Which strings should I use for DADGAD tuning on my acoustic guitar?

Question

I have recently switched to DADGAD tuning, before that I was using light tension strings ( 12 16 24 32 42 53 ). But because of DADGAD, to compensate for the lack of tension on the neck, I wanted to switch to a mix of medium and light strings, puting higher tension strings on the ones that are lowered, resulting in ( 13 17 24 32 42 56 ), some friends playing DADGAD even used 14 and 18 for the two higher strings.

I wondered what you DADGAD players used?

And of course the economic side of it, buying one light set and one medium set and throwing away half the strings is not a very good solution, do you have any DADGAD-ready set to recommend?

Answer 1

If you would like to get scientific about it, the D'Addario company has a chart discussing string tension and tuning and string gauges for alternate tuning schemes.

http://daddario.com/DAstringtensionguide.Page?ActiveID=2681

You can also download this PDF which explains the recommended tuning, pitches and tensions for every type and gauge of individual string that they sell.

http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf

D'Addario also sells a packaged set for acoustic guitar designed for DADGAD.

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Phosphor Bronze True Medium DADGAD Tuning .013 - .056, EJ24

     Diameter    Tension
Item#    Note    inches    mm    lbs    kg
PL013    E    0.013    0.33    27.4    12.42
PL017    B    0.017    0.43    26.3    11.91
PB024    G    0.024    0.61    30.2    13.38
PB032    D    0.032    0.81    30.5    13.83
PB042    A    0.042    1.07    29,9    13.56
PB056    E    0.056    1.42    29.0    13.15

Answer 2

When I played in DADGAD tuning, it was one of several tunings I would use, so it never crossed my mind to use different strings. But if this is something you want to do, I'd suggest constructing your own custom set with single strings rather than buying two sets and discarding the extra strings.

Just Strings sells individual strings from a variety of manufacturers. Maybe you can find the brand you like in this list from their site.

Answer 3

For European guitarists, I found this UK site who have quite good prices and free shipment for orders above 10GBP, they also sell single strings so you can create your own sets... Gonna try it for the next set and let you know :-)