CK string tension

[Metaldood19]

I'm planning on dropping to Drop G for the band i'm in. However, I'm torn between .166 at 36.5 and .174 at 39.3. I know the tension needs to be around 35-45 however, I'm concerned as to whether or not the tension at 39.3 will be too tight with the .174 set as well as whether it will be too loose with the 36.5 on the .166 set. Any insight or experience with these tensions?

 

[tylerwylie]

Circle K's are quite flexible, err on the side of more tension in this kind of situation. Right hand technique also comes into play. Are you bashing the string with a pick, using some light finger style, combination of both?

Just remember, for reference, that the D'Addario .080 tuned to A is about 42 lbs of tension. And made out of a stiffer hex core.

D'Addario .105 at E is 40 lbs of tension.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

As strings get thicker and you start playing lower, I find that I prefer higher tension, even if it means being a bit unbalanced with the rest of the strings.

I would go with the .174 or .182. I use a .166 for A/Ab.

 

[Metaldood19]

I play fingerstyle exclusively

 

[ixlramp]

I know the tension needs to be around 35-45

Well that is stated on the CK chart but if you have a very light touch you can practically go as low as 30 pounds (extra-light tension and this is the CKS recmmended minimum), and some people like to use 50 pounds (heavy tension). 40 pounds is not tight, that's medium tension, 35 pounds is medium-light. I recommend matching the tension of the set to your favourite E string tension. Unless you have a light touch i recommend starting with a 40 pound set. Remember the higher strings will be at the same tension as the lowest, so compared to the average unbalanced traditional set (which has tension rising from low to high) the high strings will seem fairly loose.