Good strings for playing 1/2 step down?

[JUSTINKP]

I mostly play in 1/2 step down tuning, with a couple songs Drop D in my band. I've found that the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkies I'm using now (Medium Gauge) are a little flimsy in these tunings. Would going to a heavy gauge help?

Also any other suggestions on strings and gauges for these tunings? I need something that will sound decent in standard tuning once in a while too as I use standard tuning for my Church Band when I fill in once or twice a month.

 

[Coughdrops]

Yes, heavier gauge strings will help with the detuning. Just be aware that when you go back to standard tuning that the tension will be much higher. Though my thought is, why not learn your church material with the 1/2 step down tuning? Might take some getting used to, especially if you read music, but then you can worry about one set of strings at the right tension at your normal tuning. Kind of like starting a game of chess with the the back row pieces in random order. Takes getting used to but is great for learning the game.

 

[darkstorm]

Yeah, try the next gauge up. The power slinkies.

 

[knuckle_head]

A good D string is .110 to .115 - I recommend my .112 string/sets when asked.