Which guitar is best for tuning down to drop C?A fixed-bridge guitar with heavier strings is what you want. No single brand wins, but the threads agree on the ingredients. Guitar choice Fixed bridge wins: inflames trusts fixed-bridge guitars for metal and drop tuning — Floyd Rose trems make drop changes a headache 2. Solid suggestions: An Ibanez RGD gets a strong vote for drop tuning, and a 7-string keeps intonation happy at low tunings 2. A Cort NZS-1 (fixed bridge, bright ebony/maple) was recommended at Bothners back in 2010 — check they're still stocking it 2. Baritone option: For sustained low tunings, a baritone-scale guitar keeps tension normal; Alan Ratcliffe, our Guitar Doctor, recommends baritone string sets that go down to B 3. Strings and setup Heavier strings: Drop C with 9s or 10s will flop. Doc-phil uses Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky / Not Even Slinky; a 10-52 or D'Addario Jazz 13-56 set works on a 25.5" scale 3. Neck and nut: Expect to slacken the truss rod a quarter turn or so — Alan Ratcliffe, our Guitar Doctor's advice for low tunings 1. If you jump to 12s, the nut may need recutting — ezietsman, our Amp Whisperer's tip for down-tuning 7. Get intonation set: Tension changes shift intonation; a 12th-fret check will show if the setup's out 8. Post your budget and the band's sound and members will suggest current models. From these forum threadstuning down to drop c (2008): Alan's tip on truss rod and string gauge for low tuningsBest guitars for drop tuning??? (2010): Members nominate fixed-bridge guitars and 7-strings for drop tuning'c' tuning (standard down 2 whole steps) (2012): String gauges and baritone sets that actually work in drop CTuning question. (2014): ezietsman's gauge advice when dropping a whole stepGuitar tuning and intonation (2010): How to check intonation at the 12th fret yourself
