String Tension Super Thread (Got a string question? Post it here!)

[vkw619]

Hey guys, I just recently got an 8 string and have been messing around with tunings and I just can't get a set of strings that isn't way to tight or too loose so I'd love some help.

Guitar : Ibanez 8 String Iron Label
Scale: 27 Inch
Desired tunings: Ranging from FB♭E♭A♭d♭g♭b♭e♭ - FCFB♭E♭AbCF
Current set (Mainly tune to FCF tuning) : .010 .013 .017 .030w .042w .054w .064w .074w

Problems I'm facing - The .74 is just too damn loose at F so I won't even dare try drop E (even though I want to) but everything else just feels WAY to tight. Any suggestions? I have no idea what I am doing in this department so ANY help would be nice.

I love the strings I use on my 6 string as far as tension which are as follows

Scale: 25.5
Tuning: Ranging from Drop C#-E Standard
Strings: D'Addario Jazz Light - .12 - .52

I adore those strings and that tension just seems to work the best from what I have been doing. So please if anyone can help me figure out the whole tension calculator and what set would be best.

I really want to do an .80 for the F mainly due to everyone seeming to think thats the universal best gauge for 8 strings at my scale length.

On my 7 string I have a .10 - .59 (25.5 Scale) and I really am liking that but I'm afraid to just throw an 80 on that set on an 8 because I feel like it would just throw my neck out of wack or something.


Sorry for the extremely long post but I'm really not sure where to go from here.

Thanks all!

 

[ShadowImage]

Hello, Unfortunately the string calculator plug in wouldn't load for me.
I have a B.C. Rich Bich Perfect 10 (neckthrough) which has a 24-5/8” scale with 24 frets and octave strings much like a 12 string guitar except the two lowest toned strings are singles.
I tune down 2 steps, to C and use a capo when I need to adjust, anyways my tuning is:

C4,C4 (matched)
G3,G4 (octave)
Eb3,Eb4 (octave)
Bb2.Bb3 (octave)
F2 (single)
C2 (single

My trouble is that the G4 string is quite high as you can imagine and has a tendency to break, thus the reason I use such low tuning to begin with. I am completely unable to use a C5 because it would just be far too thin and delicate although I would like to if it were possible.
Can anyone recommend what string gauges I should use? Obviously buying sets of strings for this set up is rather tricky and most of the “guitar techs” at retail stores just aren’t much help.
Thanks!

TLDR: What strings should I use for C5, G4, Eb4, Bb3, F2, C2? On a 24-5/8” scale neck?

 

[Devyn Eclipse Nav]

Even with a 12 string you don't do octaved strings past the G string, after that it's all just unison.

So honestly, I'd not worry about that, and maybe just drop the G down to unison, too, if it's still giving you problems. You'll still get a unique sound, just without the high G

 

[ShadowImage]

Good point... may try that. I would really like to keep the G4 though it may be impractical.

 

[OmegaSlayer]

Mmkai...so I went to the music store, asked for a cable and a set of 8 strings D'Addario .09 - .65 and went to check other things.
Purchased a classical guitar, got back to the counter, paid, took my plastic bag with stuff and got home.
When I took the strings out of the bag, WOW, Ernie Ball .10-.75
Despite the fact that I prefer D'Addario, I use my guitars in E standard and it would really annoy me to tune the RG2228 in D.
Music store is not near and I don't have much time to go, so I'll use those anyway.
What do you think if I tune a 27" in E with the .10-.75?
I don't expect to bend the E string at all but what other negatives will I face?

 

[Winspear]

Good point... may try that. I would really like to keep the G4 though it may be impractical.

G4 should be perfectly safe at that scale length. Check around the nut, tuner and bridge for any sharp area you can soften. You really should be able to tune to G# on that scale length without breakage. The gauge does not make much difference because although thicker means more tension, it is also stronger proportional to taking that tension. An 008 gauge will feel regular in G on that scale.
However, tuning to unison is a nice idea too. Personally I really like tuning 12 strings that way rather than the typical G4 on the 3rd string that they have.

 

[ElectroThrashFunk]

So, what do you think about this Circle K set:

Seven String Guitar Set - .009 to .067 --Xtra Light top
.067 .051 .035 .025 .017p .013p .009p
A E A D G B E

for a 26.5" Blackjack SLS C-7?

(I'm new to the guitar, and got an SGR C-7 that will be returned tomorrow to GC when my Blackjack gets here...
I had the "luthier" at GC throw on a set of D'Addario 10-59's with the cheap SGR setup before I brought it home, and as a guitar beginner I'm not getting the bending range I'd like on the high E right out of the gate... just tough it out with the set of EB 10-46's like comes from Schecter on the Blackjack + change out the 56 for a 64, 66, 68, 70??? for standard with Drop A, or does this Circle K set sound like it makes more sense?)

Thanks in advance.
(& I'm new to guitar but have a lifetime of classical music/14 years of theory classes/electric cello experience/etc.)

 

[AJS]

Anybody mind recommending a good, balanced set for a 7 string with a 26.5 inch scale in standard tuning ranging from 8.5 to 74? I am also wondering if such a large gap would cause significant complications.

