For Drop B tuning, the exact string gauges recommended depend on your guitar's scale length, which significantly impacts string tension and playability in lower tunings.
Heavier gauge strings are generally necessary for Drop B to maintain proper tension and intonation, preventing the strings from feeling too "floppy" or buzzing against the frets. Guitars with a longer scale length (like Fender's 25.5″) can often handle slightly lighter gauges for a given tuning compared to those with a shorter scale length (like Gibson's 24 3/4″) while still maintaining good tension.
Here are the recommended string gauges for Drop B tuning based on common guitar scale lengths:
| Tuning | Fender Scale (25.5″) | Gibson Scale (24 3/4″) |
|---|---|---|
| Drop B | 11, 15, 20, 36, 48, 60 | 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60 |
These gauges are designed to provide a balanced tension across all six strings when tuned to Drop B, ensuring optimal tone and feel for this low tuning.
