My Overall Rating:

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar is currently on sale on Amazon through this link!

I wanted a solid acoustic guitar to learn on and I wasn’t sure how well I’d take to the instrument – I’ve played a few instruments in the past, but never took the time to really learn the guitar. I love the sound of the Epiphone DR-100 acoustic guitar, and this one for the low price was a surprise – the sound is incredible and I’ve enjoyed learning the basics here. Being able to learn slowly and coax the sound from the strings has been a painstaking process, but I’m finally seeing the results.

A friend of mine, the guy that got me started on the guitar did notice a little buzzing, but it’s very minimal and doesn’t affect the overall tone and quality of the sound this Epiphone acoustic guitar has been able to produce. Since I’m new to acoustic guitar, I didn’t notice the buzzing, but after he pointed it out and I really listened for it, I could pick it out, but most people wouldn’t even notice it.

When I told my buddy how much I paid for this, he was stunned – he honestly had thought I paid three to four times as much. He knows I’m always looking for a bargain and even he was surprised at the good deal I score on this beauty.

This has been a great adventure – learning how to play the guitar. This Epiphone acoustic guitar has such a good feel – a good vibe to it, it’s just a good way to chill out after a long day, being able to sit outside and enjoy the cool breeze and play my guitar, it’s given me a little something extra to look forward to at the end of the day. I’m one of those people who are constantly learning new things and because I have so many hobbies and interests, it’s hard to nail down my favorite, but playing this guitar is quickly becoming what I really love to do.

I may not have a huge amount of talent, but being able to indulge my creative passion and being able to challenge myself to learn something new has been good. What I love best about the Epiphone acoustic guitar has to be the note clarity – the sound is fairly clean and a little crisp – it makes it easier on a beginner to learn how to play and develop their style – I know it’s been so much fun learning on this DR-100 guitar and being able to get such a deal was fantastic, I didn’t realize what a good deal it was until my buddy told me. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Epiphone
Model	DR-100
Type	Acoustic Guitar
Top	Select Spruce
Hardware	Chrome
Fretboard	Rosewood
Scale	25.5 inches
Nut width	1.68 inches
Neck	Set, Mahogany
Inlays	Dot
Body material	Mahogany
Finishes available	Ebony, Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Check Sales Price

A clip from YouTube on Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar.

My Overall Rating:

D’Addario EJ27N is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

Guitar players want their instrument to sound the best, and one of the easiest ways to achieve that is to select a set of nylon guitar strings that will enhance the natural sound of their classical guitar. It’s often been stated that the best strings in the world will not make a poor guitar sound great, but deciding to opt for inferior strings will absolutely hurt the sound of a quality instrument. With that being said, there are still affordable nylon strings available that will perfectly complement any classic guitar, and one particular set, the D’Addario EJ27N Student Nylon Classical Guitar Strings are a perfect example.

A standard pack comes with 3 clear nylon trebles and 3 silver plated copper wound on nylon basses, and can run anywhere from $5-6 depending on where you buy. The clear nylon strings produce richness and clarity that is hard to find on even the most expensive of nylon guitar strings, and the normal tension makes the strings easier to play for beginners and students of the classical guitar, but may not represent the best option for experienced players. Despite this, it is believed that opting for a higher tension string can actually end up warping the neck of many classical guitars, so perhaps a normal tension string is the best option.

The D’Addario EJ27N strings are also available for 1/2 and 3/4 size classical guitars which is perfect for younger players who may not be able to play the full size version just yet. Besides tension and material, manufacturing quality is considered to be one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing classical guitar strings, and by opting for D’Addario nylon guitar strings, you will be going with a company that has a centuries old tradition of making strings.

While choosing which set of classical guitar strings might be pretty personal thing, the D’Addario EJ27N promised a good quality and amazing tone. Looking at the reasonable price offered, I will definitely continue to buy this string in the future. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	D'Addario
Model	EJ27N
Type	Nylon Classical Strings
Tension	Normal tension
Ball end	Non-Ball End
Wire wrap	3 clear nylon trebles and 3 silverplated copper wound on nylon basses.
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

A clip from YouTube on D’Addario EJ27N Classical Guitar Strings.

My Overall Rating:

Dean Markley Blue Steel Strings is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

I had never try Dean Markley strings before and out of curiosity, I decided to give it a shot on these Cryogenic processed Blue Steel strings. Seriously, I didn’t put too much of expectation but to my surprise, these strings turned out to be pretty good!

At my first impression, DM Blue Steel Acoustic Strings produced bright and mellow sound. They are easy to install and the action is gentle on my fingertips. This is very useful if you are a guitar beginner with no callouses on your fingers. They are light and sound very nice with fingerpicking style. And these strings also hold a tune very well and stay in tune after playing. They did last quite a while if compare to my other D’Addario or GHS strings.

To me, Dean Markley Blue Steel produces rich and big sound at moderate levels. These strings are quite touch-sensitive and expressive. They are worth for a try if you looking for alternatives to your current acoustic strings. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Dean Markley
Model	Blue Steel Acoustic
Type	Acoustic Strings
Coated / Non-coated	Non-coated
Gauge	2034
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

Other user’s comment:

Maverick B.

