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Key takeaways
- A 30-inch scale produces about 23% more theoretical tension than a 27-inch scale with the same string and pitch.
- B Standard is a practical baseline; A Standard, Drop A, and Drop G usually need progressively more low-string unit weight.
- A wound third often improves pitch stability, while a plain third keeps wider bends available.
- Final gauges should be installed before relief, action, and intonation are set.
How to use this: Use these recommendations to compare options, then check the final set against the string maker's specifications and confirm that it suits your instrument.
Quick answer
Let the longer baritone scale do part of the work
A 27- to 28-inch baritone in B Standard often starts around a 13–62 or 14–68 family, but scale and playing style can move that range. Calculate the low B first, then make sure the treble strings are not unnecessarily stiff.
Five semitones below standard guitar tuning.
A starting range rather than a universal prescription.
Longer speaking length supports low notes with less gauge.
How to calculate baritone guitar string gauge
Enter the baritone’s measured scale instead of reusing a 25.5-inch preset. Compare the result with a standard guitar you like, but allow the baritone to have its own bass-to-treble profile.
- Choose B Standard, A Standard, or the exact tuning used on the instrument.
- Enter the real scale length and every gauge in the candidate set.
- Compare the low string against a familiar low-E tension target.
- Inspect the top strings separately so they remain bendable enough for the music.
- Choose plain or wound third construction before finalizing the middle of the set.
Worked example: matching a .046 low E at B1
A .046 low E at 25.5 inches can be used as a reference for B1 on a 27.5-inch baritone. A same-construction diameter near .057 inch is the theoretical match because the lower pitch is partly offset by the longer scale.
A sold wound string around .056 to .060 is therefore worth calculating before moving automatically to a much heavier bass.
| Reference | Scale and pitch | Use |
|---|---|---|
| .046 low E | 25.5 in at E2 | Familiar baseline |
| Theoretical .057 | 27.5 in at B1 | Same-construction estimate |
| .056–.060 wound | 27.5 in at B1 | Real gauges to recalculate |
Avoid a set that is heavy at both ends
Product ranges and forum recommendations often focus on the low string. A usable baritone set also needs treble strings that suit bends, chord intonation, and the player’s attack.
- Use longer scale before adding unnecessary low-string diameter.
- Check whether the third string should be plain or wound.
- Verify nut width, tuner hole, bridge path, and intonation travel.
- Complete relief, action, and intonation only at the final tuning.
Baritone guitar versus Bass VI string choices
A six-string baritone commonly keeps guitar-like interval relationships in B or A Standard, while a Bass VI commonly uses E1–A1–D2–G2–B2–E3 one octave below a standard guitar. The shared long scale does not make their string sets interchangeable.
Compare the actual tuning, scale, winding length, bridge, and tuner path before borrowing a set from the other instrument family.
| Instrument family | Common reference tuning | Gauge decision |
|---|---|---|
| Baritone guitar | B Standard or A Standard | Keep guitar-like treble response while supporting the low register |
| Bass VI style | E1–A1–D2–G2–B2–E3 | Expect heavier strings and bass-oriented hardware constraints |
| Converted standard guitar | Varies | Check scale, nut, bridge travel, and winding length before committing |
Individual instruments and factory specifications vary. Use the exact model and tuning rather than the family label alone.
Baritone starting sets by tuning
The ranges below target familiar light-to-firm responses. Read every set from the highest string to the lowest string.
| Tuning | 26.5–27 in | 28 in | 29–30 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| B Standard | 13–17–26w–36–46–62 | 12–16–24w–34–44–60 | 11–15–22w–32–42–56 |
| A Standard | 14–18–28w–40–52–70 | 13–17–26w–36–48–66 | 12–16–24w–34–46–62 |
| Drop A | 13–17–26w–36–46–68 | 12–16–24w–34–44–64 | 11–15–22w–32–42–60 |
| Drop G | 14–18–28w–40–52–76 | 13–17–26w–36–48–72 | 12–16–24w–34–46–68 |
Set construction can shift exact results, especially above .060 inch. Confirm the lowest string against product unit-weight data.
Scale length versus gauge
At a fixed note and unit weight, tension changes with the square of scale length. A 30-inch string has about 23% more theoretical tension than the same string at 27 inches. That allows a smaller gauge, a lower pitch, or a firmer response.
Long scales also change fret spacing and plain-string bend feel. A balanced baritone setup may intentionally use relatively light treble strings and a stronger bass progression.
Choosing a plain or wound third
Baritone sets often use a wound third because the required plain gauge can feel stiff and intonate poorly. A wound third usually gives clearer pitch and smoother output, while a plain third supports wider bends. Choose according to the musical role, not appearance alone.
Converting a standard guitar
Installing baritone gauges on a standard-scale guitar does not create baritone geometry. The lower note still has the original scale length, and oversized strings may exceed the nut, tuner, bridge, and intonation range.
Conversion necks can work when the bridge position and fret layout are designed for the new scale. Confirm compatibility with the instrument maker before making permanent changes.
Reference material
Technical references
Use these manufacturer references when you need product-specific tension or setup information. They were last reviewed on ; the gauge suggestions on this page remain starting points because strings and instruments vary.
Before you change strings
Save your current setup, change one variable at a time, and recheck tuning, neck relief, action, and intonation after the new strings settle. If a result looks inconsistent with your instrument or a manufacturer's data, send the setup details through the contact page.