Finding The Perfect Guitar Strings Every Single Time

Use "KEYAN" to get 10% OFF at checkout: www.thestringsource.com/
⚫Patreon: / keyanhoushmandlive
Thanks for watching!
Today we're going to be looking at string gauges. God help me.
⚫SUPERCHARGE YOUR BASS TONE AND MIX WITH SUBMISSION AUDIO
bit.ly/2M6afFd
DJINNBASS
bit.ly/2ZyKDE1
PUNKBASS
bit.ly/2NDUp4Y
FLATLINE
bit.ly/2NFTDEy
EUROBASS
bit.ly/3pzoOPk
DOUBLE TAP
bit.ly/3loq2h0
GROVEBASS
bit.ly/3loyIE2
⚫Socials
Instagram: / keyanhoushmandlive
Facebook Page: / keyanhoushmandlive
⚫My Gear
-GUITARS-
- Jackson Juggernaut HT6 USA Laguna Burst: imp.i114863.net/ZnY1X
- Jackson Juggernaut HT7 USA Amber Tiger Eye: imp.i114863.net/X02AX
- Jackson Juggernaut HT6QM Pro Series Chlorine Burst: imp.i114863.net/BmRJy
- Jackson Juggernaut ET6 Evertune: imp.i114863.net/DVBNvd
- Jackson Juggernaut ET7 Evertune: imp.i114863.net/jWnZDZ
- Taylor 214 CE DLX: imp.i114863.net/LPgNMY
-GUITAR ACCESSORIES-
- Dunlop Jazz Flow 0.88mm Picks: imp.i114863.net/kDJXL
- The String Source Emerald, Amber, Topaz, Diamond Drop Set Strings
- GruvGear Fret Wrap Small: imp.i114863.net/GPRBm
- GruvGear Fret Wrap Medium: imp.i114863.net/Vz2eO
- Bare Knuckle Pickups Juggernauts
- Bare Knuckle Pickups Ragnaroks
- Bare Knuckle Pickups Piledrivers
- Bare Knuckle Pickups Polymaths
-AMPS/PEDALS-
- Neural DSP Quad Cortex: imp.i114863.net/kjVqrd
- Polytune 3 Pedal: imp.i114863.net/LARqM
-STUDIO GEAR-
- Sennheiser HD650 Headphones: imp.i114863.net/a1PXMM
Radial JDI Passive Direct Box: imp.i114863.net/vGxZe
- Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen Interface: imp.i114863.net/52132
- FL Studio 20: imp.i114863.net/OVyQW
- Alesis 49 Key MIDI Keyboard: imp.i114863.net/N12DV
- Mogami XLR 3ft: imp.i114863.net/KayLN
- D'Addario Guitar Cable: imp.i114863.net/avrmR
⚫Massive thanks to all patrons for supporting me! / keyanhoushmandlive
⚫Video Gear
- Sony A6400
- SLIK 500G-7 Tripod
- Rode VideoPro Mic

[@KeyanHoushmandLive]

Thank you for watching! The current string gauges that I use are: Drop C 25.5": String Source Emerald Drop 6 11-60 Drop Ab 26.5": String Source Topaz Drop 7 10-72 Drop D/FACGCE 25.5": String Source Amber 6: 10.5-58 Drop D# 30" Baritone: String Source Custom Set 15-80 Use "KEYAN" to get 10% OFF at checkout: www.thestringsource.com/

[@disforia1]

Looks like you use kinda heavy bottom strings. What thickness of a pick do you use? I get away with thin strings using thin picks and this sounds best for me. Espcially 10-56 for drop A on 25.5"-27" multiscale with a 0.73 tortex pick

[@mattlombardi54]

Late to the party but I just purchased two sets of the emerald drop c, I can’t wait to try a custom set of my own for my 28” scale Ibanez.

[@mattlombardi54]

@@disforia1 I personally use a really thick pick, not something that comes standard from most pick companies. It’s kind of like a plectrum but it’s made by Iron Age guitar picks. It was a limited run of custom picks to celebrate the release of doom eternal 😂

[@tbnbfm8089]

Keyan can you do a video for action height?