I bought these because I wanted some heavier strings on my guitar and I read that they ring out differently. Whoa, I was supprised on how clear and metalic these strings rang as I started tuning my “travel” guitar. It almost made it sound like a full sized guitar. Totally recommend these type strings for anyone looking to liven up their guitar sound. [Read full review..]

B. Astrup

I have always liked these strings, every time I try something else I wish I had gotten these. Sound is a subjective matter, I just happen to like the sound of these and their action. [Read full review]

A clip from YouTube on Dean Markley Blue Steel Strings.

My Overall Rating:

Martin M130 is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK

When learning to play the guitar there are very few teachers who are going to tell you the benefits of having the right strings to go with it, which is a pity as the Martin m130 may just make the difference that you – and your neighbors – have been waiting to hear.

Have you ever picked up your guitar and wondered why the sound coming out of it bared little to no resemblance to the Jimi Hendrix riff that you’re trying to play? Some people may say that it’s down to a lack of practice, a lack of skill, or even a lack of any sort of musical ability, but that’s not always the case; sometimes you just need the right equipment to get the right sounds coming out, and that’s where switching to silk and steel strings has helped many people out.

Refusing to believe that I wasn’t going to be the next Chuck Berry – and clearly giving my age away – I would practice for ages on my old four string guitar, but nothing really helped. It wasn’t until some years later that I discover that it should actually have six strings, and that the strings I did have weren’t all that good for a beginner – that and the previously mentioned lack of any musical talent. I started to look around for a full set of strings that would be easier to play, wouldn’t have a dull sound to them, wouldn’t sound as twangy, and would make me sound like a rock-star; well, the first three things would do, for a start.

I soon discovered that many people were recommending switching to the Martin guitar strings, and the Martin m130 silk and steel strings in particular. I thought ‘what the hell’, they were cheap enough, and the neighbors couldn’t be any more upset with me than they already were, so I decided to get a set.

Now, the Martin m130 silk and steel strings seem to work on most guitars, but it may still pay to check that they work with your guitar, and they wouldn’t instantly make you sound like the next Carlos Santana, but they were pretty much the only ‘drawbacks’ that I could see when I was doing my research in to them; but hey, you could say the same thing about any strings that you settle on getting, not just the Martin guitar strings.

As far as it making a difference to my actual playing, well, I always thought I was good, so you’d really have to ask the neighbors. The Martin m130 strings did seem to have a better feel to them, were easier to use with just my fingers, and produced the type of sound that I was aiming for, a more sort of melodic sound; having a full complement of strings also made a bit of a difference, but I was still just using the same three chords anyway.

So, will Martin m130 silk and steel strings make you in to the next Eric Clapton? Well, that all sort of depends on the commitment you put in to your practice, the talent that you have to start with, and getting the correct number of string for your guitar; but switching from what you already have, to the Martin guitar strings, and especially the Martin m130 silk and steel strings, is going to make a difference no matter what your current level and ability is – take it from me, the new Slash. Read more reviews.
 

Brand	Martin
Model	M130
Type	Acoustic Strings
Wrap Wire	Silk & Steel
Gauge	Light, .0115; .014; .023; .028; .038; .047
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

A clip from YouTube on Martin M130 Silk and Steel Strings.

There are several ways to pick up guitar playing. The easiest and direct way is go to local music school for guitar lesson. You pay a certain fees and attend mass lessons with a live guitar teacher guiding you step-by-step.

However not everybody can afford a teacher financially. Some may be working long hours in a demanding job and unable to attend routine lessons. Well, that doesn’t seem to be a problem to me. You still can self learn guitar playing. There are tons of good resources available today, without having to have lessons from a qualified teacher.

To “teach” yourself guitar playing, you can first buy several instruction books. There are quite a number of good instructional materials you could get for example like Guitar For Dummies, Hal Leonard Guitar Method, Guitar All-in-One, and many more. Just browse through the product details and pick one which suits your needs.

In case you found that books are too boring to follow through and wanted to try some fresh materials, another suggestion I could give you is to look for online guitar courses. A lot is available for free, and a lot more for relatively little money. You may check out Jamorama Full Beginners Course, which is probably one of the best selling online guitar course.

The great thing about online courses is the cost is a lot cheaper than with a live teacher. You could play at your own pace. Pick songs that you want to learn and preview them to see if you feel they are in your skill range. You will be more motivated and fell less pressure.

Getting started can be frustrating, I know. The progress might be slow, but every breakthrough you achieve is great. The thing you have to do with self teaching is to constantly push yourself out of the comfort zones. Patience is also necessary because nothing just happens overnight.

To your success.

Kyser Capo is currently on sale on Amazon US & Amazon UK.

From all reviews it seems hands down that the Kyser Capo is the most popular guitar capo. For those of you not knowing what a capo is, it is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument. This is done to shorten the playable length of the strings. It is said to have been used worldwide by more guitarists than any other capo for guitar. It is made of a strong lightweight aluminum which is great. This makes it very light to carry around as well when it is displayed on your guitar. In addition the strength of it makes durable and you can use it with confidence and know it’s good.

