If you play (or want to play) heavy-handed, hard, and low, your strings need to be able to handle the task. Here are 10 of the myriad sets available for getting your drop tuning on.

D’ADDARIO

EXL148 [.012–.060]
These hybrid gauges are optimized for C tuning or players who prefer a heavier string, and are roundwound with nickel-plated steel for bright tone.
$5 street
daddario.com

 

DR STRINGS

DDT-11 [.011–.054]
Designed over a two-year build-and-test period, these strings use the company’s Accurate Core Technology to be able to drop with confidence and accuracy.
$8 street
drstrings.com

 

ERNIE BALL

Mammoth Slinky [.012–.062]
On this set, the wound strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around tin-plated hex-shaped steel-core wire, while the plain strings are tin-plated, high-carbon steel.
$7 street
ernieball.com

 

STRINGJOY

Drop Tune Medium [.011–.058]
Recommended for drop C, but applicable for lower tunings as well, these strings feature nickel-alloy wrap wire around high-carbon steel hex-core wire.
$12 street
stringjoy.com

 

DEAN MARKLEY

2500 Signature Series [.013–.056]
Featuring nickel-plated steel that’s slowly handwound over a hex core, the outer string wrap maintains 100-percent contact with the core for maximum sustain and full sound.
$6 street
deanmarkley.com