The Guitar String Gauge Calculator provides suggestions for any tuning based on mathematical calculations. Use this as a guide but your personal preference and playing style should always be the final deciding factor in string selection.
“Link Notes to Gauge” is on by default to automatically suggest appropriate gauge changes to maintain tension. When disabled, gauges stay fixed when changing notes. You can find Ernie Ball and D’Addario string pack suggestions for your selected gauges further down the page.
If you have an Evertune bridge, enable the Evertune Calculator by clicking “Evertune Bridge” to make sure your gauges produce the appropriate tension.
How to use the Guitar String Gauge Calculator
Set Your Guitar Configuration
- Select the number of strings (6, 7, or 8 strings)
- Set your guitar’s scale length
- If you have an EverTune bridge, toggle the “EverTune Bridge” switch
Gauge Linking
“Link Notes to Gauge” is on by default to automatically adjust gauges when changing notes.
When enabled, changing tuning will suggest appropriate gauge changes to maintain tension.
When disabled, gauges stay fixed when changing notes
Adjusting Notes and Gauges
Use the ▼▲ arrows next to each note to change the tuning or select directly from the dropdown menus.
Use “All Notes” buttons to shift entire tuning up or down.
Use the ▼▲ arrows next to each gauge to adjust string thickness if you prefer to adjust the recommendations.
Use “All Gauges” buttons to increase/decrease all string gauges together.
Understanding the Guitar String Gauge Calculator Results
Tension Meter
- Green center zone: Ideal tension range
- Blue (left side): Tension too loose
- Red (right side): Tension too high
- The needle shows where your current setup falls
- Actual tension in pounds (lbs) is displayed next to the meter
EverTune Bridges
The Guitar String Gauge Calculator includes a feature similar to the Evertune Gauge calculator.
- Green ✓: Ideal tension for EverTune
- Yellow ⚠: Borderline tension (might work but should avoid)
- Red ✗: Outside EverTune’s functional range
String Pack Recommendations
Below the calculator, you’ll find matching string sets from Ernie Ball and D’Addario. Each recommendation shows:
- Match percentage with your chosen gauges
- Exact matches (green)
- Near matches (yellow)
- Available alternatives (if no exact match)
- Direct links to purchase on Amazon
Main Use of the Guitar String Gauge Calculator
The Guitar String Gauge Calculator helps players and audio professionals providing professional mixing services and mastering find the ideal string gauges for their preferred tuning by calculating string tension. It provides scientifically backed recommendations for balanced feel and playability, suggesting matching sets from Ernie Ball and D’Addario.
Guitar string gauges explained
What Are Guitar String Gauges?
Guitar string gauges refer to the thickness of the strings, measured in thousandths of an inch. For example, a set of “10s” (often written as 10-46) has a high E string that is 0.010 inches thick, while the low E is 0.046 inches thick. The gauge of your strings affects playability, tone, and even the tuning stability of your guitar.
Example of some Guitar String Sets
Extra Light (8-38, 9-42): Easier to bend, ideal for shredding and fast playing. Often used in jazz and light rock.
Light (10-46): A balanced option used in many styles, including rock, blues, and pop.
Medium (11-49, 11-52): Offers a fuller tone and more tension, good for blues and heavier rock styles.
Heavy (12-54, 13-56+): Best for lower tunings and aggressive playing styles like metal or slide guitar.
How Guitar String Gauges Affect Your Playing
Tone: Thicker strings produce a warmer, fuller tone with more sustain, while lighter strings have a brighter, more articulate sound.
Playability: Lighter gauges are easier to fret and bend, whereas heavier strings require more finger strength but provide better tuning stability.
Tuning Stability & Drop Tunings: Heavy strings maintain tension better when tuning lower, preventing floppiness in drop tunings.
Choosing the Right String Gauge
Your choice of gauge depends on factors like playing style, genre, and tuning preferences. If you play a lot of lead guitar with bends and fast runs, a lighter gauge is ideal. If you prefer a chunky rhythm tone or use lower tunings, go for heavier strings.
