Ever notice how those guitar strings optimized for "drop-tuning" have the three bottom strings thicker than the "standard" set?
For example: D'addario's Light Top/Heavy Bottom set, tuned to Standard E
Diameter
Tension
Item#
Note
inches
mm
lbs
kg
PL010
E
0.010
0.25
16.2
7.35
PL013
B
0.013
0.33
15.4
6.98
PL017
G
0.017
0.43
16.6
7.53
NW030
D
0.030
0.76
25.0
11.34
NW042
A
0.042
1.07
26.3
11.93
NW052
E
0.052
1.32
22.0
9.98
Take a look at how the bottom E actually has less tension compared to the D and A string. Now, this analysis was done for standard tuning, not drop tuning: since drop tuning requires to down-tune the low E, you'll end up having even less tension there than when you tuned it to standard (obviously). But they also make the D and A string thicker compared to the "standard" set, making the gap between tensions even higher!
A lot of metal guitarists (like me) also prefer to dig on the bottom strings harder, which is also why these strings need fixing (imo). I don't personally mind having the B string looser, as I tend to bend that string often, but I see no benefit in having the low E lacking tension.
I'm guessing the tension is a bit lower on the low E string because of the chugging that a lot of metal players tend to do. makes it easier to do without all that tension.
Moonshield17 wrote on Nov 22nd, 2009 at 11:30pm : I'm guessing the tension is a bit lower on the low E string because of the chugging that a lot of metal players tend to do. makes it easier to do without all that tension.
But the general consensus of sevenstring.org is that thinner low strings suck because they feel floppy and sound funny.
*shrug*
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