[@soysauce9296]

@Itamar Shoshan it only seems like "heavy bottom" b/c string companies have NEVER properly made string sets for Drop tunings, and often make the higher strings thicker than they need to. I use a set of 11, 15, 20w, 30, 40, and 60 on bottom for Drop C on 25.5" and 9.5, 12.5, 16, 24, 32, 44, 68 for Drop Ab on a 27" 7-string. Both sets give me effectively 18 lbs. of tension on the steel strings, and 19-20 lbs. of tension on the wound strings. Balanced tension is ideal IMO.

[@murkmusic91]

And that's why I love the Evertune, eliminates the pitchdrift and allows you to use thinner strings for low tunings

[@kambion]

I cant wait to see version 2... might just install it in every one of my guitars.

[@venom07786]

How do you think a self adjusting saddle impacts sustain?

[@kshitijk14]

Agreed

[@louderthangod]

How do the strings feel while playing. The feel on a Floyd is definitely different from say a Gibson tune-o-matic or a gotoh through-body. Does the evertune and it’s springs impact the feel and sustain of the strings? I can’t imagine it’s the same but how different it might feel, is a mystery to me.

[@Brattynn]

Love the evertune. I don’t think I’ll buy another guitar without one honestly.

[@reeshavhati]

Man! This was by far the most informative video! Thanks for making it🙌🏼

[@roryt1983]

It’s great reading the comments about how a lot of us and the top guys like Jason Richardson each have our own preferences. Another one to throw out there, Olly Steele (formerly of Monuments) likes the low strings going sharp when he plays, he says it adds realism & feel and it’s why he’ll never use an Evertune.

[@TobyKBTY]

Finding Stringjoy has been a godsend tbh. We're lucky enough to have a store that carries them in our country so getting access to custom sets is finally very accessible. Sadly we don't have String Source, but I'm thinking of ordering a couple of sets to try out and compare.

[@issuespunkrock]

Awesome video Keyan!

[@e3uphoric51]

Great video! the intro was the best lol I do have my own concerns every time i select strings, I often wonder this also. This was really informative as well as a good reminder. Its funny how tone is created by so many variables like the scale length, thickness of string, thickness of pick, playing style, pickups etc. Really enjoyed this one

[@davidtguitar]

Thanks for the video, great explanations!

[@PedroAlves-sd8xo]

This is really good content. Well done brother 🖤

[@alexlittle4463]

Perfectly explained mate. Well done 🤟

[@kevindavid37]

Great job, Keyan! Most people don‘t seem to understand how much the picking determines the string gauge you really need.

[@KreatorOfDeath1985]

I use medium Guage for drop C and I use the heavy picking/ out of tune thing to add more power to a note. The aggression really comes through in the music. Great video as always my dude!

[@RJMelling]

Greetings from WA! You're right! This is THE BEST video on string gauge on KZbin. I now have all the knowledge I need to restring my new Mark Holcomb PRS! Thanx a million!

[@velvettongue]

Thanks mate! You have answered everything 🎉

[@sneezoid13]

Great vid and good advice. Mentioning the playing style and picking technique makes this much more helpful for the average player. I’m a heavy small pick on light strings player and since I’m old and didn’t have a tension calculator I had to learn to either pick closer to the bridge if I wanted to hit the string hard and pick lighter as I get closer to the bridge

[@ZacharyMunowitz]

Love this! So glad you covered intonation here too. My tech and I modified the Hipshot on my Mayones (Drop B, 25.4”, 12-60) by removing the spring on the low B string saddle so it could have some extra room to intonate properly.

[@ohmvelena4791]

Zenks for this!

[@sethdusith6093]

I wish I knew this before puttng my fresh strings on. I was thinking about doing this too

[@iammauricelive]

Or you swap it for the shorter Saddle, I had to do that on my kiesel for drop A.

[@leightaft7763]

Picking on an angle actually hits the string with less mass as the pick isn’t flat against the string and the rounded tip seems to “glide” more over the string. Based on my own experience and I’ve done a ton of thin to thick picks and flat vs. Angled. Now I use a light pick more “flat” for attack while playing fast parts. But a heavy pick at an angle or a bit more flat for breakdowns etc. And I tune to drop E or C a full octave down. Just my own 2 cents though. Great video brother.

[@dwt5309]

I use 10-56 sometimes 58 gauge for drop Ab on 25,5" 7string Ibanez. It sounds great. I am inspired by Jason Richardson for using thin string instead of super thick string for better clarity.