 

[Alfrer]

Hey guys, I'm having some problems with my RG8. Got some new set of strings (ernie ball 8 set 010 - 013 - 017 - 030w - 042w - 054w - 064w - 074w) and totally lost at the string setting. It's all buzzy and shit. I even worked on the truss rod a bit(turned 1/4 to right), still buzzy as hell. Any suggestions?

 

[rockskate4x]

Anybody mind recommending a good, balanced set for a 7 string with a 26.5 inch scale in standard tuning ranging from 8.5 to 74? I am also wondering if such a large gap would cause significant complications.

That's quite the tension gap to fill. Here is my best shot:
len 26.5
E4 .0085 dapl == 12.66#
B3 .012 dapl == 14.15#
G3 .016 dapl == 15.85#
D3 .028 danw == 23.01#
A2 .039 danw == 24.59#
E2 .054 danw == 26.12#
B1 .074 danw == 27.42#

Honestly I think it's too tight on the bottom. Not because it would be dangerous for the guitar, but because those strings will be really choked/bassy sounding on the bottom. If you want light top/heavy bottom for that guitar i'd do something more like this:

E4 .0085 dapl == 12.66#
B3 .012 dapl == 14.15#
G3 .016 dapl == 15.85#
D3 .026 danw == 19.88#
A2 .036 danw == 21.1#
E2 .049 danw == 21.25#
B1 .066 danw == 22.15#

This still get's you jeff loomis-worthy tension on the bottom, which is plenty for anybody (too much for most)

 

[rockskate4x]

So, what do you think about this Circle K set:

Seven String Guitar Set - .009 to .067 --Xtra Light top
.067 .051 .035 .025 .017p .013p .009p
A E A D G B E

for a 26.5" Blackjack SLS C-7?

(I'm new to the guitar, and got an SGR C-7 that will be returned tomorrow to GC when my Blackjack gets here...
I had the "luthier" at GC throw on a set of D'Addario 10-59's with the cheap SGR setup before I brought it home, and as a guitar beginner I'm not getting the bending range I'd like on the high E right out of the gate... just tough it out with the set of EB 10-46's like comes from Schecter on the Blackjack + change out the 56 for a 64, 66, 68, 70??? for standard with Drop A, or does this Circle K set sound like it makes more sense?)

Thanks in advance.
(& I'm new to guitar but have a lifetime of classical music/14 years of theory classes/electric cello experience/etc.)

len 26.5
E4 .009 ckplg == 14.25#
B3 .013 ckplg == 16.69#
G3 .017 ckplg == 17.97#
D3 .025 ckwng == 21.34#
A2 .035 ckwng == 21.93#
E2 .051 ckwng == 25.33#
A1 .067 ckwng == 19.16#

I think there are a few odd things about this set for what you are looking for. I don't care for the .009, .013, .017 series of strings unless you are trying to bridge the gap between a loose E4 and a tight D3. If you liked the way that your middle wounds felt, you really don't need to go tighter. I'd keep the light strings more consistent, scale back the middle wounds so that they feel like the middle strings on your current set. The .067 should match these nicely

len 26.5
E4 .009 ckplg == 14.25#
B3 .012 ckplg == 14.22#
G3 .016 ckplg == 15.92#
D3 .024 ckwng == 19.6#
A2 .033 ckwng == 19.65#
E2 .045 ckwng == 20.01#
A1 .067 ckwng == 19.16#

 

[TheWarAgainstTime]

So, what do you think about this Circle K set:

Seven String Guitar Set - .009 to .067 --Xtra Light top
.067 .051 .035 .025 .017p .013p .009p
A E A D G B E

for a 26.5" Blackjack SLS C-7?

(I'm new to the guitar, and got an SGR C-7 that will be returned tomorrow to GC when my Blackjack gets here...
I had the "luthier" at GC throw on a set of D'Addario 10-59's with the cheap SGR setup before I brought it home, and as a guitar beginner I'm not getting the bending range I'd like on the high E right out of the gate... just tough it out with the set of EB 10-46's like comes from Schecter on the Blackjack + change out the 56 for a 64, 66, 68, 70??? for standard with Drop A, or does this Circle K set sound like it makes more sense?)

Thanks in advance.
(& I'm new to guitar but have a lifetime of classical music/14 years of theory classes/electric cello experience/etc.)

Is it just the higher register that you're having trouble bending with? If so, that Circle K set would be good, but you'd likely have to replace the 13 and 17 with a 12 and 16, respectively to keep the same feel as the 9 on the high E.

If you don't want to mess around with getting single strings and are willing to tough it out on the high strings, I'd check out LaBella's 10-64 and 10-70 sets. They're both exactly the same as a normal set of 10's, but with the added 64 or 70 on the bottom, both of which will handle drop A far better than the 56 or 59 on most sets.

I use the 10-70 set and swap the 46 for a 49 in drop A, but I like a bit more tension on the bass side you'd likely fare well with the 10-64 set.

They also have a 9-64 set if you'd rather have the light top end, but the same 4th through 7th strings of the 10-64 set

 

[sephimetal]

Quick question...

