Strings for D standard tuning
D standard (D G C F A D) drops all six strings a whole step. Frequency falls to 89%, and since tension follows its square, every string loses 20.6%. On a .010–.046 at 25.5″ the set goes from 103.6 lb (47.0 kg) to 82.2 lb (37.3 kg), and the low D sits at 13.9 lb (6.3 kg).
D standard from a .010–.046 at 25.5″
Tension of each EXL110 string a whole step down and the D'Addario chart gauge closest to its E-standard tension.
| String | Note | Tension with current string (kg) | Suggested | Suggested tension (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D4 | 5.8 | .011 | 7.1 |
| 2 | A3 | 5.5 | .015 | 7.4 |
| 3 | F3 | 6.0 | .019 | 7.5 |
| 4 | C3 | 6.6 | .030w | 9.0 |
| 5 | G2 | 7.0 | .042w | 9.5 |
| 6 | D2 | 6.3 | .052w | 7.9 |
How to use it
- The page opens on the electric guitar, with Whole step down as the new tuning and the EXL110 (.010–.046) as the reference set.
- Choose the reference set you like in E standard.
- Enter your scale length: 24.75″ loses about 6% more tension than 25.5″ with the same strings.
- Compare Tension with current string with Suggested tension, then tap Copy suggested set.
Help and explanations
The calculator keeps the tension of your E-standard set as the target and picks, from the D'Addario chart, the closest gauge of the same construction. From an EXL110 it suggests .011 .015 .019 .030 .042 .052: 106.5 lb (48.3 kg), 3% over the original.
Who tunes a whole step down
D standard is the darker cousin of E♭: doom, stoner and sludge, a lot of 90s grunge and heavy hard rock live here. It is also the easy fix for singers who want a song two half steps lower without learning new shapes, and it suits acoustic players who like a looser, warmer feel.
Which set to buy
11–52 packs come closest to the suggestion. Among D'Addario's sets, an EXL115 (.011–.049) tuned to D totals 94.1 lb (42.7 kg), 9% under the target, and an EXL117 (.011–.056) 112.1 lb (50.9 kg), 8% over. The 10–52 EXL140 lands at 96.5 lb (43.8 kg) but leaves strings 1–3 21% slacker than in E.
Per string, the suggested set stays within 8% of the target: the .015, .030 and .042 run a little tight, the .011 a little loose. If bends feel stiff, keep your .010 on top; the table shows exactly what each choice costs.
Nut, neck and intonation
Going from .046 to .052 (1.17 to 1.32 mm) and from .036 to .042 usually means the two lowest slots need a light pass. With the tension restored, relief comes back to where it was in E; if you stay on the old set, the neck may straighten and buzz, so a small truss rod tweak is common. Re-check the octave at the 12th fret: heavier wound strings move the saddle back.
Tips
- Want E-standard feel with your current pack? Go up about one gauge per string: a 10–46 in E feels like an 11–52 in D.
- Tune with the D standard tuner; it shows D G C F A D in order.
- Check intonation string by string with the intonation checker.
- Compare full sets with the string tension calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What string gauge for D standard?
At 25.5″, .011 .015 .019 .030 .042 .052 keeps the tension of a .010–.046 in E (106.5 lb, 48.3 kg in total, per the D'Addario chart). Off the shelf, 11–52 packs are the closest.
Can I use 10–46 for D standard?
Yes, if you like a slinky feel: the set drops to 82.2 lb (37.3 kg), 21% looser, and the low D to 13.9 lb (6.3 kg). Expect more buzz under a heavy pick.
What gauge for D standard at 24.75″?
On a Les Paul-style scale, a 10–46 in D totals only 77.4 lb (35.1 kg). To match a 10–46 in E at 25.5″, the D'Addario chart gives .0115 .015 .020 .030 .042 .054.
Is D standard the same as drop D?
No. Drop D lowers only the 6th string; D standard lowers all six a whole step, so every string needs about 12% more gauge to keep its tension.