[@thisguy2973]

This is close to what I do using Jason Richardson’s EBMM model. I do 10-56 in drop G on it and it sounds and feels way better than a 60 did on this guitar.

[@AmishMutantPower]

Great and very informative video!!!.I changed to flat strings 15 years ago and I am really happy with this improvement. I am using 56/13 on my seven strings Ibanez (on B standard). Sound and response are Amazing!! 💪😉

[@dizzengrey4901]

Thanks for this explanation, its the first i came across ❤ Glad i subbed to Keyan! I allways go for what feels and plays right, rattle vs tightness for bendability if needed. After a bit of experimenting in the early years, you will get a feel for whats right for which tuning/scale lenght. So this differs with each person because of pick attack and musical/playing style.

[@slates1969]

Great video which covers all the key points 👍👍👍

[@jacobharvey47]

Dude….this video is kind of a god send…I was just telling my roommate and fellow guitar player that we should experiment with different gauges!! Thanks you!!

[@athmaid]

I just go to the Stringjoy calculator, plug in my scale length and tuning and then match the string gauge to the string tension to the default setting when you load up the page (around 18lbs on the plain strings, 20lbs on the wound ones). Works great for me. John Browne uses surprisingly low tension considering his playing style. Afaik he uses DR Strings MT7-10 (so 10-56) on a 27 inch tuned in DADGADG but dropped down to G or A#. Same for Acle Kahney of TesseracT, he apparently uses D'addario EXL110-7 (10-59), same tuning and scale length. Edit: god damn it I should have watched the video to the end before commenting lol

[@BlazinLow305]

The more mass a string has, the more bass response. So using lighter strings can help with tightening up high gain chug tones.

[@NickTheSickDick]

I use a custom Stringjoy set on my 7 string. 8.5-72, so a very exaggerated heavy bottom set usually tuned to standard/drop A. For reference the set I used before switching to this had a 52 as the low b, now I have a 52 as my low e string.

[@jakeofalltradesmusic]

That was probably the best explanation on this topic I've ever heard

[@sushipython]

I ever ask about this .thank you Keyan 🤘

[@necroticpoison]

Glad someone finally talked about it, TheStringSource is goated

[@projektmetrock]

Damn bro this is super informative.. Thank you soo much.. Keyan bro if possible can you make 1 video on how to record guitar tracks + mixing and mastering. Why im saying this coz this video about string gauge is super easy to understand and i guess after watching this im completely satisfied. No more string gauge videos. Love you for this ♥..

[@guycorbin6631]

Best one I’ve seen so far - would’ve loved to hear your thoughts on the following. Oscillation variance of different gauges Impacts of action String Material String Core Size/Construction Impact of bridge type - Evertune, Tremolos

[@XELACRAFTS]

What gauge should I use for double drop c on a 6 string

[@scottdickson9224]

I know it was used for the sake of example, BUT. I was a 6 string Drop C player for years, with a 25.5 scale using DR 10-46s. The low string was definitely not "floppy"

[@jayrific]

Thank you. I build these and had no clue there was a tension calculator online.

[@StoriesOfSolitude]

What are your thoughts on flat wound vs round wound guitar strings?

[@Sirlants_alot]

I’ve got a couple 25.5 - 7 strings, 1 Floyd, 1 tunomatic. And just recently got a 26.5 - 7 hipshot. considering using the longer scale more for downtuning.. right now the low string is drop G. Considering keeping the Floyd in standard b or drop a.. with lighter strings, maybe 56 or 58. and the other tunomatic in drop a with a little bigger, like a 62. I don’t plan to go insanely low. Looking at getting another 26.5 Floyd.. Thoughts?

[@MassMultiplayer]

i have a solois slsmg black satin jackson 24 omg.. for 20 year ish lol LOVE the guitar the neck fingerboard is so comfortable

[@godsreclamation2539]

For my multiscale 7 i use the amber 7 string set from string source. Works alright.

[@cameronedwards6413]

This is great, but what string gauge did you use for this video?? Love the toan.

[@NeoGarlick]

Excellent video in my case I like thick strings because I like the sensation in the fingers when playing chords

[@joshuabeckwith7906]

I struggled for 5 years with my Ibanez RG8 with string gauges, finally settled on 90 for F standard and 62 to 11 for the rest of the guitar, the 90 holds great pitch on a 27" neck albeit slightly dull, is it perfect? No it isn't but it's serviceable as a backup, but that's what I use the Rogue VI for, F standard at 90 to 20 on a 30" scale, I like very high tension though.

