Guitar Resources

The Best Strings for Alternate and Drop Tuning

D'Addario Team
Jan 14, 2026

D'Addario makes strings for every player—even those who tune a little differently. There are tons of alternate and drop tunings out there: Open G tuning, open D tuning, Drop D tuning, C Standard tuning, open E tuning…the list goes on. You may have even come up with your own tuning. But regardless of whether you use drop D tuning for a heavier vibe, enjoy experimenting with open tuning, or prefer the rich sound of DADGAD, we have sets to get you where you want to be.

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What is Drop Tuning?

The term “drop” tuning refers to tuning down the lowest string on the guitar. If you only change the tuning of the lowest string, it’s drop tuning. For example, if you begin in E standard (EADGBE), bringing the low E string from its standard pitch of E, a step lower to D, is called drop D. Anyone who enjoys the bass-heavy tone of drop tuning can employ it to make something awesome. It’s particularly common to hear drop tuning in hard rock and metal music.

What is Open Tuning?

Open tuning is when each string of the guitar is tuned to one of the three notes in a chord (triad). Common open tunings include open D, open C, and open E. Each of those tunings creates the major triad of its note name, so playing the strings open will give you the sweet sound of the chord. This is great for a number of different styles of music, but most commonly found in acoustic folk and slide playing.

Are There Strings for Different Tunings?

D’Addario makes several “special sets,” which are optimized for different types of alternate tunings. With these sets, you‘ll have the right gauge and string tension for the tuning you want. Besides drop and open tuning sets, we also have sets for 7- and 8-string guitars. 

XL Nickel 12-60

EXL148

The perfect set for players who want to reach deep and get the lowest, heaviest bass notes out of their six string. Take this set down to C Standard and get the feel/tension similar to a typical light gauge set, no problem.

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XL Nickel 12-54

EXL145

A little lighter than our EXL148 set, these EXL145s still let you tune down as you please, without sacrificing too much string tension.

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XL Nickel 11-56

EXL117

If you’re looking for a nice set for D Standard or Drop D tuning, these XLs with a medium top and heftier bottom will do the trick.

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XL Nickel Baritone 14-68

EXL157

Made specifically for the baritone scale guitars, EXL157 are a Medium gauge set that will sit nicely on your instrument.

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NYXL 7-String 11-64

NYXL1164

For the players who love their 7-strings, these NYXLs can handle the job. They also come in lighter gauges.

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NYCL 8-String 09-80

NYXL0980

If you just can’t get enough strings, this is the set for you. NYXL 09-80 Super Light is designed for maximum flexibility and is balanced for longer scale length 8-string instruments.

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NYXL 10-52

NYXL1052

Like playing a little E standard and a little drop D? The choice is yours. These NYXLs do it all.

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Phosphor Bronze 13-56

EJ24

For those who love the sounds of a DADGAD tuned acoustic, this True Medium Phosphor Bronze set is designed just for you.

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NotesDescriptionString
E StandardE A D G B E The standard and most common tuning for any 6-string guitar.
Eb StandardEb Ab Db Gb Bb EbAll strings tuned down a half step from E standard.
D StandardD G C F A DAll strings tuned a whole step down from E Standard. EXL117
C StandardC F A# D# G CAll strings tuned two whole steps down from E Standard. EXL148, NYXL1260
Open GD G C G B DThe open strings are tuned to the notes of a G Major chord.
Open EE B E G♯ B E The open strings are tuned to the notes of a E Major chord.
Open DD A D F♯ A D The open strings are tuned to the notes of a D Major chord. EXL116, NYXL1152
Open CC G C G C E The standard and most common tuning for any 6-string guitar. EXL116, NYXL1152
Drop DD A D G B E E Standard tuning with the low E string (6th) tuned down to D.EXL140, NYXL1052
Drop CC G C F A DE Standard tuning with the low E string (6th) tuned down to C.EXL140, NYXL1052

Drop & Alternate Tuning Guide

See the names and notes of the most common alternate tunings for guitar, plus string sets we recommend to achieve them.


View Full Chart

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