What Strings To Use?

Hey, im trying to figure out what mix of string sizes/sets to use to get the best volume and tone out of my guitar when i tune to Goo Goo dolls tunings. The songs i like to play are Iris, (Tuning: BDDDDD) Name (Tuning: DAEAAE) Black Balloon (i think half step down from name) and Better Days, which i cant remember the tuning. So far i have just used a regular set of strings, medium or 12s, and when i tune the guitar, the low strings are too tight, and the higher strings are too loose (or way too tight, like we have gone through many strings trying to tune to name) So i was wondering if anyone had any tips on what mix of strings i should use to get the most out of these songs. Im using a Seagull 6 string and a Seagull 12 string. If you can help, that would be awesome

Aaaaggggghhhh! Tips To Learning Eric Johnson's Cliffs Of Dover

Hey, i have been looking at all the lessons at gmc, and im pretty impressed. I have definitely learned alot. So being my usual thrill-seeker self, i decided to try to learn to play Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson. Now, i am an intermediate player, and play alot of alternative stuff, but usually give up on the really hard things that i come across. as a new years resolution, i have decided not to give up (figures, right before i choose the hardest song ever!!). So, if any of you have any ideas of what would help me build up the speed, skill, and endurance to be able to play this song, i would greatly appreciate it.

My Gear
Fender Mexican H/S/S Strat
Yamaha sg500b
Crate FXT65 amp w/ dsp effects

another thing, i also happened to choose crazy on you by heart, so same thing so i can get the intro down

Thanks,
speezy