9-42 for Drop D

240v

240v

Super Perfectionist
I ordered a 9-42 set of guitar strings, and now I'm worried that I won't be able to play in Drop D because of the lower tension in the strings. Does anyone here have any experience with Drop D in 9-42 strings. Thanks.
 
It'll probably work. It depends on the scale length of your guitar and how light your touch is.
 
Milnoque said:
It'll probably work. It depends on the scale length of your guitar and how light your touch is.
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My touch is fairly light, I'd say. On the new guitar I bought (which have at least 11's) I have to press much harder than usual. My neck is 25.5" according to my rough calculations (may not be exactly accurate).
 
I've played drop-d on my strat with 9s before. I didn't seem to have a problem, just make sure you set up your guitar correctly for the strings.
 
back in my unrepentant metal days i played drop D with 9-42 all the time and never had a problem, on both long and short scales.

now days i play old man guitars with 11s.
 
If anyone has a guitar that cannot be tuned down to a drop "D", it's time to get a better made guitar. Or, learn to adjust for compensation.;)
 
I think just dropping the D you'll be fine, but if you're downtuning to open tunings with a few more strings as well, then that could get a bit rubbery. The longer scale helps.

That said, I'd never use 9s on anything... too rubbery for me. YMMV...
 
My favorite strings for Drop D and Drop C# tuning are the Ernie Ball Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom (low 3 from set of 11s, high 3 from set of 10s) or Hybrid Slinkys (low 3 from set of 10s, high 3 from set of 9s). Give them a try, I'm sure you will like them!
 
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