[@Balesz36]

I wonder if you could get that supertight 28" baritone sound (like in Toska) with your HT7.

[@alexq624]

All I wanna know is the string gauge set it need to tune my guitar to e1 or e0 standard

[@doum]

Hi what you think about Fishman fluence modern on a 7 string guitar :) TY

[@toemasmeems]

Thinner strings tend to sound brighter and have more attack. Some players such as Jason Richardson uses 10-58 in drop G but his springs in the tremolo are compensating for the lack of tension from tuning so low. SPRING TENSION AND STRING TENSION BOIS

[@ChristianErikJurickovic]

He is playing ernie ball 10-62 actually right now

[@robinweber6618]

@@ChristianErikJurickovic does he? In the last video I saw of him about that topic he said he uses 11-58 in Drop-F#

[@xdropdeadbx]

I was watching your video with Jesse Cash of ERRA and he mentioned tuning his 27" scale guitar to drop F# , eventually. What is your insight on tension for someone looking to learn some ERRA and Veil of Maya stuff with a 27" scale 7 string guitar? I'm about to just buy a pitch shifter because I can not figure it out.

[@erockomania]

Fantastic video man. You’re hired 👍🏻😄

[@PatrickHelyer]

My main problem with string guage discussions online is it basically just becomes a dick measuring contest of who uses the thickest strings when all that really matters is you can play it comfortably and you're getting the sound you want out of the guitar

[@thisguy2973]

When it comes to string gauges, I use the JHS ethos: just try stuff. I’ve been drop tuning for years and you’d be surprised what you can actually do with a set. Also, the pick you use makes a huge difference in clarity. To hear it, try using something like a jazz 3, then switch to a Dunlop nylon .46. They both have their purposes, so try them both to see what you like. I use a Music Man Jason Richardson 7 with a 10-56 in drop G. It intonated perfectly and sounded/felt better than a 10-60 set, and that’s not even much of a difference, but you can definitely hear it better on the 56.

[@Koivisto147]

I've tried using standard sets like 10-59 or 11-64 on my 25.5"-27" multiscale 7 string in drop Ab and it would never feel right. The bottom string would always be super floppy and thin sounding or the top strings would be too hard to bend and have an ice picky characteristic. I use pretty thin picks too (.65-.73mm) but I guess I pick pretty hard. I think string manufacturers just cater to the lowest common denominator and therefore 90% of string sets sold are for standard tuning at standard scale lengths (24.75"-25.5"). I started buying NYXL singles and full set runs me about $18-$22 from D'addario's website. 10-13.5-17-26-36-48-70 feels absolutely perfect for me. On 6 string drop C I had the same issue but now I'm using 10.5-14-18-30-42-60 and it's just that perfect sweet spot, for me anyway since I like that skinny top/heavy bottom feel. I could do a 58 on the low C since I occasionally tune up to D standard but I also tune down to a low A or even G and a 58 just wouldn't do that very well. Ideally I'd be using a 62 or 64 for those tunings but I'm lazy and cost is also a factor. The 60 can do all of those tunings half way decently. I'd recommend everyone start using that string tension calculator by stringjoy and get custom sets that are perfect for your scale lengths and tuning habits. I like 15-17lbs on the plain strings and 20-22 pounds on the wound strings but I've seen people using anywhere from 10-20lbs on plains and 10-30lbs on wounds. Gotta experiment and find what's right for you.

[@Beezle66]

I'm looking into just getting some type of pitch shifter pedal honestly. I'm a very casual player but I listen to alot of different music. Fortunately I was able to afford 3 guitars (one for standard-down, one for drop b-down, and drop a-down to MAYBE drop g) plus I have a bass in standard that I don't wanna have to tune all the way down and up. I don't need all this honestly lol. At least with a pitch shifter I can keep them at least in one-2 tuning, and just pitch shift in order to match some songs if lower. That's just me though

[@Felker93]

I struggling to buy an standard 25.5 inch scale guitar or a baritone of 26.5 or even 30 inch. I want to go to drop G but not forever in standard I want be in drop A so I think the 26.5 would be enough but the 30 inch would be to long am i right?

