String gauge for drop D
Drop D (D A D G B E) changes a single string: the 6th goes a whole step down, from E2 to D2 (73.4 Hz). The other five keep their tension, but the low string loses 20.6% of it. On a .010–.046 at 25.5″ the .046 drops from 17.5 lb (7.9 kg) to 13.9 lb (6.3 kg), and the whole set only 3.5%.
Drop D from a .010–.046 at 25.5″
Tension of each EXL110 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 | E4 | 7.4 | .010 | 7.4 |
| 2 | B3 | 7.0 | .013 | 7.0 |
| 3 | G3 | 7.5 | .017 | 7.5 |
| 4 | D3 | 8.3 | .026w | 8.3 |
| 5 | A2 | 8.9 | .036w | 8.9 |
| 6 | D2 | 6.3 | .052w | 7.9 |
How to use it
- The page opens on the electric guitar, with Drop D as the new tuning and the EXL110 (.010–.046) as the reference set.
- Choose the reference set you play in E standard; the target follows it.
- Check the scale length: 25.5″ (Strat, Tele) or 24.75″ (Les Paul, SG).
- Only the 6th row changes: Tension with current string shows the loss and Suggested the low string to buy. Tap Copy suggested set to keep the list.
Help and explanations
The calculator takes your E-standard set as the target. From an EXL110 it keeps .010 .013 .017 .026 .036 and suggests a .052 for the 6th, which in D gives 17.5 lb (7.9 kg): the same tension the .046 had in E, per the D'Addario chart.
Who uses drop D
Drop D is the gateway down-tuning: one-finger power chords on the bottom three strings, a low D under open chords, and riffs from grunge, alt-metal and nu-metal (Rage Against the Machine's “Killing in the Name” is the textbook example). Fingerstyle and folk players use it for a deep bass note in the key of D.
Do you need new strings?
Usually not. Most players keep their regular set and live with a slightly looser low D. If it flaps under a hard pick attack, swap only the 6th string: a .049 recovers half the loss at 15.6 lb (7.1 kg), a .052 all of it.
10–52 packs (“light top, heavy bottom”, such as D'Addario's EXL140) are sold for drop D, and their .052 does fix the 6th. But they also put a .030 and a .042 on the 4th and 5th, which reach 25.0 and 26.3 lb (11.4 and 11.9 kg) against 18.4 and 19.5 lb (8.3 and 8.9 kg) on an EXL110: those strings get about 35% stiffer even though their pitch didn't change.
Nut, tremolo and intonation
A .052 is 1.32 mm wide against 1.17 mm for the .046, so the 6th-string slot may need a light pass with a nut file. Move that saddle back a little and check the octave at the 12th fret.
On a Floyd Rose or another floating bridge, dropping the 6th takes pull off the bridge, the springs tilt it back and the other five strings go sharp. Either retune in rounds or fit a drop-D lever such as the EVH D-Tuna. With a .052 the bridge balance barely changes, because the low string keeps its tension.
Tips
- Switch between E and D a lot? A heavier 6th (.049) is the compromise: a bit tight in E, still firm in D.
- Tune the low D against the open 4th string an octave up, or use the drop D tuner.
- After a new 6th string, check intonation with the intonation checker.
- See the tension of the whole set with the string tension calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Are 10–46 strings good for drop D?
Yes for most players. Only the .046 changes, dropping from 17.5 lb (7.9 kg) to 13.9 lb (6.3 kg), 21% looser. The other five strings are untouched.
What gauge low E for drop D?
To keep the tension of a .046 in E at 25.5″, use a .052 (17.5 lb, 7.9 kg in D, per the D'Addario chart). A .049 is the middle ground at 15.6 lb (7.1 kg).
Are 10–52 strings better for drop D?
They fix the 6th string but also make the 4th and 5th about 35% stiffer than a 10–46. If you only want a firmer low D, buy a 10–46 and a single .052.
What about drop D on a Les Paul?
At 24.75″ the .046 in D gives 13.1 lb (5.9 kg). A .052 brings it to 16.4 lb (7.5 kg), the same as a .046 in E on that scale.