped.

[jamiebriggs]

That's amazing. I love Stringjoy - I use the "Balanced Super Light Plus" in standard tuning, on my gibson-length guitars. I didn't know they had this tool - not only will it let me get a matching set for my C# tuning, it will help me find a matching set for my fender scale length guitars.
I also use Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky for standard tuning, since I can get a 3-pack of those for the cost of 1 set of Stringjoy...but I do love the feel of the Stringjoy strings, especially the balanced sets, and the ability to order custom sets is great.

[_-Unity-_]

I remember you talking about this in your live stream. Cool to have a vid on it. Thanks

[thetonemob]

This is awesome Steve! This is a great tutorial for folks

[rickycompton]

Great informative video as always Steve especially for guitarist just beginning to down tune there guitar. You should do a video in the things involved in putting on thicker gauge string as in nut cutting extra I would make a great video.

[EricMerrow]

That is such a great tool to use! Thanks Steve!