[@nameisrubin191]

And then there's Lee Malia (bmth) who uses a .80 string for his les paul in drop a#. I think it depends on equipment too! He cranks the presence and treble knob and all that "mud" seems to be gone. Great Video!

[@bastian4260]

One really good til that I've found out when I got my first baritone guitar. The more scale lenght you've got, the less attack pitch jump you will have. Even if you put a really light gauge on something like a 30 inch scale guitar, you will have almost no apj at all, which is the exact opposite on a 25.5 inch scale.

[@TrymYoutubeMainChannel]

I just discovered ( based of last purchases from a site ) that I haven't changed strings on my 7 string guitar in close to a year ! ... atm I am wondering what is the "required" gauges from around Standard B to Drop A tuning in "7 string set"

[@naruto199797]

If I'm drop tuning I go for thicker low strings and smaller high strings because if I was tuning to drop C I bump up the low strings but I keep the high strings from a 10 pack because 11s are too tight for me in that tuning

[@Force2BRW]

Can someone please explain What tensions are good to aim for? For example, on your low string, what is a good tension that is playable, sounds good, and is unlikely to go out of tune if played aggressively? Same question for the high string, what tension is a good one to aim for that gives you easy bends for solo or lead playing? Based on the tuning, you’re going to use, if you’re trying to find the the right gauge string, it feels like you should be trying to find the ideal string tension first, and then finding a gauge that will help match that.

[@harsh__djents]

Bro is like that one guy in you an mmorpg guild who have answers to everything

[@Azza8808]

Your video on this topic could not have come at a better time. I was literally on the string tension calculator last night, getting a result with Drop B for my Ibanez but not sure what to do with the resulting tension amount. Likewise, I was also scouring websites for different gauged packs in Australia because no local shop here wants to stock heavier NYXL's! Thanks for the video mate. edit: Did just check out String Source and they want 70 bucks for shipping to Aus unfortunately. Do they have any Aussie resellers, and if not would you recommend any string mobs here? Thanks again

[@MrScrofulous]

What string gauge is the millennial version of what pup for a Tele ?

[@James.99]

I always use 9-42 in standard E and 11-54 in standard C. That seems to be about the same tension

[@mrbungle3310]

I just look for tension and intonation,for the right neck length, the tone is simmilar if not the same in my opinion but the tunning and scale length matters a lot

[@InVerum]

Hey man, great video, super informative! Small piece of feedback: Your set lighting (2 side lamps) are on a colour rotation, when you do jump cuts they appear to flicker as they're on different parts of the cycle, recommend just having them on one solid colour to make the jump cuts less distracting. Cheers!

[@samuelbowers8107]

As an editor, I agree

[@carazy123_]

Another useful concept: The thicker and looser the string, the less physically ideal it’s behavior will be. That means less tuning stability and altered or muted overtones.

[@JohnPaulGiancarlo]

Thank you for the video, it would have been nice to see and hear the different use cases on different types of guitars and string gauges, if this makes sense! 🫣😜😂

[@joshdelacour4586]

Bro, I'm so stumped and I need your exquisite brain. I play a Legator N7FX with a 25.5 - 27 scale length tuned to C Standard/Drop F can you recommend a set?

[@artisticgm4647]

great shoutout to Darrel! lol! he always looks happy

[@nickwondergem489]

Dude! Do you have a new camera? The video looks GREAT!

[@MatthiasBuesing]

Interesting video! For standard C on a 25"5" guitar I rely on Ernie Ball "Not even slinky" (012-056) and think it's perfect!

[@jensloetzsch]

For standard C, I always prefer a gauge between 11-59 or a 60. The 11 for more easier and smoother whole tone bends and the 59 or 60 for my hard pick attack for tight riffing. But that's always a matter of taste. Best regards Matthias !

[@DunlopTortex05mm]

Give a try to Rotosound Michael Amott signature then, it’s 11. 59. and relatively cheap. I found them great for C standard

[@jensloetzsch]

@@DunlopTortex05mm Yeah, I know this set (i'm also a huge Michael Amott fan by the way ;) ) it's good, especially the low 59 and the 11 string gauges. But the gauges in between are a little bit too low for my taste.