The Kyser 6 String Capo can easily be operated with one hand. When using it, it raises the pitch to all different levels. This will definitely add some variety to your playing. You will find this guitar capo is very reliable. As well it makes it very fun to use, and there is no worry you will not miss a change. There is no tension adjustment needed with the quickness of the capo.

While I was checking this out and all the reviews that I did look at I did see one con to the kyser capo. The concern I heard is that the guitar capo is designed to work across the fret board. When doing this is appears to apply more force than needed to hold down the lower frets. This causes these lower frets to wear faster. Yet I also did see people say that even with this they would replace the strings rather than stop using the kyser capo.

This capo for guitar can be found practically anywhere that you will find musical accessories. They are reasonably priced for fewer than 20.00, yet well worth the price for all the variety it will lend to your guitar playing. There are other capo’s out there, but why wouldn’t you want to use the world’s most popular one? Personally I know if I had to make a choice I’d go with the one everyone else likes. You will also have great success in finding these on some of the sites on the internet. Check and compare all the prices to make sure you get your best deal. There are some pretty great deals and incredible prices online. So my suggestion, regardless of how you get one, is to get your kyser capo today and you too will start to see and hear the benefits right away.

   

Zoom H2 is currently on sale on Amazon US & Amazon UK.

For most of the guitar player, a good recording unit can help a lot during practice or live performance. However it is not easy to get one with great price versus quality ratio. If you are searching for an easy portable recorder for recording acoustic guitar, we would highly recommend you to get this baby, Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder.

The H2 is super beginner friendly. It is very ideal for live recording with it’s small size and light weight. This recorder built with 4 mic capsules, compatible with various audio formats / resolutions, and built with USB 2.0 port for data storage.

One thing made H2 outshined other recorders is it’s “stand up by itself” form factor and the front and rear mic configuration. The multi-mic configuration works wonderfully for recording “in the round” jam sessions and rehearsals. With this cute little gadget, your acoustic guitar recording will surely be a wonderful experience. Read more user reviews.
 

S. Earl

I needed a really nice quality portable audio recorder; one that I wouldn’t be ashamed to print right to CD. I did my homework on line like you’re doing now, and finally chose this Zoom H2. But when I got it out of the box and realized that not only could I get amazing quality stereo recordings from the built in mics (blew my friends minds when I handed them my headphones) but I could also record 4 track surround sound, because there are actually four mics in this thing, all angled for optimum imaging.

So I sat down and started reading the manual, only to be amazed that not only does this thing record, but it has multiple compressor and limited options, built in metronome and guitar tuner, ability to do all kinds of editing with your files like normalizing, dividing tracks, changing encoding formats, easy dump to computer and back to H2 via USB. The line in stereo recorder works amazingly… I recorded our band from my monitor mix and it actually sounded better than our album!

The only drawback, for me, is that I find the display a little hard to see. But I have some vision trouble to begin with, so you may not encounter this problem. One last thing… get a big memory card, like an 8 gig. I did a lot of recording out in nature this summer and when you play it back at home you would swear your standing in a grove of cedars with the birds chirping or by the shore of the lake with the waves lapping. [Read more]

Seagull S6 is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

The Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar is a popular and highly regarded instrument. Musicians that purchase the Seagull 6 tend to be very happy with it. It is an entry-level, affordable guitar with a nice, warm tone. It is also attractive and easy to tune.

The Seagull S6 Original Acoustic guitar is a great starter instrument but it doesn’t necessarily play like one. The guitar’s sound is quite nice as is its feel. The hand finished neck, genuine lacquer finish and cedar top makes for an attractive combination, while the domestic cherry back and sides gives the guitar a sound and tone that is unique.

Stable tuning on the guitar is quick thanks to the machine heads which are specially aligned. The Seagull S6 has a silver leaf maple neck, accented by a rosewood fretboard and a shorter scale.

Seagull guitars are known for their great tone. The Seagull S6 isn’t any different. The cherry sides and cedar top affects the guitar’s tone. Its sound is a subsequent mix of mellowness, courtesy of the guitar’s mahogany and the ring is bright, thanks to the maple, wild cherry. The sound is one that is both warm and full. Some people describe it as a little bit dark.

One of the best things about the Seagull S6 is the ease in which the guitar can be tuned and stay tuned. When tuning most guitars, it is often necessary to make additional adjustments. This is because the neck of most guitars will move. This will, subsequently, alter the string’s tension. Balancing the neck, along with tuning the strings, then becomes necessary. The Seagull S6 has a tapered headstock, which cuts down on the movement or twisting of the neck.

Subsequently, it is not necessary to re-tune the strings after they have already been tuned. Once the guitar is tuned, it stays that way, at least for a longer amount of time than most guitars.

Another notable feature of the Seagull S6 is the double-action truss rod, which helps control the over and under bowing of the guitar’s neck, effectively reinforcing it. This cuts down on the amount of re-tuning needed when the guitar is played or passed around by different players.

