45-100 Bass String Tension in Drop D

Summary

A 45-100 4-string bass set tuned to Drop D (D A D G) on a 34″ scale produces about 157.2 lbs (71.3 kg) of total tension. Individual strings range from 28.2 lbs (string 4, D1) to 47.7 lbs (string 2, D2). That is about 4% lower than a 45-100 set in E standard on the same scale (164.5 lb).

Tension by string

45-100 set, Drop D, 34″ scale, A4 = 440 Hz, estimated values.
String	Note	Gauge (in)	Type	Tension (lb)	Tension (kg)
1	G2	0.045	Nickel Wound	40.8	18.5
2	D2	0.065	Nickel Wound	47.7	21.6
3	A1	0.080	Nickel Wound	40.5	18.4
4	D1	0.100	Nickel Wound	28.2	12.8

Total: 157.2 lb (71.3 kg)

Reading the result

No string deviates from the set median by more than 35%, so the calculator's balance check does not flag this set.
These are calculated estimates. Real strings vary by manufacturer, so enter your exact gauges in the calculator for a precise figure.

Same set, other tunings

Total tension for a 45-100 set at 34″ scale in each tuning.

Tuning	Total (lb)	Total (kg)
E Standard	164.5	74.6
Drop D	157.2	71.3
D Standard	130.6	59.2

How this was calculated

Each figure uses T = UW × (2LF)² / 386.4, where UW is the string's unit weight in lb/in, L is scale length in inches and F is the pitch in Hz (A4 = 440 Hz). All strings are treated as nickel wound. Manufacturers' gauges differ slightly, so treat the numbers as close estimates.

Accuracy against published D'Addario charts is about 1% for plain and phosphor-bronze strings, 2% for a 10-46 nickel wound set and up to 8% for heavy bass strings. Full sources and validation are on the Methodology page.

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Last updated: 7 October 2026 · All tension charts

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