[@DarkShadow1953]

Keyan: when you use an 80 gauge on a 25.5 its probably gonna sound a little dull Lee Malia has entered the chat

[@beastlybeast2716]

Everything is guidelines. There are no rules. However, .80 gauge strings on a standard (did I see lee using a les Paul!?) or 24.75 scale length is kind of freaking ridiculous. I think it’s best to keep things simple and avoid extremes. Lee can make that .80 work. But we don’t know what he’s doing to compensate. His tuning is one thing. He may be modifying his guitars to better handle it. Who knows how he is EQ’ing his stuff. Or his playing style might be so weird that he can make it work for him. Hell, he may not even give a damn about intonation and never play on the higher frets! But I definitely wouldn’t recommend putting .80’s on a standard guitar if you’re still in your early learning years. At that point you’re talking about drilling your tuning pegs, filing your nuts for that gauge and…. Most importantly…. Once you make those modifications you’re effectively locked in and can’t experiment as much. For most people I’d suggest sticking to more typical string gauges. Remember, lee has his own guitar tech he can call at any point. Unless you have similar skills or have a tech that can help you out at a moments notice. It can be a pain to modify your guitars for this stuff. But for lee, he HAS to because that is what his style is at this point. So for people that are still searching for their preferred setup…. Don’t overcomplicate it and lock yourself into ridiculous string gauges. Try to find something a little more common so you can: 1. Have an easier time FINDING your preferred strings. 2. Can avoid unnecessary modifications to your guitars (nothing wrong with modifying guitars but it can be inconvenient, especially when you get a new one and now it needs to get specced out the way you want which are additional costs and time). 3. Possibly have an easier time getting your guitars to sit in a mix without unnecessary tuning issues and so on. However, once again, there are no rules. Just guidelines.

[@MickH60]

Les Paul user, D standard or drop C tuning 10-52's, used them for years with no tuning problems at all...

[@jensloetzsch]

I know it's a matter of taste but a 52 for a low C seems not that great if you play that hard chuggy riffs. For a low C I always use a 59 or a 60 ! For D standard a 54 or a 56.

[@anthonyb5279]

Hay thanks for the tip on String Joy! I have been making longer scale guitars lately because I like the tension and action all tho I don't find it hard to bend I have mutated monster strong hands. People are always asking me how I play those strings and why is my action so low without buzzing. I usually tell them condescendingly dump your girlfriend and switch hands ;-P Any way that tool made it easy but I wish they had Stainless or Cobalt when you get that heavy the brightness of Stainless or Cobalt helps.

[@MarkToast99]

The best advice I believe in: lighter is brighter! Look at guitarists like Jason Richardson, I don't know his exact string gauge choice but I know it is very surprisingly light gauge for how low he tunes. Lighter strings make your tone sound brighter, it just requires more fine control from the player to keep everything in check while playing. I always go with lighter strings for that bright spanky sound, and having to focus on control has made me a better guitarist.

[@toemasmeems]

Dude weird I was just saying this lol, he uses 10-58 in drop G and he can do this because of the springs in the tremolo being tightly screwed in. I love the sound of a thinner string but as a heavy handed it can be a pain with my Hipshot bridges

[@mostlyirishcarguy8955]

@@toemasmeems nah he does drop f#, even wilder

[@gustavomazonave8536]

For many, like myself, i prefer feeling to sound. I have a heavy hand, so lighter strings are bad for me. With enough distortion everything sounds the same hahahahaha

[@toemasmeems]

@@mostlyirishcarguy8955 i mean he may have a song on the 8 string in drop f# but i'd say 80% of his music is in drop G, i bought the tabs xD and i can't play any of them relatively close

[@charlesbhatara7020]

I love John Browne of Monuments..🤘

[@tertozer3543]

Using .90 strings on my 27.5 inch 7 string Ibanez. Works like a dream. :D

[@tomitomi8215]

Ernie Cobalt 62 Drop A on 6 string 25,5"

[@porcualbero]

Damn these strings are just what i've been looking for, too bad I can't find a store that sells them in europe

[@justevan877]

What strings for good djent toan brooooooooooo????!!!111!!!!!????

[@oldmanriff7633]

I can geek out on string gauge calculators for hours on end but I still end up with the same setup: Open C: 10-52 for 25.5", 11-56 for 24.75."

