Guitar Setup for Low Tunings | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 29 | Thomann

[@Oilid]

Thank you djentleman!

[@cyberghost4043]

👍👍😆🤣

[@joaniepeters2565]

I don’t know why I’ve never seen this until now.. unless you made it up?? But it’s genius and I love it, end of story.

[@feedthewolf6930]

Would a Chapman ml2pro handle drop a# with PLEK and set up Or maybe Ibanez RGD. I’m trying to stay away from baritone I would just use a drop pedal, but I’m recording and according to multiple people talk to you into interface while recording without issues . I have some major health issues going on that will probably end up ending my life and I just wanna get some music recorded and friends. My two guitar tuning are drop A# and drop C. Was thinking maybe I could just Capo or drop C

[@choimdachoim9491]

Been dinkin' around with guitars for 63 years and had no idea of how complicated and technical such a simple instrument can be. Just watched your nut-filing video and understood finally some problems I've had for decades. I realize, too late, that I was a fool thinking I could figure it all out by myself. You need to jump in the pool with all the other players if you're serious about guitar.

[@adrianvargas28]

nuts

[@antares4975]

When you change the string gauge you also have to check or re-intonate your guitar

[@womplestilskin]

Yeah this video is bull. Tell the whole story or don't bother making more internet misinformation.

[@zenmonkey9]

ASMR folks will thoroughly enjoy the sound of you working that string wrapper.

[@thewickedwizard]

My first thought

[@ChrisRash]

10-52 for me on E standard. I really like tight tension on the low A and E strings. You can really chug on those strings without the strings flubbing around.

[@sloppyprogrammer4373]

And as a bonus, if you do decide to drop the low E to D you still don't have a floppy string and the intonation of that string barely shifts.

[@AnonymousUser66649]

D'addario 9-46 E standard/Drop D, 10-52(sometimes 11-52) for D standard/Drop C and 11-56 for C#/C standard/Drop B. Never had an issue with the nut when i file it for a bigger gauge set and sometimes go back to 9-46 set. No issues at all and there shouldn't be unless your strings pop off the nut. Action is around 1.2-1.3 millimeters for low E string and for high E it's around 1.0-1.1 millimeters measured at the 12th fret.

[@V1krass]

Does it buzz?

[@AnonymousUser66649]

@@V1krass Guitars will always buzz to some degree with a very low action. How low you can go depends completely on your fretwork, how much buzz you can tolerate, do you hear it through an amp and on your picking technique. With heavy picking hand, the low strings will always buzz to some degree even at 2mm action. Lighter string gauges introduce even more buzz, as they move in a larger ellipse because of the lower tension. With 11s in D standard, i can go even lower than 1mm action on the high strings if i want to. I recommend setting the guitar up, so it suits your playstyle and also i would ignore listening it without being plugged in, as a lot of the buzz will be covered by the signal and is not audible at all. Buzz becomes a problem if it chokes the notes out. More consisent buzz through the fretboard in the other hand means, that you've hit the "buzz" zone at low action, which is most likely fine through an amp.

[@Krunchyjclown]

I concur.

[@vinnyb9017]

Hi Kris, for me it's 10-46 for E standard, 10-52 for D standard, 11-56 for drop C (all in 25'5) and 11-70 for drop G in a 7 strings (26'5). For each guitar i had to file the nut and setup the truss road. And now it's 👌 Cheers

[@bw1955]

Just curious why you go from 10-52 for D Standard yet change to 11-56 when you drop the low string to drop C? Not trying to sound like a jerk. Just really curious. I’m about to setup a guitar to D Standard.

[@TheBikingVikingDude]

@@bw1955 drop C tuning has all strings dropping down their tuning (CGCFAD) and not just the 6th string like in drop D so the thicker strings will play to a similar feel as thinner strings in normal tuning.

[@bw1955]

@@TheBikingVikingDude exactly my point. And D Standard would be DGCFAD. I was asking the OP why they would put on bigger gauge strings for all the strings when going from D Standard to Drop C where you’re just dropping the low D down to C.

[@TheBikingVikingDude]

@@bw1955 no idea what the OP has in mind but when I hear drop D tuning I understand it as (DADGBE) only the E string being detuned a whole step so no major change needed in strings and drop C as a full detune of all strings (CGCFAD). It makes sense to me based on the principal that drop C is significantly different in tension and would require thicker gauge compared with a single string detuned in the case of drop D. I assume nothing of what the OP has in mind hopefully they will answer in time just suggesting something that possibility fits.