Ibanez RGD421 26.5" Scale

Strings: Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky

13 18 30 44 56 72

For a Standard B tuning, will work? or too streched?

 

[rockskate4x]

Quick question...

Ibanez RGD421 26.5" Scale

Strings: Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky

13 18 30 44 56 72

For a Standard B tuning, will work? or too streched?

It works if you like it, but i think 30 lbs of tension on a single string is way more than plenty

len 26.5
B3 .013 dapl == 16.61#
F3# .017 dapl == 15.94#
D3 .030 danw == 27.04#
A2 .044 danw == 30.97#
E2 .056 danw == 28.46#
B1 .072 danw == 26.1#

This set should feel like 10-46 tuned to E standard on your daddy's telecaster, so I think it would be a good starting point.
len 26.5
B3 .013 dapl == 16.61#
F3# .017 dapl == 15.94#
D3 .025 danw == 18.45#
A2 .034 danw == 19.01#
E2 .046 danw == 18.88#
B1 .059 danw == 17.8#

It's super easy to build and buy custom sets like this at D'Addario XL Nickel Wound Guitar Singles & Build your own String Set!

 

[sephimetal]

It works if you like it, but i think 30 lbs of tension on a single string is way more than plenty

len 26.5
B3 .013 dapl == 16.61#
F3# .017 dapl == 15.94#
D3 .030 danw == 27.04#
A2 .044 danw == 30.97#
E2 .056 danw == 28.46#
B1 .072 danw == 26.1#

This set should feel like 10-46 tuned to E standard on your daddy's telecaster, so I think it would be a good starting point.
len 26.5
B3 .013 dapl == 16.61#
F3# .017 dapl == 15.94#
D3 .025 danw == 18.45#
A2 .034 danw == 19.01#
E2 .046 danw == 18.88#
B1 .059 danw == 17.8#

It's super easy to build and buy custom sets like this at D'Addario XL Nickel Wound Guitar Singles & Build your own String Set!

What about:

13 17 30 42 54 64
or
13 17 28 38 48 60

???

I'm looking for something more tight, like a 11-50 set tuned to E on a stratocaster

 

[TheWarAgainstTime]

I'm looking for something more tight, like a 11-50 set tuned to E on a stratocaster

Taking into account the scale length of the RGD, which adds about 1 pound of tension compared to a standard scale, I'd go with 13, 17, 28, 38, 48 or 49, 64

 

[rockskate4x]

What about:

13 17 30 42 54 64
or
13 17 28 38 48 60

???

I'm looking for something more tight, like a 11-50 set tuned to E on a stratocaster

len 26.5
B3 .0135 dapl == 17.91#
F3# .018 dapl == 17.87#
D3 .026 danw == 19.88#
A2 .036 danw == 21.1#
E2 .049 danw == 21.25#
B1 .064 danw == 20.79#

here ya go

 

[Nag]

I usually never need this thread because I know my tension stuff pretty well, but I got hit with some serious WTF just now.

I have an Ibanez RG827 (premium 7-string RG, edge zero-ii trem) and a Jackson Stars RR-J2SP (same specs as Jackson RR24, 6-string, schaller floyd).

The Ibanez is set up in standard tuning with 9-12-16-26-36-48-62 strings (Ernie Ball mixed with Skull Strings) and the Jackson is in drop C# with 10-14-18-28-38-56 Elixir strings.

I threw all this in the String Tension Calculator and turns out, the strings on the Jackson have slightly more tension. BUT BUT BUT they feel a lot easier to play... at least to trempick black metal style stuff on. It's less tiring on my picking hand, the strings feel like they resist less (on the Ibanez I have to push harder with my wrist, which is very tiring when trempicking fast chords). How is that possible ? why does it play easier if the strings are tighter ?

Now apparently there's "perceived tension", and I wanna know if someone can explain me WTF is going on here. the only major differences I can see between both guitars is, not the same trem system, and the Ibanez is a 7-string (but I don't see how that would affect this here issue). string brand ? elixirs being more flexible than EBs ?

so yeah, any info is welcome.

 

[Devyn Eclipse Nav]

My best guess for that is that, because the strings are tighter, they are less likely to give into the pick before the pick goes through it, meaning you're pushing the string sideways a lot less before it actually sounds, meaning you don't have to put as much effort into it.

 

[pantsaregood]

Trying to find a set that feels balanced on my 25.5 inch 7 string.

Currently I use 10/13/17p/26w/36/46/62 tuned to B standard. No significant problems, but I can only bend the high E string up by one step. I want to try something that's a bit more well-balanced on the heavier strings, but I also want to be able to bend my thinner strings. I was thinking of something like 9/11/16p/26w/36/48/64. My question ultimately comes down to this: will I be able to bend with greater ease using these gauges? Is it dangerous for my neck to have a relatively high amount of tension on the heavier strings, and comparatively less on the smallest three?

Also, would a 12 work better than an 11 in this context? The 11 only have 11 lbs of tension, while a 9 at E has 13.1 lbs and a 16 at G has 14.7 lbs.