Bass strings for drop C
Drop C on bass (C G C F) takes the G, D and A strings down a whole step and the E down four half steps, to C1 (32.7 Hz). With a D'Addario EXL170 (.045–.100) at 34″, strings 1–3 lose 20.6% and the .100 loses 37%: from 36.5 lb (16.6 kg) to 23.0 lb (10.4 kg). The whole set drops from 172.8 lb (78.4 kg) to 131.2 lb (59.5 kg).
Drop C from a .045–.100 bass set at 34″
Tension of each EXL170 string in drop C and the D'Addario chart gauge closest to its E-standard tension.
| String | Note | Tension with current string (kg) | Suggested | Suggested tension (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F2 | 15.4 | .050w | 19.2 |
| 2 | C2 | 18.5 | .075w | 24.4 |
| 3 | G1 | 15.1 | .090w | 19.6 |
| 4 | C1 | 10.4 | .125w | 16.0 |
How to use it
- The page opens on the electric bass, with Drop C as the new tuning and the EXL170 (.045–.100) as the reference set.
- Change the reference set to the one you like in E standard (45–105, 50–105...).
- Set the scale length: 34″ for most basses, 35″ for many 5-strings, 30″–32″ for short scales.
- Read the loss in Tension with current string and the gauge in Suggested; Copy suggested set keeps the list for the store.
Help and explanations
The calculator uses your E-standard set as the target and picks the closest bass string in the D'Addario chart. From the EXL170 it suggests .050 .075 .090 .125: 174.6 lb (79.2 kg), 1% over the original.
Who uses drop C on bass
If the guitarist plays drop C, the bass follows: metalcore, post-hardcore, nu-metal and heavy rock bands live here. On a 4-string it keeps the one-finger fifths of drop D with a deeper floor, without moving to a 5-string.
Which strings to buy
The low C is the problem. A heavier regular set doesn't solve it: D'Addario's EXL160 (.050–.105) totals 154.1 lb (69.9 kg) in drop C, 11% under the target, and its .105 gives the C only 25.4 lb (11.5 kg). You need a .125 (35.2 lb, 16.0 kg) or a .130 (38.7 lb, 17.5 kg), sold as singles or in drop-tuning bass sets.
Scale helps: a .125 on a 35″ bass in C1 reaches 37.3 lb (16.9 kg). On the top three strings, going up one or two sizes (.050, .070–.075, .090) restores the feel.
Nut, tuner post and bridge
A .125 is 3.18 mm thick against 2.54 mm for the .100, so the 4th-string nut slot has to be widened, and on some basses the string won't fit the tuner post hole or the bridge saddle without a tapered end: check before you cut it. The heavier strings also need the saddles moved back for intonation, and the restored tension brings back the relief you had in E, so recheck the truss rod and action.
Tips
- Cut the .125 with enough length for two or three wraps on the post; too many wraps of a thick string won't fit.
- Tune each string with the drop C bass tuner; the low C1 reads more steadily on the strobe tuner.
- Set the intonation of each new string with the intonation checker.
- Compare two bass sets with the string tension calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What gauge bass strings for drop C?
On a 34″ 4-string, .050 .075 .090 .125 keeps the tension of a .045–.100 in E standard (174.6 lb, 79.2 kg, per the D'Addario chart). The key is the .125 on the low C.
Can I play drop C with standard bass strings?
It tunes, but the .100 falls to 23.0 lb (10.4 kg), 37% looser than in E. It flaps, buzzes and loses focus; most players change at least the low string.
What gauge for drop C sharp on bass?
For C♯1 at 34″, a .120 matches a .100 in E (36.0 lb, 16.3 kg). The other three strings need about one size heavier than standard.
Should I use a 5-string instead?
A 5-string in standard tuning already has the low C on the 1st fret of the B string. Tuning a .130 B up to C raises it from 34.5 lb (15.6 kg) to 38.7 lb (17.5 kg), which most basses handle fine.