[@bw1955]

@@TheBikingVikingDude yes but he was talking about D Standard, not Drop D. Hence my question.

[@theproductivitytank4409]

Wouldn't it be awesome if guitars came with multiple nuts for different string gauges...Would that even work...

[@Bemaritohtori]

Nuts that would have adjustment screws between the slots for narrowing and widening them?👌🏻

[@jacobmarcelino3584]

locking nut, it solves the problem 😂

[@Bemaritohtori]

@@jacobmarcelino3584 PLS no we are reinventing a wheel here lol

[@eddiem4868]

@@jacobmarcelino3584 exactly lol

[@dickdixon6409]

@@Bemaritohtori how about simply a well designed, 3D-Printed self-adjusting nut with a polymer that allows the string to glide across the nut, but with enough side to side tension to prevent tuning instability?

[@doctordeutz3601]

I use for E Standard 10-46 Drop C 11-52 On 7 String (Drop A ) 9-62 And for 7 String in Standard Tuning 9-56 sometimes 10-60

[@juliansedor7101]

I use 10-52 usually for standard. I've been using 11-56 for Drop C and Drop D♭ and 12-60 for C standard and Drop B♭.

[@marcelo.bassalo]

That's pretty good. Same.

[@Waterinmenbenen]

It all depends on the intensity of your picking and strumming. 10-52 works just fine for me in drop C. I find that amps tend to bloom and sound bigger when playing with a lighter touch. It also saves me the trouble of adjusting the nut. Interesting vid as usual. Great series!

[@marvinrockon]

Yes but if you play heavy stuff, light picking isnt what you´re going for when doing heavy music. i rather go for lighter string gauge thats still appropriate for any style of playing in the desired tuning and can have the aggressive sound and still have a tight lowend for the faster parts.

[@Waterinmenbenen]

@@marvinrockon You don’t have to pick hard to sound agressive imo. But it’s a feel thing. Whatever feels good to you as a player is the way to go. I agree about the lighter gauges.

[@WayneTwitch]

Do these strings fit in a standard nut ?

[@ironguy6482]

Whoops. I bought a set of 13 gauge strings to do C tuning on a Les Paul. Hopefully it'll work alright

[@lrexoticgaming5636]

thicker strings have more bottom end so it can sound muddy, thinner strings make it sounds tighter

[@reggaemusic420]

I just got a Harley Benton SC Custom II and drop tuned it to B standard with Ernie Not Even Slinky strings (12-56). I am so pumped on this thing! This is my new doom metal workhorse!

[@endezeichengrimm]

The nut filing is dangerous. If your retailer offers a free set up, definitely get that done by them. Even if you have to pay, it might be safer. However, if you have Floyd rose style nut, you don't have to worry about this step.

[@ZL1LoVeR]

Nothing is dangerous 😅 it’s a guitar, nuts are replaceable. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes get in the way of learning how to do your own set-ups. The worst that can happen is that you need to get a new nut and start over. Believe me this is coming from someone who cried when they broke their first string thinking the whole guitar is ruined 😂

[@pyromaniaxe1187]

@@ZL1LoVeR of course it's ruined man! You have to go buy another guitar now so you don't have to change the strings! Lmao

[@SchorschisNoise-Shed]

Well, i love the little detail, that you just pitched the intro-jingle down for a 4 halfsteps on this video xD

[@steelo_g]

For me personally, I REALLY like slack in my strings, so I actually run 10-48 on a 25.5" Scale for Drop C And I will be running a 10-74 set for Drop F on a 27" Scale 7 String!

[@jamesmankel4983]

Yeah I have never done drop c I have a couple in drop b and I use these strings for the drop b and they seem a good tension so I can imagine in drop c these would be tight to bend but never tried it

[@flaringcenter1395]

For that drop C, what is the pick size you use ?