[@timmeymcnerd]

Dude, get out of my head! I was wondering literally just a few days ago, why there seems to be no comprehensive guide as to WHY you pick certain strings and how it all relates to scale length and tuning, and suddenly my man Keyan drops a new video about exactly that :D I play a 27" 8 String guitar and I've been struggling with this for ages. Apart from intonation and tuning stability issues, loose strings also don't absorb and retain a lot of energy from picking, which makes palm muted chugs sound kinda thin and weak. I started upping the string gauge more and more (currently playing on a .090 low string) which feels better in terms of tension, but then the strings start to sound really dull and boomy. I tried to compensate for this by using brighter clean boost pedals (like the "Grind" pedal from the Neural DSP amps) and even using brighter pickups (swapped out my EMG808s for Bareknuckle Aftermaths) . But this will also make all the undesirable fret noise and buzzing louder too, so its harder to control and play clean. Plus it can end up sounding unbalanced (too bright and twangy on the higher strings) and brittle, when you cut too much bass. 27 inches just doesn't seem to be enough scale length for 8 String tunings (F# and lower) to be honest. Might look into buying a multiscale 8 String with 28" or more on the lower strings. What do you guys think? Cheers!

[@brootal_]

sick vid bro but tell us about string gauges

[@Trembled]

Meanwhile Wage War are out here whacking 80’s on their 25.5 Fenders to tune down to F. Definitely emphasises the point on playing style and preference being a key point.

[@MarkHysteria]

It's their preference and that's very respectable....but the intonation across the ENTIRE fretboard will be f+cking horrendous.

[@beastlybeast2716]

@@MarkHysteria Exactly. So many people don’t worry about their intonation and it’s weird.

[@oscar.leon003]

Isn’t a 72 overkill for drop Ab on your guitar? Like Misha uses a 65, but I guess it’s personal preference

[@brianbergmusic5288]

I use 70 for a low-B (7 string standard tuning ; 26" scale). It's mostly a feel thing, but I guess I used to have problems with the notes going sharp with heavy handed downpicking. Going that high on gauge solved that problem and it feels like I can brutalize the string without any flop. I do not understand 7 string sets with anything less than 64 gauge for the low-B, so I have to special order a 70 gauge from StringsbyMail, and I simply use a Skinny-top-Heavy-Bottom set (10-52) for the other six. Josh Middleton (Sylosis) has the same mindset for heavy gauge strings, but I consider him more of a rhythm player that still has decent and sometimes excellent lead-chops. If you only want to play lead, I'd try to go lighter -- I can't since my high e-string keeps breaking if I go any lighter.

[@brianbergmusic5288]

Sorry to double post, but I just tried a 64 for my Low-B. I have to concede that it sounds better through the same amp sim (more thick chunk; less loud dullness). It's not AS tight, but I am not going to fight it when the tone is that noticeable better. I'd rather lower the tempo than sacrifice that much tone, but I'm hoping that this will boil down to my lack of skill/control as opposed to physics. I guess at the end of the day, this is why multiscale guitars were invented. Beware of sacrificing tone when you *think* you need more tension.

[@oscar.leon003]

@@brianbergmusic5288 the thinner you can go the better the tone would be, also forgot to mention that .65 for Drop Ab is on a 26.5” scale length guitar. I’ve had trouble with fret buzz using that gauge, I don’t really know how the guys at periphery don’t have intonation/ fret buzz issues with that setup. Perhaps is it the high quality guitars they use to record? (Which 95% of the time is Misha’s custom shop Jackson’s)

[@hados1853]

You've only gone and done it. you're so brave.

[@YungPariah]

Stringjoy calculator, ILY.

[@luca7x689]

What string gauge do I need for my unique 25.5 inch guitar? I play in E standard. It's unique I know.

[@brianbergmusic5288]

Mammoth Slinky (12-64 with a wound 24 G string).

[@brianbergmusic5288]

@@abhijit_singh /Whoosh

[@dev4965]

@@abhijit_singh it’s a joke bro 💀

[@brianbergmusic5288]

@@abhijit_singh The original comment was obviously a joke, so I tagged along to add *more* comedy (hence the /whoosh, as in it flew over yo head). If you are looking for a serious answer about string gauge for a Fender scale in E-standard, start out with a set of 9s and upgrade to 10s if they feel too loose. Use hybrid sets if you want more bend for the treble strings and more tightness for the lowest strings. Also, for drop-C I use 11s-56. D'addario makes a set and I like the additional tightness of the 56.