All-in-all, the Seagull S6 is an excellent guitar. It is made of quality materials, sounds great, is easy to tune and better able to stand-up to normal wear and tear. We highly recommend it. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Seagull
Model	S6 Original
Type	Acoustic Guitar
Top	Select Pressure Tested Solid Cedar
Back & Sides	Wild Cherry
Neck	Silver Leaf Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Bridge	Rosewood
Body Size	D-14 Fret
Pick Guard	Black
String Scale	24.84"
Finish	Semi-Gloss Custom Polished Finish
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

A clip from YouTube on Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar.

Yamaha FG700S is currently on sale on Amazon US / Amazon UK.

Acoustic guitars come in all shapes and sizes, and also come from many different brands. The latest guitar from Yamaha is the Yamaha FG700S acoustic guitar. At first glance, the Yamaha FG700S acoustic guitar resembles a typical six string guitar that beginners usually will use. Though the Yamaha FD700S is a great beginner’s guitar, there are plenty of other features that make this a great guitar for anyone to have.

The new Yamaha FG700S is a great choice for people who want affordable yet luxurious craftsmanship. It comes with a beautiful spruce top, and a perfectly crafted rosewood fingerboard. Even the tuning keys are made out of a die-cast mold. Stunning body binding in a black and white motif add to its aesthetic appeal, and its high gloss finish gives it a professional quality touch. On an added note, this is a great guitar for anyone who wants to look like a real rock star on stage, and also in photographs. It’s just that beautiful.

The FG line is one of Yamaha’s most popular, and most legendary guitar lines. Every FG guitar that Yamaha has produced has been one that “feels right,” and produces some of the most high quality sound that a guitar can make. The Yamaha FG700S is no different, and also happens to be a very low maintenance guitar that’s easy to tune. Most of the time, the ease of tuning this beautiful instrument is what makes it a smash hit with beginners. Still, many advanced and intermediate guitar players choose the Yamaha FG700S because of the sheer beauty, excellent sound, and high quality workmanship that it has been known for.

At the regular price, the Yamaha FG700S acoustic guitar isn’t a discount guitar by any means. The current list price is a whopping $322. However, it is possible to find this stunning guitar on sale for only $199 on Amazon. Though it still may be a splurge for some guitar newbies, people who have bought it all agree that it’s worth every penny, if not more.

If you are looking for a guitar whose sound stays perfectly pitched during every song, is easy to tune, has a beautiful design, and is made with attention paid to every little detail, then it’s time to buy the Yamaha FG700S acoustic guitar. This isn’t so much a simple luxury as much as it is an investment in your guitar playing time. The Yamaha FG700S is a guitar that will delight you, and will also make a good heirloom gift for generations. Don’t waste another moment looking for a better starter guitar – this one is the very best that money can buy. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Yamaha
Model	FG700S
Type	Acoustic Guitar
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Nato
Neck	Nato
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Bridge	Rosewood
Tuners	Die-cast Chrome
Body Style	Dreadnought
Pick Guard	Tortoise-shell
String Scale	25 9/16"
Body Depth	3 15/16" - 4 5/8"
Nut Width	1 11/16"
Colors	Natural
Finish	Hi-Gloss
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Discount price on Amazon US / Amazon UK

A clip from YouTube on Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar.

Takamine Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar is currently on sale on Amazon through this link!

Acoustic guitar players, just like any other musician group, know how much difference a good guitar can make in terms of sound. Getting a sweet melody out of a rickety, poorly built guitar can be difficult, if not impossible. On the other hand, spending several thousand dollars on an acoustic guitar isn’t really financially feasible for most people. Luckily, Jasmine by Takamine has recently come out with a guitar that is affordable, looks great, and sounds wonderful – the Takamine Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar.

Takamine S35 is a six string guitar made with a Spruce top, laminated Nato sides, a Rosewood fret, and satin finish. As far as six string acoustic guitars go, this is a great middle-of-the-road solution to the price-sound conundrum that has been an issue for many avid guitarists around the world. The Takamine Jasmine S35 is a Dreadnought guitar, and it has already made a big splash among music fans.

Before you consider buying the Takamine S35, you need to know a little bit about what you should expect. The Takamine guitar company has a reputation for selling some of the best acoustic guitars in the country, and the Takamine S35 definitely follows in its footsteps. Jasmine guitars come with a 2 year limited warranty, which proves that this is a company that really stands behind their guitars.

The first thing that people notice when strumming out a few chords on this guitar is its rich resonance, which is due to the satin finish that each Takamine S35 comes with. Reviewers who have tried this guitar often buy it after they realize how well-made each Jasmine guitar happens to be. The guitar craftsmen who made the Takamine S35 paid special attention to detail, which improved both the quality of the sound and the aesthetic quality of the Takamine S35 as a whole. Along with the beautiful craftsmanship of the guitar, most of the people who have owned a Takamine S35 love the easy to tune mechanisms of the guitar, along with the ease of maintenance that this model offers its users. Overall, this is a perfect pick for guitarists who want an expensive-looking guitar that won’t break the bank. Beginners in particular tend to enjoy the Takamine S35 as an entry level guitar.