[@yournaztyhabit]

My strings, scale and tuning...Drop A 25.5 scale, strings DR 13 to 64,,,,I would highly recommend doing the nut yourself since I've had multiple luthiers dig my nut too deep and that's the other thing that I would personally suggest is if you're doing this to the nut to fit bigger strings to be very careful when you're making each notch wider to not dig it deeper

[@lucagare4809]

I'm quite a beginner, started this year At first I used 9s, now I'm trying the Ernie Ball hybrid slinky (9-46) and I much prefer these! I usually play in E standard or drop D (I have a T-style guitar, so 25,5" scale)

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

that sounds perfect man, good choice! Have fun playing! //cheers, Kris

[@imcnblu]

Both of my 6 string guitars use Ernie Ball "Not Even Slinky" Cobalt (12-56) One is in Drop B, and the other is in Drop C. I've been toying with the idea of changing to the "Mammoth Slinky" (12-62) for my Drop B guitar. I use Ernie Ball "Slinky" Cobalt (10-62) for my 7 string, tuned to A-standard.

[@AaronMorgan666]

When do you know when to file the nut, and when do you know to go up or down for the pickups? 2 of my guitars I bought new, and did nothing but put thicker strings on. Both are passive. 1 guitar is a baritone 7 string (27 inch scale) and came in b standard with 9-56 gauge, and I put on 10-74 for drop f (thinking of lightening up to either a 72 or 70) And the other guitar is a 6 string (25.5 scale) that was in e standard with 9-46, and I put the ernieball not even slinky set on for drop Bb/A#. As I said I adjusted nothing. I'm fine with how the 6 string sounds but on the 7 string in drop f all strings sound bright besides the 7th string. I'm boosting and using a 1x12 with a v30 speaker. Sounds amazing when coil tapped but I want that sound in humbucker mode. Sorry for the length but wanted to be specific. Thanks! If you know them, I'm going for a josh travis and a andrew baena sound. My sound is good but sometimes isn't as bright as I want.

[@robsmusicshop5966]

Great video guy..you are the ❤️ of rock and roll... thanks for your help and support you in whatever way I can get a new sound

[@DarrenWaters75]

My 3 LTDs and modded HB ST-20, 11-49 D'Addario work perfectly for me with from C# standard tuning to straight E standard.They have just enough tension to not flop around or saddle jump when I dig in and they don't fight me on anything I want without failing. My HB SC500 and TE-20 D'Addario 12 - 54 for drop A#.

[@吉田駆-i9f]

12-54 standard e tuning on all my les pauls! Never adjusted the nut, works perfectly, just need to tweak the truss rod a tad bit.

[@goldenultra]

Not sure about the size of Donner Tele strings, probably the thin sort. Drop C is making some sort of noise with the heavy E. Though I definitely got the chug chug. Also Zick Zack sounds as it is supposed to by Rammstein. I will listen to some more Zick Zack lessons to see if I got the right tone, it is definitely one of the top recent drop C melodies. I think thin strings may adjust to drop C.

[@Ruubinnn]

I got a pair of 12-54's and even 12-60's to tune my guitar to C-Standard but I'm scared of filing the nut lol. I'm almost sure the nut cannot handle these thick strings as I'm now using 10-48's which seems like a major difference. But I do want that QOTSA tuning. I think it's time to become my own guitar tech.

[@patrickgrill5069]

Thanks for the video. Upgrading a Epiphone Les Paul Jr to be my CCR guitar. 13s tuned down to D standard. Thinking about switching from humbucker to P90 too.

[@KevinHeiderich]

12-56 would be a bit too tight for me for soloing. My regular Drop C set has always been the D'addario 11-56. Tight on the low end, but neither too tight nor too flubby for the higher strings :)

[@sch1nken]

Hey.... was that intro also dropped down a step? :D

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

haha! So cool that you noticed it! :) We were hoping someone will. You rock!! //cheers, Kris

[@IDONTEXIST_6]

I use the not even slinky’s on my ibby 7 string for drop F- Drop E hell even double drop d#. I set my saddles all the way back, and then make SURE that everything is tight and bright. The reason I use such a thinner gauge is because it sounds more bright and chunky through my amp, whereas thicker strings lose that attack and become more rounded and loose sounding!

[@hoboroadie]

Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky gauge sounds like the Black Diamonds I was running in the 80s. I think they went away, it got to where I couldn't find anything larger than a .052 for a while. I remember it was usually a quarter-turn of the truss rod on my Vox, between .052 and .056 gauge, but I wasn't changing pitch. Once I changed to light strings on my Rickenbacker 325 and pitched it up five half-steps, as a capo on the fifth fret would, and didn't have to touch the truss rod at all. Interesting sounds.

