What gauge strings for doom metal?

[sgtbaker]

I just bought a new SG and I'm planning for using it in a doom metal band (Electric Wizard style). I'm getting it setup in C standard, and will mostly be playing in that and maybe two steps down at A#. My Ernie Ball Power Slinky (11's) are good on my LP in standard tuning, but tuned down to C, they're way too loose. What's a good heavy gauge string I should use?

 

[Platypus]

I'd say 12s or 13s.. I play a guitar in C# and B with 12s and they're pretty consistent.. I might move up to 13 though.

 

[MF]

get some of the Ernie Ball custom gauge stings. "Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom" or "Not Even Slinky" i think are both designed for low tunings.

 

[sgtbaker]

Yeah, I was thinking the Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky because I usually use Power Slinky and I'm guessing they'll have the same feel.

 

[MesaENGR412]

I play more of a technical metal style, and i use 11-50 or 11-52's and they work well. I can still solo and not break my fingers and the heavy stuff comes through....well....HEAVY :twisted:

-AJH

 

[nomad100hd]

I uses power slinkies 11's is where it's at!

 

[Gtr_Pkr]

The thicker the string, the tighter the guitar will sound. My guess is that if you use 10's and tune that low, the strings will just flop around like a fish out of water.

 

[Shep]

13-68

thats What i use, tune it to G

 

[R_ADKINS80]

Instead of going the custom string packs route, I use packs of EB Power Slinky 7-string sets. They are 11-58 and I remove the smallest wound string and use the rest. It makes it a beefier version of a LT/HB. I tune my guitars no higher than drop C, mostly C and B standard and then dropping to A, they hold great tune and have a good feel that is not too slinky. Try it and see if ya like it. They should be off the shelf sets at most music stores.

 

[R_ADKINS80]

Instead of going the custom string packs route, I use packs of EB Power Slinky 7-string sets. They are 11-58 and I remove the smallest wound string and use the rest. It makes it a beefier version of a LT/HB. I tune my guitars no higher than drop C, mostly C and B standard and then dropping to A, they hold great tune and have a good feel that is not too slinky. Try it and see if ya like it. They should be off the shelf sets at most music stores.

 

[trem]

.066 - .666

 

[carlsoti]

When you say "doom metal", I think Black sabbath and type o negative. Iommi, back in the day, used really skinny strings to get his tone; type o negative seems to sound the same, to me.