Because of the excellent quality of this Jasmine guitar, the Takamine S35 is one of the best rated acoustic guitars in its category. As an entry level guitar, you will be hard-pressed to find anything better than this. Is it a great buy? Of course – the Takamine S35 is one of the highest quality guitars that you will find for under $100. Partly due to its beautiful craftsmanship, and partly due to the amazing sound it produces, we have to recommend this Jasmine guitar for beginners, hobbyists, and experts alike. Read more user reviews.
 

Brand	Takamine
Model	Jasmine S35
Type	Acoustic Guitar
Top	Spruce
Back & Sides	Nato
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Bridge	Rosewood
Tuners	Chrome Plated
Body Style	Dreadnought
String Scale	25 3/8"
Nut Width	1 11/16"
Finish	Satin
Consumer Rating
Price Range	Check Sales Price

A clip from YouTube on Takamine Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar.

Korg TM-40 is currently on sale on Amazon US & Amazon UK.

The metronome is a device that has long been used by musicians to ensure that they are playing at a steady tempo, and is very often used as a learning tool for those who are just learning to play. The old style metronomes were of a pyramid shape, and had a ticker that would move from side to side whilst keeping the beats per minute (BPM) at a steady pace. It’s a tool that been around for centuries, but it has been given a modern twist with the introduction of the Korg TM-40 Digital Tuner and Metronome.

As the name of the product suggest, the Korg TM-40 also included a tuning function that will ensure that the instrument sounds good whilst keeping the beat. The tuner has a detection range id C1-C8 (32.7hz to 4186.01hz), which means that it is perfect for any type of instrument from keyboard to string. There is also a separate attachment called the CM100L contact microphone than can be used for even more accurate tuning of your instrument, but even without it, the Korg tuners work just fine. The tuner also allows players to learn how to tune by ear, simply by using the Sound Out function, and all the setting are remembered, even when the unit is turned off, thanks to the memory backup.

The metronome part of the TM-40 offers a couple of different ways for players to pick up the tempo. The first is by using one of the many preset tempo and time signatures, whereas the Tap feature allows the player to set their own specific tempo. The large built-in speaker produces a very clear ticking sound, which perfectly mimics the sound of a traditional metronome. Some have complained that the ticking can be somewhat of a distraction, but with multiple volume settings, the Korg easily allows players to settle on a level that suits them perfectly. Much like the tuner function, the metronome is perfect for all instruments and musical styles, thanks to the numerous functions that cover 0-7 beats per measure, as well as doublets, triplets, triplets with center beats omitted, plus much, much more.

The Korg metronome tuner features a large, bright display, with an LCD type needle for the metronome, and blinking LED lights that show pitch deviation and tempo. Best of all, the unit is small enough to be portable, and can actually fit snugly inside a pocket or purse, which is perfect for those who may be learning to play in a class setting, as well as at home. It’s also an incredibly reasonably priced unit, and by shopping at Amazon, it can be bought for under $25; all in all, a perfect stocking stuffer for someone who is going to be learning how to play an instrument in the near future. Read more user reviews.
 

While we understand individual player may have personal preference in strings selection, but in general, there are two type of guitar strings we would highly recommended to all beginners.

The first beginner friendly string you may try is D’addario EJ16 Light. These phosphor bronze strings always produce nice and sweet tone. Their price is very reasonable with the quality they delivered. For gauge selection, always choose the light gauge. Although the lighter the string is, the easier your finger to press, but extra light gauge will normally break easily. So choose the light gauge, instead of the extra light would be more ideal.

Another beginner friendly string you can consider is Elixir Nanoweb Light. These strings may not be the cheapest in store, but they are the toughest you could get. Elixir’s strings durability is definitely unquestionable. They are as tough as stone!

Acoustic guitar strings are consider as low cost accessories. Therefore, we have good reason to buy a few packs of different strings to test on their playability and tone. This is why we always suggest readers to invest a little money into both D’Addario and Elixir to make a experiment themselves.

That won’t hurt our pocket too much.

 

I had been told by one of an experience guitar player I shall not remove all guitar strings at once. I should remove one string at a time and replace each as I go. The reason is by removing all strings at once, I will affect the tension and create harm to the guitar neck. Is it true?

Answer

Yes, I heard about this as well but personally I do not agree with it because there’s no documented negative effect of removing all strings. I don’t think doing this will damage your guitar neck.

I always remove all strings from the guitar so that I could easily clean and wipe down the fingerboard with micro fiber, follow by putting on the new set. This had actually save lot of my time and effort.

In this bonus pack, you will get:

3 sets of D’Addario EJ16 Strings
Guitar Picks
Guitar Pick Holder
String Winder

This all-in-one bonus pack will save your money, time and hassle.

Great saving! Buy through Amazon with more than 50% discounts!

Learning acoustic guitar is a process which is full of fun. Beside strumming and other playing tricks, you can also try different type of strings and discover which string sounds the best for you. One of a very important step before you start your learning journey is to make sure your guitar is properly ‘setup’. This could be done by sending it to music store and get the staffs there to help you out. In general, setup a guitar will cost you around $50. After setup done, your guitar had been adjusted and you will find it easier to play.

