What gauge strings for downtuned guitar?

amos · #1 02-20-2008, 12:12 AM

I recently picked up my trusty lefty les paul since I got my amp working again...the strings on it are ancient. I'm wondering what gauge strings is best for downtuning (d and c standard)? I'm assumig heavier = better.

meev992 · #2 02-20-2008, 12:55 AM

.110 power slinkys.

amos · #3 02-20-2008, 01:00 AM

not bass. guitar. hence posted in the misc. forum.

meev992 · #4 02-20-2008, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amos

not bass. guitar. hence posted in the misc. forum.

my bad.

bump.

69nites · #5 02-20-2008, 01:09 AM

lite top heavy bottoms

or 11's for a more uniform feel.

amos · #6 02-20-2008, 02:37 AM

okay this is a very dumb question but can some one tell me how "10s" or "11s" correspond to medium, heavy, etc.? my guitarist uses 10 bottoms and 9 tops.

meev992 · #7 02-20-2008, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amos

okay this is a very dumb question but can some one tell me how "10s" or "11s" correspond to medium, heavy, etc.? my guitarist uses 10 bottoms and 9 tops.

You pose a good question. Generally this is talking about matching sets.

bassman1185 · #8 02-20-2008, 09:00 AM

I'd second the Ernie Ball Skinny Top, Heavy Bottoms. I've worked with a few guitarists that use those for tuning low, and they always seem to work pretty well.

bryan bailey · #9 02-20-2008, 09:21 AM

I'd suggest .12 or .13 gauges.

69nites · #10 02-20-2008, 04:49 PM

12s and 13s are rediculously hard to bend even downtuned

8's are super lights

9's are lights

10's are regular or mediums

11's are heavys or medium heavys

12+ are extra heavy

ernie balls are good strings but they break like crazy I wouldn't recomend them if you don't plan on changing strings often or you use a trem often.

DRs are high quality strings that will last. D'Adarios are cheap strings that will last.