String tension calculator

Detuning and it feels like spaghetti? Find a set that fixes it.

Gauge set
Tuning
25.50"
Tension per string, low to high
StringGaugeTension barTensionFeel
E.046w17.5lb · balanced
A.036w19.5lb · balanced
D.026w18.4lb · balanced
G.01716.6lb · balanced
B.01315.4lb · balanced
e.01016.2lb · balanced
Total across the neck103.5 lb

Computed from D'Addario's published unit weights ↗ (opens in a new tab) for plain steel and XL nickel wound strings; other brands and constructions differ by a few percent. 13–22 lb per string is the range most players call balanced.

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