9-42 Guitar String Tension in Drop D

Summary

A 9-42 electric guitar set tuned to Drop D (D A D G B E) on a 25.5″ scale produces about 81.4 lbs (36.9 kg) of total tension. Individual strings range from 11.1 lbs (string 2, B3) to 15.8 lbs (string 4, D3). That is about 21% lower than a 10-46 set in E standard on the same scale (102.7 lb).

Tension by string

Total: 81.4 lb (36.9 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.
• Lower overall tension feels looser under the fingers and makes bends easier, but very low tension can feel floppy or buzz. Many players move up a gauge when they tune down to bring the feel back.
• 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 9-42 set at 25.5″ scale in each tuning.

Same tuning, other sets

Total tension in Drop D for each set on this page family.

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). Strings of .020″ or less are treated as plain steel; heavier strings 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.