What do you use? In fact, in D-standard, the twelve gauge set feels much like a ten-gauge tension on a standard-tuned guitar. Even back in the day when I mainly played in E standard on a floyd equipped guitar I used 11's or 12's. I think 10-52 is popular. Lighter gauge strings are easier to play when it comes to fretting chords or bending strings. We play Country, Classic Rock, and Metal/Hard Rock. Generally, lighter gauge strings are easier to play, brighter, allow you to bend strings and fret notes easier, and exert less tension on your guitar's neck. Now I will say something like 9-46s is less ideal for D standard and lower tunings but I'm sure there is somebody who makes it work. It allows the guitar to settle into that tuning, and also allows you to tweak the action and string gauge specifically for that tuning. I'd lie a similar feel in D standard and am thinking I should jump up to 11-49s? Gibson Les Pauls: 10.5 - 60 or 11.5 - … There are no rules, it's all about what you like. Always have. All SE* instruments are factory set-up with 9 - 42 gauge strings (except for the Mike Mushok Baritone, which is set-up with D?Addario XL157 - 14-68). So, I usually tune to standard exclusively, but Ive decided to start tuning my LP to D standard just to have the option to go a little lower. Really, the different gauges for particular strings just offer different feels. In The Jones Social Club we tune to D standard, Drop C, B Baritone and Drop A. Other factors: The wound guitar strings (Low E, A & D) have different cores (hex or round), different winding methods, and some also have coatings. Light vs. heavy gauge guitar strings. All guitars are strung with Stringjoy strings. But I like the feel of thicker strings under my fingers. Some people like heavier gauges on all their strings some just like it on the top or bottom etc. However, because they are thinner they break easier. Responses will probably run the gamut, but curious what gauge strings people prefer for D standard tuning? For my preference, I'd go with the 11.5-60 set for that tuning/scale length since it would feel similar to 10-52 tuned to E on 25.5", which is what I use, and the heavy sixth string would have enough tension for Drop C as well. The Doozy can take the tension with its substantial neck and 25-inch scale. I use 10-46s for Eb. And here’s D Standard Tuning: D G C F A D. One thing you might want to consider if you’re using a lot of alternate tunings is to setup a guitar just for that tuning. I was just wondering what string gauge you down-tuners would recommend (Id like something that feels comparable to 10s in standard … With that said, you can use any gauge you want. *SE Bernie Marsden comes setup with 10-46 gauge strings. I play in C# standard and use GHS .13 - .56 with a wound third string. The DGT is factory set up with 11 - 49 gauge strings with unwound 3rd. Anyway, here's my axes/gauges and tuning. In E standard I prefer lighter gauges (.040 - .095 or .045 - .100) depending on what I use it for; but for D standard I use a heavy gauge (.050 - 110) because I don't use it for slapping, but heavy fingerstyle / pick use and I can also drop down to C without floppy lower strings. I use the new-fangled alternative material strings with the Doozy to increase to offset the darker voice it speaks with naturally. The gauges for a six-stringed guitar range from the smallest on the high E string and level up to the B, G, D, A and low E strings.