[@nov151992]

On my SG I am in C Standard and use Ernie Ball Magnum Slinkys. (12-56) comes with wound 3rd string. Some people like it and some people don't.

[@astreal-awar9688]

Yo this is great! I have in drop tuning all my guitars. May I ask, which string gauge should I use if I want to drop a mustang? I want to have it in standard tuning but I'd like to drop it to drop D and "lazy" drop B (B A D G B E). I'm locking the bridge ofc.

[@TheLks84]

Hi man...i love the riff at the end of the video !!!

[@tallciaran]

(all 25.5) For E standard I use 9.5-46 for drop b I use 12-62 for drop A I use custom gauge 13 18 26 36 48 66 (27")

[@boomerbassmeme]

I like 10-60 on my 7, not messing with filing the nut. (then again I am a bassist that noodles on guitar and the neck width feels more natural to me 🤷‍♂️)

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

That's a perfect gauge for 7 strings! I can tell you're a bassist because most 7 string players I know stick to 9 gauge strings for standard tuning. Haha! The 10s give you better stability though and a thicker chug. Me likey likey! :) //cheers man, Kris

[@PooNinja]

I’m 10-52 for a 6 in e flat cause I got fat fingers and and 11-60( also 6 strang) If’n I’m dropping a D 🤘🏽I can’t stand the floppiness. I guess I like being under tension 😂

[@boomerbassmeme]

@@PooNinja Under tension...pressing down on strings...um ba ba bep be da bop Okayyyy

Yeah I Also use 10-59's but it's a 26'5 inch neck, on a 25'5 one I need to go higher, maybe 64,the seventh string doesn't have any sustain and sounds completely dead

[@marcoabyss]

i recently got a BC Rich Platinum series Warlock that's in drop B with a set of Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky. changed it to Mammoth Slinky 12-62 and now it sounds chunkier and can go as low as A if i want to. spoiler alert: it's now in C standard :P

[@gameshockerhighlights2744]

i ise the mammoths on drop B too, theyre a stuggle to get into C standard sometimes but they have way more stability and tension than the not even slinkys for sure

[@GreggRoberts]

I tune to c major. No issues with 11-54. The 54 is borderline. I avoided filing the nut because that is permanent. Check your first fret height before any nut mutilations.

[@Bryan06106]

I'm a beginner, I've been playing for about 3 - 4 months. I have 10 - 52 gauge strings right now. I like to play in D Standard and Drop C. What String gauge is best for these tunings? I also want to know if I can tune to E Standard with my 10 - 52's, since they're thicker I'm scared to try it because I don't want them to snap lol.

[@SpaceWalker357]

You can tune up in E standard but I recommend getting a capo. You can place the capo on the second fret and have the tunning be E standard or drop d, without a change in string tension.

[@flazuki5288]

10-52 for Drop C# tuning on a baritone. My favorite tuning. sound is low and evil, but still got the tension and the attack that I want :>

[@BillStreetStudios]

This man is using 12s for drop c and I'm out here using 9s for drop c#

[@jonnietherotten5471]

It may help if you explain to people why you are tapping and pushing down on the strings after you file them and what you are looking for In Doing that. If they do not know what they are doing they will end up needing a new nut.

[@rybo0072]

30" baritone in drop E 20 -90 set (loathe inspired) 24.75" SG in drop B 11- 56 set 27" baritone in drop G# is 12 - 68 set 25.5" stratocaster in D# is 10 - 52 set

[@tito.tarantula]

So switching back and forth between various tunings with the same strings may be OK to try new tunings out but it's probably best to choose a single guitar setup in the long-run depending on the tuning?

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Yeah it’s totally fine. When you go to higher gauge strings they have more tension pulling on the neck. So guys like to go to heavier gauge strings if they are going to keep a guitar in a low tuning. It makes the strings feel more like .09 or .10 strings would on a guitar tuned to standard tuning. If you use heavy gauge strings and tune your guitar to standard it will feel pretty darn stiff. Not many people do that. If you are just experimenting with tunings you are fine to use .09 or .10 that already have on there. You’ll find that as you tune down, the strings feel like they have less tension, because they do. The high strings will bend real easy but you might find the low strings feeling a little too floppy for your liking. Thus dudes try to find a set that has the right feel they are looking for. I like my strings a little looser feeling so I might use standard 10-46 for tuning to D. Or 10-48 for Drop C. Ernie Ball has a lot of Hybrid string packs with light bottom / heavy top, etc to experiment with. When you find a tuning you really like, and you want to stick with it, then find a string gauge to give you the feel and sound you like. Once you have that you might have to make some of the adjustments he speaks about in the video.

