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Key takeaways
- State the full tuning before choosing a set: this page uses B–F-sharp–B–E–G-sharp–C-sharp from low to high.
- The low E-to-B change leaves about 56% of the original tension when string and scale stay fixed.
- A 27- or 28-inch scale can use a smaller low string than a 24.75-inch guitar for similar tension.
- Expect to recheck nut fit, relief, action, pickup clearance, and intonation.
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
Start around 12–60 or 12–62 for Drop B on a standard scale
Drop B lowers the sixth string five semitones from standard E, so the low string needs more support than the upper set. On a 25.5-inch guitar, compare a 12–60, 12–62, or 12–64 family and use the calculator to decide whether the low B should be softer or closer to your standard low E.
The low string moves farther than the upper five.
Choose the low B independently when possible.
A 24.75-inch guitar is softer at the same pitch and string.
How to calculate a Drop B string gauge
Use an E-standard setup you like as the target profile. Switch to Drop B and solve the upper five and the low string separately because they do not move by the same interval.
- Record the standard-tuning gauges, scale, and per-string tensions.
- Load B1–F♯2–B2–E3–G♯3–C♯4 and verify the octaves.
- Match the upper five strings after their whole-step drop.
- Solve the low B against the former low-E target or a deliberately softer value.
- Recalculate the nearest complete commercial or custom set.
Worked example: one semitone past Drop C
B1 sits a single semitone below the C2 used in Drop C — and that last semitone costs more than it looks. The same .046 that keeps about 63.0% of its tension in Drop C is down to roughly 56.1% at B1. A same-construction diameter near .061 inch is the theoretical match, which makes .060, .062, and .064 sensible wound strings to compare.
| Low string | Pitch | Practical reading |
|---|---|---|
| .046 | E2 | Original reference |
| .046 | B1 | About 43.9% less tension |
| .060–.064 | B1 | Range to compare for restored pull |
Wound-string core and wrap ratios mean a sold .060 and .060 from another construction may not match exactly.
Finish the Drop B setup in the right order
Choose tuning and gauges before adjusting the instrument. Otherwise every later string change can move relief, action, bridge balance, and intonation again.
- Confirm the low string passes the tuner, nut, and bridge cleanly.
- Decide on a plain or wound third before final intonation.
- Rebalance a floating bridge at the final total tension.
- Check that the saddle has enough rearward travel for the low B.
Drop B starting sets by scale
Choose the row nearest the real speaking length, then adjust each string toward your preferred response.
| Scale | Light | Balanced | Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24.75 in | 12–16–22w–34–46–62 | 13–17–26w–36–48–64 | 14–18–28w–40–52–68 |
| 25.5 in | 11–15–20–32–44–60 | 12–16–24w–34–46–62 | 13–17–26w–36–48–64 |
| 26.5 in | 11–14–19–30–42–58 | 12–16–22w–32–44–60 | 13–17–24w–34–46–62 |
| 27–28 in | 10–13–18–28–40–54 | 11–15–20–30–42–58 | 12–16–22w–32–44–60 |
The upper five strings match C Standard’s recommended gauges. Drop B sits a semitone higher on those five strings, so the same wire carries roughly 12% more tension there than it does in C Standard.
Why the low B needs separate attention
The upper five strings are three semitones below standard tuning and retain about 71% of their previous tension with the same strings. The sixth string moves from E2 to B1, five semitones lower, and retains only about 56%. That uneven drop is why the low string usually needs a larger relative increase.
Plain or wound third string
Heavier Drop B sets often push the third string toward .022–.028, which is the same plain-versus-wound trade-off the baritone gauge guide covers in more depth. What is specific to Drop B is the range itself: a plain third that size fights intonation and feels stiff well before it gets there, so a wound third is the more common choice at this tuning unless you specifically need the extra bend range.
Setup checks after changing to Drop B
The larger low strings may require nut work and more saddle compensation. A substantial total-tension change can alter neck relief. Install the final set, stretch and tune it, then inspect the setup in a repeatable order.
- A floating bridge usually needs rebalancing at this large a low-string gauge jump, not just a fine intonation tweak.
- Confirm the low string clears the pickup poles — a much heavier low string can shift where it sits relative to the pole spacing.
- If the same guitar also covers C Standard, size the low string for whichever tuning you use more; the two are only about 12% apart in tension.
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.