I have a 25.5  scale, 3-string CGB tuned GBg and currently use 42, 34, 24 gauge wound strings with a humbucker.  I tuned down to EBe and love the playability of the looser feel but want to get the GDg tuning.

  1. Could I just use different gauge strings to accomplish this? 
  2. Could I build a other guitar to a different scale length to acheive the feel and tuning I am looking for?  A shorter scale?

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So what you have now is:
.042@E2 = 15 Lbs
.034@B2 = 22 Lbs
.024@E3 = 20 Lbs

What you want is:
.036@G2 = 15 Lbs
.028@D3 = 22 Lbs
.020@G3 = 20 Lbs

These calculators are very handy:
Calculator to determine tension, when you know the string diameter.
Calculator to determine what size string to use, when you know the ...

This will work!  Thanks!

Your original setup with 0.042, 0.034, 0.024 strings and tuned to GBg has some pretty high tensions:

G 0.0 42 22 lbs
B 0.034 26 lbs
g 0.024 29 lbs

Tuning down to EBe produced the lower tension numbers noted by Korrigan. It's no surprise that you found these to feel better.

Keep playing with string diameters and tensions and you will find the string tensions you find best for you and your style. Then you can use the string tension calculator to find the strings that will give your favorite tension regardless of the scale length you decide to use.

Look into pushing tension down even farther than you currently have. A lot of professional players use tensions in the 15 and lower range. It's easier on the fingers during long sets.

I find that setting all strings to around 17 lbs plays well for me and allows me to tune up or down at least three semitones with no risk of string breakage. That flexibility is very attractive.

Good luck with it.

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