[@karol_p]

Not always it is necessary to fill the nut slots when you change back from thicker gauge to thin. I can go from 11-52 back to 9-42 and slots work ok. But 56 may be truły too thick to leave the slot just as it is.

[@lukkaturi]

I tried tuning my 4 string bass like a 5 string bass (BEAD) but even though I used a heavy gauge (130) it was still a little bit floppy and buzzy

[@Davode58]

I'm currently using NYXL 11-56 replacing the 56 for a 60 (25.5" scale) but i feel the strings too loose for drop C and i don't know why... Should i try another string brand? My guitar is a Chapman ml1 pro modern lunar if it helps.

[@rybo0072]

Stringjoy has a tension calculator for making custom string sets

[@midsequence1234]

Man thank you this was exactly what I was looking for in regards to filing the nut.. 🤭

[@alternateguitar7779]

Just tried DR Hi Beam 13-56 (3-rd wounded) on my Epiphone LP Standard. Well, it feels a bit floppy but sounds pretty good for such guitar with dirt cheap chinese pickups. Thinking of putting 11-54 for Drop C, but not sure if 11 will be enough for D...

[@drashkum]

Hi, i need an advise. My guitar ESP LTD came with 10-46 for EADGBE on 24.75 scale. I play indian music on my guitar on BEBEBE tuning because of which strings are floppy. Which set of string should i use for this tuning? Also should i raise the pickup or lower it?

[@felipeozalmeida]

You need to find the right string gauges. For that you can use one of the many tension calculators available on the internet. Only after that your journey to the perfect string set starts. Good luck!

[@karrpis1]

what string gauge would you recommend if i want to play in D standard and drop c? i have a tele and my struming is pretty heavy i would say

[@SpaceWalker357]

11-52 is a good string gauge for D standard, for drop c the 52 might feel loose for you. So a 11-54 or 11-56 would be the best option but, I would start with the 11-52 string gauge and see if it's thick enough before moving up in string gauge.

[@avfn8981]

cheers for this! so, i'f i've downtuned, and my strings are buzzing, should i tighten the truss rod?

[@guitarhaug]

10-60 for drop c# 🤘🏽 requires quite a setup for both the nut, truss rod and bridge

[@PooNinja]

Y’all had a great intonation episode shouldn’t you also check that when detuning and changing gauge?

[@KylePickard]

Definitely. I turned down to Drop A and nothing was a problem except intonation. I’m still working through that now

[@masitraproductions977]

Why fill the nut for returning back to normal strings? I’ve had zero issues going back to lighter gauges? Also you can just use the guitar string to file the nut, simple and effective, also guarantees the right size for the string in question.

[@borisrandall666]

11-50 for C# standard and C standard. 11-52 or 13-56 for B standard. 10.5-48 for E, Eb, and D.

[@mv8047]

hi! I use .80 8 string set for my 6 string ibanez gio 26.5 without first two strings. stock pickups do surprisingly well with really low tunings like F# or E octave lower. this setup provides nice and tight feel (despite "short" scale) really chunky/percussive/bright attack sound. anyway, most of the magic nowadays comes with great vst plugins like cali suite or omega granophyre from neural dsp, without those downtuning at home is kinda bad idea as you need complex distortion chain with multiple layers and filters to get that "meshuggah" tone, you know. at such extreme case like mine only one thing that will work - go to guitar repairman and hope that he will adjust poor innocent 6string gtr for this madness

[@ricksanchezito8972]

Never heard of a 26.5 Gio. Thought they were all 25.5 scale

[@Levi-mp2lj]

Hey i Got my PRS SE Mark Holcomb 6 String, it comes in 10-52 and drop C, i want to play some inflames and go to, C Standard, now the Strings feel loose, if i go to 12-56, Do i have to worry much or File the Nut? I am a bit scared...