Wrap Wires

Guitar strings have a steel core. The bottom 4 strings are “wound” with a wrap wire. For acoustic strings, the wrap wires are normally phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze (which is actually brass). Phosphor bronze has a brighter and prettier tone, but it tend to be slightly fuzzy. 80/20 bronze is initially brighter but then will mellow in a day or two. Phosphor bronze will mellow also, but not quite as much. Strings wound with pure nickel normally used on electric guitars, but they will make an overly-bright guitar sound quite mellow and good. Similarly, nickel-plated steel can sound very good on an acoustic guitar. That is what Tony Rice uses, and he’s a great guitarist. There are also strings which have an 85/15 formulation. These strings are very mellow sounding and are good for an overly-bright guitar. Lastly, Rohrbacher makes Titanium strings, wound with either phosphor bronze, nickel or coated bronze wire. These strings will last longer than steel, since Titanium is non-corrosive. They are a bit pricey (in the $20.00 per set range) but will last a year or more. They have a slightly softer, sweeter sound than steel strings.

Coated Strings

In general, all string makers have a line of own ‘coated’ strings. These strings have been either dipped or sprayed with a fine coating of polymer that protects the string. However, the coating dampens the sound of the string and the guitar. If your hands perspire a lot, you can use coated strings or the Rohrbacher Titaniums. But if your hands always stay dry, then coated strings are not necessary. They cost a lot more and really do not sound as good as uncoated strings. To me, coated strings are just meant to be made for those people with sweaty palm. Amazon is currently putting some pretty good stuffs on sales. You can get a D’Addario EXP16 almost half the price through this link to Amazon.

Strings Gauges

Guitar strings come in various gauges (thicknesses or diameter). A 56 gauge string is thicker than a 54 gauge string. Generally, the most common gauges for acoustic strings are Extra-light (11-47), Light (12-54) and medium (13-56). Do note different string makers may have slightly different string gauges for their products. If you have a dreadnought guitar, I recommend medium strings. Why? Because medium strings have a greater tension than Lights or Extra-Lights, and will transfer more sound to the top, or soundboard, of the guitar. This is recommended for a new guitar, especially, because the top is tight and needs to be “played in.” However, medium gauge strings are harder to finger than Lights or Extra-Lights. Therefore, I only recommend medium gauge to beginner who can take the pain on their fingers. If this is tough for you, then go for light or extra light gauges. Smaller guitars, such as parlor guitars, O, OO or OOO models will do well with Light gauge strings.

String brands

D’Addario is the most famous brand and their strings are very good. D’Addario also makes other brands such as John Pearse and Dean Markley (a not-very-well guarded industry secret). Elixir is another trusted brand in America. These strings are very durable. Martin & Ernie Ball make a variety of strings and they are also very good choices. The Martin SPs strings are excellent and have a core of high-tensile steel. This is a fine string for blues, or if you are bending the string.

Which Acoustic Guitar String is the best will be subjected to you personal preference. One string sounds excellent to you may not sounds the same to other people. The best is, buy 2 or 3 pack of different strings and test them yourself. Once you get your own best pick, stick to it.

Good luck!

Update: Get a value pack of D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Strings at Amazon with up to 50% off through this link.

Question:

I often seen 80/20 strings & Phosphor Bronze strings selling in music store. What exactly are these strings and what is the different between these two?

Answer:

Acoustic guitar strings are made of different material with different alloy ratios. The alloy ratio we mentioned here is referring to the metals which makeup the string.

80/20 strings is also known as Bronze Strings. Their copper-to-tin (or zinc) ratio is 80/20. They produce bright sound with clear & ringing tone. This type of strings required less tension and will give you a softer feel.

Phosphor Bronze strings are made of 92% copper and 8% tin (or zinc). They are more corrosive-resistant and tend to last longer than 80/20 strings. These produce a brassier sound but stiffer on your fingers.

There’s another type of string – Brass Acoustic Guitar Strings, which their alloy ratio is 85/15. These strings are by some to fall between the above two types in terms of sound. They are also well-liked, though you might find them more sensitive to skin oils.

Wipe your guitar strings

This is very important for maintenance. Wipe down your guitar strings with a soft and dry cloth each time you finish your practicing. What you need to do is simply put the cloth in between the strings and the fingerboard. Run it all the way down the length of the neck of the guitar. Get rid of all the perspiration and rust.

Use string cleaner

There’s a great product called String Cleaner. Just glide it on with the applicator and wipe it off with the provided lint-free cloth. It will keep your guitar strings clean and allow you to play faster. It also reduces excessive finger noise. You can use it on strings, the fretboard, and back of the guitar neck.

Use quality strings

There are various types of guitar strings on the market. Each product is not created with equal quality. You may opt for a good-quality brand of strings such as D’Addario or Elixir. These strings are very consistent and last longer.

Whether you are a guitar beginner or professional guitarist, taking good care of your guitar strings is always essential.

 

Save your money! Buy through Amazon with more than 30% discounts!

