Guitar Tunings - Standard and Alternatives - Alternative - String Gauges and Guitar Adjustments

String Gauges and Guitar Adjustments

Many alternative tunings are difficult or impossible with conventional sets of guitar strings, which have gauges optimized for standard tuning. With conventional sets, some higher tunings increase string-tension until playing requires more finger-strength and stamina or even until a string snaps or the guitar is warped; with lower tunings, strings may be loose and buzz. Therefore, many alternative tunings benefit from re-stringing of the guitar with different gauges.

Extreme tunings may require further adjustments to the guitar. Alterations of the truss rod, the nut, and the bridge may be required. In some tunings, for example substitution of a bass-guitar string for the lowest E-string on a 6-string guitar, thicker gauges require the fitting of different components.