[@beastlybeast2716]

Rubber Bands. Then you’d be the most unique.

[@wrede4447]

Great video! Some constructive criticism: you should have put the tunings, gauges, numbers, scale lengths you are talking about, into text on the video besides your head, so it's easier to follow along when you speak. Some more graphics would be preferred as well, as a complement to what you're talking about.

[@rob0nemusic369]

I have a 25.5 inches scale 7 strings. If I play with anything above .58 for drop A it sounds terrible, even though the playability isn't great I have no choice

[@Gods_Word_Jesus]

I play double drop c can't beat the gallops with it

[@brianbergmusic5288]

I have a Schecter 7 string (26" scale) setup for standard B tuning. I prefer looser treble strings for bends on the solo. That being said, Standard 7 string sets with the Low-B being typically a 59 is absolutely ridiculous for floppiness -- someone needs to be fired! Therefore, I currently use Ernie Ball's *Skinny Top Heavy Bottom* (10 -> 52 gauge) for the top 6 strings and I send away for a 70 gauge string for the Low B. Given that gauge, I can brutalize the low B string at high speeds and it will not flop. The sacrifice is that that 70 gauge string does sound a bit different and duller than the 52-gauge E string (which is why I used the heavy bottom set for the top 6 to compensate a little bit). However, it's tight like a tiger and does not drift out of tune when you chug with a strong right hand. I comment for the sake of offering food for thought for standard tuned 7 string players. I would go with a 9 gauge, but the top-E string breaks very easily on that scale length (might also be some burrs in the tuning peg). So... Try 9s, if you do a lot of bends, as I wish I could but cannot.

[@jensloetzsch]

I have three Schecter sevenstrings with a 26,5 scale. For standard B I prefer a 62 (daddario NYXL) on the B and for the other I use a 9-46 set (also NYXL). It's almost perfect for me, bendings are still smooth and the 62 for a B is enough for me. Yes, it's not super thick but the resistance is god for me. For Drop A I use a 64, sometimes a 66. By the way, I never had any problems with the high e string with a 9 gauge. But I agree with the point that some sevenstring sets with a 56 or even a 54 is absolutely ridiculous, I can't play with that !

[@brianbergmusic5288]

@@jensloetzsch I concede the point. I just tried a 64 gauge string for my low-B and it sounds less dull and out of place than the 70. Thanks for the input, bro!

[@jensloetzsch]

@@brianbergmusic5288 That's great to hear ! Best regards!

[@bolillo5013]

The cringe I felt with the going out of tune example 😬. I never have that issue with my guitars but at stores - especially Guitar Center - that happens constantly.

[@tiersaudio335]

I just want to hang out with this guy.

[@HEYZUS98]

Did someone get a new camera?

[@411Lemon]

He right about one thing, this bored me so much that it was my last video on strings

[@Kalsten]

It is a pity you cannot get String Source strings in Europe :(

[@chris_and_music]

Thanks for solving the string gauge thing. So, now... WHAT'S YOUR PICK GAUGE BRO?

[@TobyKBTY]

Me: Listening to people on the internet argue about string gauges is dumb. Just find what's comfy for you. Also me: watches videos like this one

[@marcosjaime5384]

I just now realized that I have the same 7 string dinky arch top Jackson guitar as the thumbnail

[@Polletross]

I definitely use way too heavy of gauges on my telecaster 😂

[@666nevermore]

All this is common sense which we all agree together and we are happy. But now can u explain me how Stephen carpenter plays the low f# with a .58 string on 27” scale? Man he made many records with that setup and they are all banger tones… we need to discuss this, by logic u wanna have like .74 or around that with that scale in f#. Idk man, how are his guitars even in tune ?

[@iimmolarious7636]

Downtuned alot of guitars, C# always seems to be the lowest I can go on a 25.5 inch with perfect intonation. for lower tunings I need a longer scale.

[@methanedirigible]

That bloke from BMTH said he was using a .80 and that was only like drop C or something edit: on a Les Paul too. So basically common wisdom now says that’s a recipe for a dull string? I‘ve been playing for decades but I’m such a newb with string gauges.