Calculated starting set
8-String Drop E Gauges for a 27-Inch Guitar
Drop E on an eight-string moves the lowest string an octave below a standard sixth-string E. Here, scale length, construction, and setup are as important as the gauge stamped on the package.
- Tuning
- E B E A D G B E
- Strings
- 8
- Scale length
- 27 in
Recommendation
.010–.080 is the calculated starting point
On a 27-inch instrument, .010–.080 is a calculated starting set. Use the .080 low E as a comparison baseline, then check the string maker’s specification before choosing a set.
Tension table
Estimated tension at 27 inches
Calculated from pitch, gauge, scale length, and a plain or wound construction estimate.
| String | Pitch | Gauge | Build | Estimated tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | E1 | .080 | wound | 13.2 lb |
| 7 | B1 | .060 | wound | 16.6 lb |
| 6 | E2 | .046 | wound | 17.4 lb |
| 5 | A2 | .036 | wound | 19.0 lb |
| 4 | D3 | .026 | wound | 17.7 lb |
| 3 | G3 | .017 | plain | 18.6 lb |
| 2 | B3 | .013 | plain | 17.3 lb |
| 1 | E4 | .010 | plain | 18.2 lb |
Low-string comparison
Compare nearby gauges at the same pitch
The calculator holds E1 and 27 inches constant, then changes only the wound low-string gauge.
- .078
- 12.5 lb
- .080 Starting point
- 13.2 lb
- .082
- 13.8 lb
What it should feel like
Use the table to make a confident adjustment
Low-E feel varies more here because wound strings differ by manufacturer. Treat the calculated value as a comparison tool: use it to decide whether .074, .080, or .085 is closer to the feel you want, then validate on the guitar.
Before restringing
Plan for the full guitar setup
- 1Use a nut and tuner that can physically accommodate the low-string gauge.
- 2Check intonation over the frets you use most; low strings can reveal setup issues quickly.
- 3For multiscale guitars, enter individual scale lengths instead of using this single-scale example.
Common questions
8-string Drop E string-gauge FAQ
- Is .080 too heavy for Drop E?
- On a 27-inch eight-string, it is a practical starting point. Your final choice depends on construction, attack, and desired feel, so compare it with nearby gauges using the same scale length.
- Do I need a multiscale guitar for Drop E?
- No, but a longer bass-side scale can make low-string tension easier to manage. The calculator supports individual string lengths for a multiscale comparison.