Get Yourself An All-In-One Acoustic Guitar Package

This acoustic guitar package includes a beautiful Yamaha spruce top acoustic guitar (model F325) with comfortable FG body style, a rosewood fingerboard, meranti wood back and sides. Package also come with a guitar gig bag,  electronic guitar tuner, DVD of guitar lessons, guitar Strap, extra set of guitar strings  and guitar Picks

It Has Everything For You

Basically, this is a very nice starter kit for beginner. It comes with all the basics you need. Yamaha is a trusted brand for their quality and sound. Their guitar is well built and has a very nice tone. The DVD included in this package is professionally arranged with various lessons like how to hold it, tuning, strumming, etc. It even has a Chord Dictionary which shows various chords and finger positions for them, and a Chord Studio which let you play chords you’ve learned with a backup band. Simply awesome!

In overall this entire package is a great deal for the price. It has everything you need to get started. There are even people commented that the price selling through Amazon is much lesser than music store:

Ashley L. Seabrooke “mama05″

“I feel cheated. I bought this exact kit at guitar center for 250 dollars. I did however get a two year warranty, but I would have gladly traded that for a price like this..” [Read more]

D. Bell “crownedbull”

“I shopped around at music stores to price a good starter guitar. I was told about this product. After I went home I looked it up online and the price was much less here through Amazon. I am very happy with the guitar so far. ” [Read more]

If you are just started to learn guitar, this acoustic guitar package is definitely a good buy for you. It not only gives you a great quality guitar – Yamaha, which is a trusted brand for their craftsmanship and quality,  but also provide you with all the basic accessories you need in your learning journey. Buy only one package and you will save money, time and troubles.

If you are buying as a gift for someone, I’m pretty sure he / she going to love this gift very much!

This video shows you how D’addario guitar strings are made.

A good rule of thumb is when your strings started to sound dead, or when a string (especially a lower string) breaks for no apparent reason, then it is time to restring your guitar.

In general, change your guitar strings every 3 – 6 months should be a good idea. See our another article on How to Restring Acoustic Guitar.

I got a guitar which my mum stored it for a long time and I’m thinking to buy a set of new strings. I didn’t know anything about guitar strings and I’m just started my guitar lesson. I think I need something easier to press, so that my fingers won’t hurt so much. What strings should I choose?

Answer:

As a beginner, you may choose extra light gauge. These strings are the easiest to press. They won’t hurt you so much if compare to heavier weight strings.

I recommend Elixir Extra Light Strings. This string is easy on your fingers and has excellent durability. Elixir is one of the trusted name in America made better by Nanoweb technology. It is light weight, yet rugged for heavy duty use. A very good choice for guitar beginner. Click here for a list of extra light strings which you could choose based on your own preference.

A note is, light strings need to be replaced more frequently compare to heavy weight strings. So it’s always a good idea to buy a spare set, because you don’t want to have to stop learning just because you broke a single string. You may also want to learn how to restring acoustic guitar. It’s actually pretty easy than you think.

Have fun!

What type of guitar string size should I choose? How do they affect the guitar?

Answer:

Guitar string sizes are also known as gauge. They will affect your guitar’s tone, playability and adjustments.

A larger gauge of strings applies more tension to the guitar. This has the effect of giving you more volume and a more focused sound. Because of the greater tension, it will require more pressure to press the strings. However, higher tension strings vibrate in a smaller arc allowing the strings to be adjusted closer to the fingerboard with less potential of buzzing.

Lighter gauge strings cause the opposite changes. If you are a guitar beginner, you are advised to choose lighter gauge as a start. These strings are easier to press when you learn the chords. Most guitars come from the factory with “Lite” gauge strings .012-.054 for acoustic guitars.

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Question:

I’m a guitar beginner and started learning some basics chords and songs. The main problem I’m facing now is the ends of my fingers hurt every time when I’m trying to practice. It’s pretty painful. What can I do?

Answer:

Newbie will experience some discomfort at first because your fingertips have not toughened. Some newbie also have a tendency to press too hard on the strings. That’s why it hurt your fingers. With time and a light touch (enough pressure to contact the fret top is all that is needed) the pain will eventually go away after you build up calluses. No pain no gain, right?

You may give your fingers a break if you feeling the pain. Let them rest for a while before continue your practice.

I started my acoustic guitar lesson and I’m practicing hard everyday. My fingers become sore & very painful. Can I change my steel strings with nylon strings, so that it is easier to play and won’t hurt me that much?

Answer:

This is not recommended. Nylon strings are under less tension and are larger in diameter, which make you think it would be “easier” to play. However, acoustic guitar (steel strings) and classical guitar (nylon strings) are both different in design. The nut, saddle & tuning gear design of acoustic guitar are not suited to nylon strings.

This video featuring step by step process making of Yamaha guitar with hand craftsmanship at their Hangzhou factory.

Now this is real cool.

Simply put the tuner on the table next to you and turn it on. Play a string you want to tune and the needle will bounce to whatever pitch you are at. Look at the tuner indicator; it will tell you how close you are to the right pitch. Adjust the string’s tuning key accordingly. Repeat this procedure for all six strings of your guitar. And that’s it! You can easily get it done in minutes.

There are also other ways to tune acoustic guitars. For example, like using a pitch pipe, tuning fork, or even some free online guitar tuners. But again, an electronic tuner is a real convenience. You can simply use it anywhere, anytime, anyplace.

