Strings and setup for metal tunings
Tuning down takes tension off the strings. Heavier gauges put it back, so notes hold their pitch and chugs stay tight. After a big gauge change, get a setup: truss rod, action and intonation.
Common starting gauges
For a standard 25.5" scale guitar. Treat these as starting points, not rules.
| Tuning | Starting gauge |
|---|---|
| E standard, Drop D | 10–46 |
| D standard, Drop C | 10–52 or 11–52 |
| C standard, Drop B | 12–56, or a heavy-bottom set |
| Drop A on a 6-string | 13–62, or a baritone guitar |
A shorter scale (like 24.75") feels looser, so go a step heavier. If the low string flaps or goes sharp when you pick hard, go heavier again. See drop tunings explained for the full tuning chart.
What heavier strings fix
- Enough tension to palm mute cleanly.
- Notes that stay in tune when you pick hard.
- Power chords that stay in tune higher up the neck, once the intonation is set.
The trade-offs
Heavier strings are harder to bend, and a big gauge jump may need the nut slots widened. A setup isn't optional after a large change.
Alternatives
Stay in E standard or Drop D, or use a 7-string or baritone for really low tunings instead of forcing a standard 6-string into Drop A.
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