[@davidboar6362]

Is it wrong to use the classic 10-46 for Drop C? I mean, I only have one guitar and I play in E standard, Drop D and Drop C using the same strings and it doesn't feel wrong, it sounds good for me at least and there's no problem with the tuning stability

[@davidboar6362]

@@ChrisWhite-pd1ej Wow, did not know that! Thanks for the info, I feel better now haha

[@diamond_eyes46]

D'Addario's 11-49 for Drop C and 10-46 for Standard E on a 25.5" scale. 4/64" action measured at the 12th fret.

[@endezeichengrimm]

I would swap out the low string for a 54, if you're doing Drop C with the 11's.

[@madmonkey7411]

Ernie Ball 12-62 for drop B on my Jackson JS32 Rhoads

[@bygraceiamsaved5088]

Thank you for the video. I'm going from 9s to 12s on my strings. I will be filing the nut. Do I need file up each size to get from 9 to 12? Ei, start out with 10 then 11 and so on.

[@ealdydar]

just a note for fixing nuts that are filed too deep from factory or by you. CA glue (aka super glue) and backing soda are your friend you can build up back in as much as your like. And its cheap

[@feidias1706]

Great video Kris, i use the mammoth slinky 12-62 for drop B on a 25.5 inch guitar. How did you check the neck relief on the guitar? Cheers Feidias

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey Feidias, thanks a lot! :) Open up the description box under the video. You'll find links of our other episodes. One is gonna be the neck relief video were I show and explain everything. //cheers, Kris

[@KylePickard]

Have you done Drop A with that gauge? I can’t get it to intonate on the mammoth slinky so I’m gonna change just the bass string to a 72 and see what happens

[@lula616]

Question: can you just use the string itself to file the nut so it fits the gauge? it is probably not as precise

[@Bemaritohtori]

I have used NYXL 11-56 in Drop C for several years mainly. They are great! My SH-6 +Revv G3. Setup hass great lead tone but my low E string (C) sound a bit muddy. I noticed that raising only the E string pole made it more clean but can you confirm that it should help with my problem. My tone and other strings sound perfect to me otherwise. If an example for my aimed sound would help then I would say COB Are You Dead Yet album's tone

[@Lw1337]

If i do not have the proper files. Where do i get them or can i do it somehow else? Can i do it a bit after putting on the strings? and i habe a Bridge which is variable, means every string has its own portion of the bridge which i can appearently adjust not only in height but also in position. What i do with those?

[@Buhhhhhh-xi4ju]

I have an epiphone sg g-400 pro with Not even slinkys tuned too B standard. I cannot intonate the guitar as it ran out of room moving the saddles back. What could i do in this case too properly tune? Thanks for any help

[@PablotellezM]

I recently discovered this channel and I love your videos. I have never adjust my guitar so this videos are really useful for me. I would like to know, if I change the strings to play in drop C, but time after I want to get back to standard tuning, could I use the same strings or would I have to change the strings and the nut? Thank you so much!!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks Pablo and welcome! :) You didn't say which string gauge you are using for standard tuning so I can't tell, if you can keep them for drop C. Generally: 9's and 10's will be too thin and won't keep the tuning on drop C. You could try 11 gauge strings for the low tuning, that might be enough. If you're lucky, you will not have to change the nut for 11's. Most guitars can deal with that. That way it's a lot easier to go back to standard tuning. //cheers, Kris

[@PablotellezM]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses thank you so much! I have 10’s on my guitar so I was thinking about changing to 11’s or even 12’s to play in drop C, but I wasn’t sure if I could go back to standard tuning with that kind of strings :)

[@Klomzi]

Power slinky for E standard and 10 to 52 for half step. I also use 10 to 52 for drop C and sometimes drop B but I replace the 52 for a 56. And I use mammoth slinky for everything lower then that if I have any.

[@giancarlom.]

can you drop-B a Floyd Rose-equipped guitar? I have an LTD with Floyd 1000, and I wanted to try some Slipknot songs, but I dunno if the Floyd can take it.

[@flip7081]

So, if you’re going thicker, and don’t have the files, couldn’t you just “file” with a portion of the string itself, at lease on the wound ones? That said, if I have a locking nut, will that already be wide enough?

[@heyimjoshnicetomeetya]

Setting up my Strat for Drop C with Ernie Ball Not Even Slinkys and once I get the Tele I've been gassing for, that's going in Drop D with Skinny Top Heavy Bottoms.

[@Craftymantiss]

Do you have to also fix intonation on the bridge? Or everything should be intimated properly?

