String gauge for lower tuning

Dave...

I'm changing my tuning from standard E to the whole lot down 1 and a half steps (C#). I currently use 9's but I'm obviously going to have to have to use a heavier gauge and was wondering if any of ye tune to C# and what gauge you'd use. I'm betting that 10's or 11's would be the best bet,and I do like to shred,so all you low strung shredders' thoughts would be great too.
I know I could just try it myself but it has a floyd rose and any users will know the pain in the bum they can be for even a string gauge change,so asking you good folk is the easier option:p
Cheers.

Demeyes

I'd go to 11's for tuning to C#. I normally play 10's in standard but I'd say 11's would end up feeling similar to your current gauge.

Dave...

Yeah, I was thinking of 11's alright, but was wondering if anyone had torn the fingers off themselves playing lead with strings that thick.Then again, there is the slack element of the lower tuning which would ease up the option.
Cheers for the reply by the way.

spoonbadger

Dave... wrote: »

Yeah, I was thinking of 11's alright, but was wondering if anyone had torn the fingers off themselves playing lead with strings that thick.Then again, there is the slack element of the lower tuning which would ease up the option.
Cheers for the reply by the way.

I play lead with 11's in standard, and my fingers are still firmly attached . Once it's downtuned, you wont even notice the difference .

Demeyes

Dave... wrote: »

Yeah, I was thinking of 11's alright, but was wondering if anyone had torn the fingers off themselves playing lead with strings that thick.Then again, there is the slack element of the lower tuning which would ease up the option.
Cheers for the reply by the way.

The tension won't be bad so you won't really fell too much like your playing on bigger strings. Bending and stuff like that will feel roughly the same.

CianRyan

I use 12s when i play in drop b, pretty much C, but just drop the low E, so that might be nice.
I tried 11s, didn't really feel right for me.

OK-Cancel-Apply

11's for C#? I used that tuning recently - 12's were just right for it.

Doctor J

I'd say 12's too. I'm using 13's for B, you really need the bigger string if you want good definition for the low notes and not something with all the tension of a piece of spaghetti.

demanufactured

Try a Hybrid set for C#
9-46

Dimebag style.

Malice

As another option you could buy a 7 string guitar which in standard tuning will let you down as far as B.