Bass string gauge for drop D
Drop D on bass (D A D G) lowers only the 4th string, from E1 to D1 (36.7 Hz). With a D'Addario EXL170 (.045–.100) at 34″, that .100 loses 20.6% of its tension: from 36.5 lb (16.6 kg) to 29.0 lb (13.2 kg). The set as a whole loses just 4.4%.
Drop D from a .045–.100 bass set at 34″
Tension of each EXL170 string in drop D and the D'Addario chart gauge closest to its E-standard tension.
| String | Note | Tension with current string (kg) | Suggested | Suggested tension (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G2 | 19.4 | .045w | 19.4 |
| 2 | D2 | 23.3 | .065w | 23.3 |
| 3 | A1 | 19.1 | .080w | 19.1 |
| 4 | D1 | 13.2 | .110w | 16.7 |
How to use it
- The page opens on the electric bass, with Drop D as the new tuning and the EXL170 (.045–.100) as the reference set.
- Change the reference set to the one you play in E standard.
- Set the scale length: 34″ by default, 35″ if your bass is longer.
- Only the 4th row changes: compare Tension with current string with Suggested tension.
Help and explanations
The calculator keeps the other three strings and suggests a .110 for the low D, which gives 36.7 lb (16.7 kg), the same tension the .100 had in E per the D'Addario chart.
Who uses drop D on bass
Drop D gives a 4-string a low D for rock and metal riffs played with the guitarist in drop D, and a deep root for songs in D in any style. Many players flip into it mid-song with a drop tuner key such as Hipshot's Bass Xtender, so the string has to work in both E and D.
Do you need a heavier string?
If you stay in drop D, a .110 restores the tension exactly. If you switch back and forth, a .105 is the middle ground: 32.0 lb (14.5 kg) in D, about 12% under the target, and a little tight in E. D'Addario's EXL165 (.045 .065 .085 .105) is a common pick for that reason.
Keeping the .100 is fine for a lot of players: 13.2 kg still feels firm on a 34″ neck with a lighter touch. On a 35″ bass a .105 in D gives 33.9 lb (15.4 kg).
Nut and intonation
A .110 is 2.79 mm wide against 2.54 mm for the .100, so the 4th-string slot often needs a light pass; a string that binds there makes the drop tuner key land off pitch. Move the saddle back a little for the heavier string and check the octave at the 12th fret.
Tips
- With a drop key, tune E first, then set the stop on D with the drop D bass tuner.
- Low notes read more steadily on the strobe tuner.
- After a new low string, check intonation with the intonation checker.
- Compare full sets with the string tension calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What gauge bass strings for drop D?
On a 34″ bass, keep .045 .065 .080 and use a .110 on the low D: 36.7 lb (16.7 kg), matching a .100 in E per the D'Addario chart.
Do I need new strings for drop D on bass?
No. Only the 4th string changes, dropping from 36.5 lb (16.6 kg) to 29.0 lb (13.2 kg). If it feels floppy, swap just that string.
Is a .105 enough for drop D?
It's the usual compromise: 32.0 lb (14.5 kg) in D, about 12% looser than the target, and it still plays well back in E.
Does drop D hurt the bass neck?
No: total tension goes down 4.4%. At most, relief changes slightly; check the action after a few days.