[@westsidewizard714]

Nice..video I have been learning as I go working on my 4 projects...for about 2 years now..this video motivated me..its a hobby but I love learning..I don't know the tech stuff like string gage, intonation ,neck relief, pick up height..do you have other video

[@BigMetalDaddy1301]

Many of your points have already been covered, just check out their other videos. (:

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot! Yes, HateCreation is right, check out our Guitar Tech Tips playlist, you'll find tons of interesting videos. And a new one is coming up every Thursday so stay tuned. :) //cheers, Kris

[@lupo10]

Thanks for the vid, curious to know if there would be any addition steps when going over the top with string gauge? Specifically, changing to 12-70 for drop A. Would that change things more dramatically or would the steps be the same?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey, the steps would be the same: make sure that the strings fit in the nut (proper sized slots), make sure that you can still adjust the intonation (that might be an issue with very thick strings and a bridge that has limited adjustment capabilities) and readjust the truss rod if the string tension changed compared to the old strings and tuning. Cheers //Kris

[@lupo10]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses thank you for the reply, I bought the guitar specifically for it but it plays so well in standard tuning ive pretty much used it for everything since I’ve had it. Scared of butchering it 😂

[@giancarlom.]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses can you drop-B a Floyd Rose-equipped guitar?

[@Blizzardwolfie727]

i use the ernie ball super slinky strings for drop d tuning, E standard and eb tunings

[@stanislavmigra]

I have seen people using just the string itself for filing the nut, when going for little bit thicker strings, seemed to worked for them.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Yeah, that could work for the wound strings but not really for the plain ones. If you're lucky you can get away with that method. If not, visit a tech or watch Guitar Tech Tips very carefully. :) //cheers, Kris

[@braedynlowder1994]

11-48 for E standard, Drop D, E flat, Drop C# on a 24.75" EC1000 11-56 for Drop C and D Standard on a 24.75" EC10 13-62 for Drop B Drop A# and Drop A on a 24.75" EC401 14-68 for Drop F# Drop G Drop G# on a 25.5" Jazzmaster

[@cravingmetal]

Great video Kris! Can you address the intonation issues with 25,5" and B tuning. Ime 25.5" or 24.5" won't intonate, so you will need an extended scale guitar with 26,5" if you want to go below Drop C Tuning.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey buddy, yeah... that depends on the string gauge and the bridge type. You are right though, there are many guitars that struggle with thick strings with tunings below C. Trying out different string brands and gauges can help to find the one that intonates best. There are differences indeed. //cheers, Kris

[@yournaztyhabit]

I wonder if a fatter string might help me intonate my Les Paul I've had trouble with that it's 24.75 my Jackson is 25.5 and it intonates fine in drop a with 13 to 64 gauge I have the same strings on the Les Paul and it will not intonate correctly,,I am super curious about this because I'm considering getting a baritone because of the intonation issues and I'm considering going to drop g, if I can solve all the intonation problems with fatter strings I already have other guitars that I could use instead of spending money on a new one LOL

[@ruinunes8]

@@yournaztyhabit Intonation will always depend on the scale length. On a 24.75 you'll have a lot o trouble intonating to the right pitch on tunings like A, B or even drop B, even with the fatter strings. On your 25.5 it intonates better with the same strings because the scale length suits better the tuning/tension. In conclusion, fatter strings will not solve all your problems. For my experience, I had to go with a baritone to go to drop G (at least a 27", but bigger will be better and easier on the tuning/tension). On baritones it is also important to set up the break angle on the nut and bridge of the thickest strings and ensure they're not make a curve on top of these points. They need to make an angle and always be straight, otherwise you'll also have major tuning and intonation issues. If you want to know more about baritones, string gauges and setups go check "The Bunn" channel here on YT. very helpful content. cheers

[@vigilanttt619]

would the strings and setup you demonstrated be good enough to play Drop A and Drop B tuning?

[@VesiustheBoneCruncher]

Ugh. I live in drop C - it’s just home. But on Les Paul length necks, damn if that action doesn’t need to get raised to stop acoustic buzz on the wound strings (yes, my neck is straight at this tuning). I would prefer not to go to 56s on the low end, and currently use a set of burly slinkys (52s) But I can see that I’m gonna have to make the jump. Yeah, I know, minor buzzing is really not the end through an amp, but it’s a total vibe killer when you’re working something out acoustically.

