What guitar string gauge ? : a guide for Tuning low

The video starts with the host introducing the concept of string tension, especially for guitars tuned low or with long scale lengths like baritones. He highlights the difficulty in choosing the right string gauge and introduces string tension calculators as a solution, specifically mentioning Stringjoy and a GitHub-based calculator he finds more useful due to its comparison features.

The host demonstrates the GitHub string tension calculator. He shows how to set units to pounds and inches, add new guitars, and select different scale lengths, string sets, and tunings. A key feature is the ability to compare multiple guitar setups side-by-side, allowing users to match the tension of a preferred guitar to a lower-tuned instrument.

He then illustrates how to customize string gauges. Using an Ibanez RGD (26.5-inch scale, Drop B tuning) as an example, he shows how standard string sets often result in incorrect tension, especially on middle strings. He demonstrates how to adjust individual string gauges within the calculator to achieve the desired tension, aiming for a consistent feel across all strings.

The video discusses alternatives for finding specific string gauges. He suggests that for drop-tuned six-string guitars, seven-string sets might offer suitable gauges, though this often means paying for unused strings. As a more efficient solution, he recommends ordering custom string sets. He shares his experience with Pyramid Strings in Germany, explaining how to email them for custom nickel-plated steel string orders by specifying exact gauges.

For very low tunings where the calculator's pitch selection might not go low enough, the host advises using an eight-string set as a starting point and removing the top two strings. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of matching string tension for playability and comfort, especially with low-tuned guitars, helping players dial in their preferred feel. He promises to provide links to the mentioned calculators and custom string ordering information in the description.