Best Acoustic Guitar Strings » Gauge

What to expect when change to medium gauge strings?

Admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:37:59 +0000

Question
I had been playing guitar for about a year and had only use light gauge strings. I’m now thinking to try out some medium gauge strings. What should I expect to discover?

Answer
You might encounter a couple of scenarios:

It will be more difficult fretting due to it’s higher tension.
Fatter tone all round.
Better tone when playing dropped tunings.

In short, you will get more tone, more volume but less string flexibility. And the most obvious changes – expect your fingertips to hurt more until you get used to the fatter strings.

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings For Beginner

Admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:35:24 +0000

Question:

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!

Guitar String Sizes?

Admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:26:05 +0000

Question:

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.