[@necronorris]

Stringjoy customs 11.5-54 with a wound third. My relief is always weird. I have been having a hard time getting it set. Do you think it is worth taking a class at a local guitar shop? They charge $200 USD for 6 hours.

[@necronorris]

@x No doubt. Im a convert to wound thirds. I cant see ever going back.

[@alexjuvy475]

Great video. Mahaloz

[@mattlucas4046]

I think it's best to use Ernie Ball 11-54 Beefy Slinkys for drop c.

[@vigilanttt619]

is there an alternative way to spreading the nut slots if i don’t seem to have a file?

[@TheLukestamper]

Great video

[@BorisBidjanSaberi11]

Thank you thank you😊

[@alexsolodovnikov1971]

Push in to the limit

[@ghislainsavoie8798]

what is that riff? sounds familiar! killswitch engage? god forbid?

[@mus0rmus1c3]

Is there a any real difference in bridge type if you want to tune down, or is it simply player preference?

[@DjadiBilal97]

Can you do that on every guitar? I bought a very good sounded Ibanez RGW 521 for round 700€ and this guitar is so light and has a small neck 😅

[@xabiercalvo607]

Using 11-59 in a les paul for drop c, with these strings you put of ernie ball, the third string is really hard to bend

[@Dustyfingers]

My customers always comeback. I have the feel brotherrr

[@kaxisa1]

D'Addario 11-64 for A-standard on 25.5" scale. Chris, what were you feeling for when you were filing the nut? when you were pushing down the strings. love your tech tips :)

[@Project25_01]

Hi Keith, when filing the nut to accommodate thicker strings, you'll have to make sure you file the sides of the slot, and not the bottom. I believe Chris was making sure that the string was resting fully on the bottom of the slot, and that slot was still high enough compared to the first fret, so that the string wouldn't buzz on it.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Exactly! What Simone said! :) //cheers, Kris

[@godzilla964]

I use 9's for standard and 10's for D standard.

[@stndrd3608]

Well I use 10-52 in drop c, 9.5-64 (Strandberg Set) for Drop G# on a 26.5“ 7 string and 11-60 for Drop A# with a 28“ scale. Funnily enough the lower tension in drop c doesn’t bother me, it’s my favourite set for that tuning. With A# I kinda need way more, hence the 60 on a 28“ scale length

[@yournaztyhabit]

Is that 64 tight on your drop g# 26.5 7 string? I'm considering using a 13 to 64 set for drop g on a 26.5 baritone 6 string,,, I like my strings tight for fast playing but I don't want to change the string set ,I've used these (DR drop down tuning 13 to 64) for years on a 25.5 scale in drop a and they feel just right for me in that scale and tuning so I figured if I'm adding 1 inch to my scale and dropping a full step down lower it might even out to the same string tension?

[@stndrd3608]

@@yournaztyhabit well it‘s definitely on the lighter side. It feels like drop C with 10-52 imo. If you like it tighter you could go with 68-74 I guess

[@stndrd3608]

@@yournaztyhabitregarding your second question. If you want the exact same tension as with 64 in A you‘d need a 72 for the low G.

[@pierre-claudemeriot6562]

When you are checking the neck relief, how does it take for the neck to set to the new tension?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Do you mean how long does it take for the neck? Usually a few minutes are enough for the majority of the movement. You should check on it the next day though, the neck wood might move a little more in those hours. Cheers! //Kris

[@MrNiceGuy2323]

But...what about scale lengths of different tunings, and intonating?

[@johndogeman4625]

For drop c I use Erie ball beefy slinky 11/54

[@WayneTwitch]

Thing 56-11 would fit on a standard nut ?

[@marquisdecarabas1312]

12s for DropC? I use 11s for B Standard 😅😅 but maybe it depends on the Style of music you are plaing. Maybe this chuggy chuggy modern metal music needs more stringtension like lets say Doom, Stoner, Sludge stuff where it is a benifit for me if i can bend/vibrato Powerchords and stuff like that 🤷🏻 If you are low on budged save your money for the files...you can file the nut down with the strings itself, too. Not that professional maybe..but works for me 😅

[@cjr31986]

So wait a minute you basically just put on thicker strings and played in dro c without having to do a truss rod adjustment they always tell me at the music store i need a truss rod adjustment or it isnt possible thanks for showing me otherwise im going to buy and put on some 11s today