Less work, more play. This is exactly what we’re looking for.

 

• String winder
• Wire cutter
• Clean cloth (to clean & wipe the guitar)

A video speaks a thousand words. I’m not going to write a few paragraphs to keep you busy reading and scratching your head in the same time. Refer to the below video from YouTube on how to get it done. You never knew it could be this easy. With your mission accomplished, you will have no excuse not to restring a guitar yourself anymore.

Restringing acoustic guitars is part of your learning process, and it’s essential for guitar maintenance.

Acoustic guitar strings consist of many type of gauges & brands. Guitar newbie often get confused as to what type of strings and brand to buy for his guitar. A very common question pop up in newbie’s mind is which is the best acoustic guitar strings brand for me?

As what we have learned from previous article, there are four main gauge options for Acoustic Guitar:

• Extra light 10 – 46. Easiest to play and least tension. Good for beginners but prone to producing a thin sound.
  

• Custom Light Gauge 11 – 52. Ease of playing maintained and produces slightly richer fuller sound.
  

• Light Gauge 12 – 54. Popular with professional musicians. Higher tuning stability. Not recommended for budget guitar due to higher tension.
  

• Medium Gauge 13 – 56. One of the highest gauges. Very big, rich tone but difficult to play on some guitars due to high tension.
  

For a guitar beginner, there are suggestions to opt for lighter strings because it’s easier to press down and simple to play. However there’s no “The Best Brand” in the market. Choosing a certain brand is more on personal preference.

You may want to check out these popular brands in the market: Elixir, D’Addario, Martin, Ernie Ball, etc. Try out few brands and test them to find the best suit you. Personally, I would prefer Elixir’s extra light strings because it is easier to press and last pretty long. Sometimes after you changed to light gauge strings, you still find it’s difficult to press the strings down. You might want to take your guitar to shops and have it checked. Your guitar “action” (height of strings off the fingerboard) might be a bit too high. This problem can be solved by getting guitar repair shop to lower the action for you.

Our next article: How to restring acoustic guitar

Is your guitar sounding duller, less brilliant and bright? Are you having trouble keeping the strings in tune for longer than an hour at a time? Is there a lot of dirt and grime buildup on the strings? Or one of your strings has broken? If any of these “warning signs” have appeared, you may have to restring your guitar.

Many professional guitar players recommend changing guitar strings after each and every gig. Or some suggest every six weeks. Well, for newbies, that sounds a bit too extreme!

One tip to prolong the life of guitar strings is washing your hands before playing your guitar to remove oils and dirt, as well as wipe down the guitar strings with a clean cloth after every practice.

 

1. Composition
2. Gauge
3. Brand

Composition

Guitar strings made from material like nickel, stainless, bronze, phosphor bronze, etc. Acoustic guitar use steel strings and classical use nylon. Electric guitars usually use steel strings too. In this article, we will review steel strings instead of nylon, since they are the most common used.

Guitar strings types could also be classified as wound & unwound strings.

a. Wound Strings: A thinner wire wrap with a steel core (usually bronze, nickel or steel). Wound strings are thick and strong. It normally used for the lower registers.

b. Unwound Strings: Unwound strings (also known as standard strings) are generally used for the upper registers. It’s thinner with a higher pitch.

Different type of string and wrapping metals will affect the sound of the string. Bronze is usually considered to have a ‘bright’ sound, which steel is more mellow & softer, especially when wrapped in nickel.

How the string is wrapped could also impact the sound. Although ‘Rround wound’ strings are loud and vibrant, it can be hard on the neck of your guitar and produce noise when sliding your fingers over them. ‘Flat wound’ strings are not as crisp sounding and are easier on frets and fingers.

Gauge

Next, we look at the gauge of the string, ie the thickness or diameter. There are 4 main gauges for Acoustic Guitar strings:

• Extra light 10 – 46. Easiest to play and least tension. Good for beginners but prone to producing a thin sound.
• Custom Light Gauge 11 – 52. Ease of playing maintained and produces slightly richer fuller sound.
• Light Gauge 12 – 54. Popular with professional musicians. Higher tuning stability. Not recommended for budget guitar due to higher tension.
• Medium Gauge 13 – 56. One of the highest gauges. Very big, rich tone but difficult to play on some guitars due to high tension.

Thicker strings sound louder, but they are also under more tension to maintain the required pitch. This can make them hard to play, as the pressure required to push the string down behind the fret is considerable.

To avoid buzzing against the frets, thicker strings usually have to be mounted a bit higher off the soundboard than thin strings. This may slow down the “action” of the instrument, making it more difficult to play quickly.

Brand

So which brand to choose? That is up to your own preference & budget. Each brand has its own solid characteristics, but what works for one person might not sound right to another. The best thing you can do is buy 2 or 3 packs of strings from different makers. Test it and see which one sounds the best to you.

One thing for sure is, choosing appropriate strings will aid technique, enhance quality and improve confidence of the guitar player.

So by now you had basic understanding on guitar strings types, let’s move on to next article: When Should We Replace Guitar Strings?