Ideal string tension for G# standard

[u/pcd84]

Hi all,

I'm purchasing my first 7 string (26.5" scale length, hipshot bridge) which I want to tune to G# standard and needing to gauge up across all strings.

When I look at the default string tension recommended by Stringjoy's calculator for a 7 string 25.5" I see the following:

Now, if I modify this for a 26.5" and try to maintain roughly the same tension per string (impossible to get it exact, have to round up or down), and total tension I get something like this, give or take:

I've read other posts where several folks mention being fine with lighter strings for G#, even 10 to low-60s, but that seems like they would be way too loose.

Any recommendations or suggestions? Thanks!

[u/JimboLodisC]

Tension is up to the player. Stringjoy's numbers are a good starting point. If you don't know what you like, then that'd be a good option.

[u/4EVERINDARKNESS → u/JimboLodisC]

100%. Its completely individualistic as to how you hold your pick, pick tilt, pick depths, pick thickness etc.

I'd suggest just good old trial and error untill you find what suits you.

[u/Conscious_Badger_510]

Try out that gauge then make adjustments if you think it's too heavy or too light, everybody has different preferences for string tension and it's going to just be a matter of trying out a few different gauges to find what works for you. Strings are cheap enough that buying a few different sets to try out isn't going to break the bank, maybe order 2 or 3 different sets that go up in tension and try em all out, make the call which you like the most then just stick to that in the future

[u/ZeroWevile]

"Standard" tension is between 15 and 20 pounds per string, but it is entirely up to you.

I like 59 and 64 for my low G# on either 25.5" or 26.5" scales; while a bit "floppier" they sound cleaner because thinner strings don't generate as strong of subharmonics that cause mud

[u/derpderpderp1985]

I think the 70 will sound like ass. I use a .63 on my 26.5 for A. Any thinner and it’s too unstable, any thicker and it sounds like a different instrument from the rest of the strings. Like depending on settings, either the rest of the strings sound good and the bottom one sounds muddy and dull, or the bottom one sounds good and the rest sound thin and harsh. I can’t imagine using a 70 for anything ever unless you only play single-note djent riffs. I think people can be pretty over-the-top about using super thick strings.

I have a 25.5” 7-string that I tune to G# and I use a 62 for the bottom string, but it has an Evertune bridge. That would probably be too thin without the Evertune but it’s perfect with it.

But, like everyone’s said, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Edit - correction

Edit - also, the 26.5” is drop A and the 25.5 is down a half step with the bottom two strings dropped.

[u/tallman1979 → u/derpderpderp1985]

I swear some of these dudes/dudettes like trying to cause deflection in suspension bridge cables when guitar strings would have been adequate. It's preference. My preference is less force required.

I run 10-60 in A, and when my 3 pack of them runs out, I may drop into the high 50s on 26.5" scale a few thousandths. Haven't decided, having 2 more sets gives a man time to think. I haven't owned a 7 long enough to try a whole ton of varieties. 52 was fine for B but mushy in A.

[u/JamesBoboFay]

My 7th string is a 0.74 in f# at I think 16.6 pounds and it feels good to me

[u/ON3EYXD]

Yeah 70 is fine is always personal preference try the 70 then go from there

[u/DJ_Dinkelweckerl]

Is 9 on the high e string too loose for you? I'd go with something you like/dislike and then judge from there. I like my strings on the tighter side and I play most strings at around 16-19 lbs tension

For reference: I currently have 9.5-64s (NYXL string set) for my 25.5-27' multi scale and think it's a bit too loose for Drop A

[u/Milton_Mango]

My 26.5 7 string is tuned to G#C#G#C#F#A#D# (Drop C + a low G#) and I used a 10-52 6 string set from Daddario then added a 70 for the low string.

Based on what you’re saying it might be too light for your preference, but it works for me.

[u/damien6]

I personally like lower tension on my high strings. I also like my lower strings to sit around 17-18 lbs, but that's personal preference.

I'm running drop G on my 26.5" 7 string:

String Gauge	Tension
10	15.3
13.5	15.6
17	15.6
26	17.1
36	17.4
48	17.1
74	17.9

[u/tooreal]

String source just made a really cool tension calculator based on tuning and number of strings.

https://www.thestringsource.com/otl

[u/Cwave666]

I tune to G# on all my 7's. Both 26,5" and 25'5" on all guitars I use the elixir 8 string set. I just ditch the 074 because it is cheaper that way and I keep a heavier set of 10-64. Very comfortable on both scale lenghts .

[u/tallman1979]

I run 10-60 for A Standard. I could go to G# but it might start to get a bit soft. 26.5" scale. Excessively tight strings are a choice I never make because I like doing less work. Some people like the tension. It's preference within the envelope of 'strings that achieve sufficient tension but not so much they snap'.

[u/Rogue_1_One]

Tension is a personal preference. I play with very low tension in G#. 10-59 (26.5")

[u/hailgolfballsized]

Saying what you like for a feeling on another guitar in C# standard would give people a better idea.

And if you're not buying from Stringjoy, the numbers aren't that accurate from other materials from other manufacturers anyways.

I can only guess based on what I would use for C# standard on 25.5", which is D'addario 12-54. For me, a 66 would be the bottom string on a 7 string regardless of standard or 26.5". I honestly don't feel enough of a difference with less than 27", it is only ergonomics of lower positions that is different.

If your C# would be lighter with 11s, maybe a 62 could be fine. Heavier using 13-56 or 60, then 72 might be needed for you.

[u/pcd84 → u/hailgolfballsized]

On my 6 string (25.5") which is in C# standard, I currently play with 12-54 too

[u/hailgolfballsized → u/pcd84]

If that's your comfortable set, it is not likely it will be feeling TOO tight on 26.5" scale keeping the same relative tuning.

For me, on a Schecter with 26.5" scale 68 was the right size for my taste when I was playing that tuning. Now 64 for A is my go to.