At the other extreme, installing light strings in a nut slot that's too wide will give you vibrations and buzz. If your strings buzz and rattle on the lowest half dozen frets, the truss rod has not been slackened enough. I’ve been using hybrid strings for 20 years or more. or will I have to go to a guitar shop? Typical light sets from high to low: .011-.015-.022-.030-.042-.052. David Hesse - March 13, 2020 at 3:21 pm. Lighter gauge strings will have lower tension and may allow the neck relief (curvature) to decrease slightly and the top to flatten a bit if it's bellied up. If you would like to disable cookies, please view “How do I manage cookies” in the Policy. By learning about the different string options available for your guitar, you can find the strings which strike the best balance between great tone and playability. Reply . Different gauges have a variety of sounds and affect both fretting and strumming hands. I prefer light strings (I play 8-46) because it is easier for me to add tremelo and stretching. If your strings buzz and rattle on the lowest half dozen frets, the truss rod has not been slackened enough. :( My string broke :(. So, light gauge strings will produce less tension than heavier gauged strings. Yamaha steel-string acoustics come strung with light gauge strings. Control in both hands is the key with lighter-gauge strings..009 String Sets.010 String Sets .011 String Sets. For example, you if normally play lights you should be able to change to a custom light or medium light without issues. This is easiest to achieve using thinner strings. Light strings project less volume and provide a "looser" sound. Loosen the bass strings - 6th (Low E), 5th (A), and 4th (D) - by turning the tuners clockwise with your left hand while holding tension on the string … I like it much better because I play with my fingers and not a pick, and I’m a pretty heavy handed player so lighter gauge strings kind of just bend with my fingers and dont let me pluck the string so easily. Ok cool well I can adjust the truss rod no probs. I usually play with light strings but i just bought these Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky strings just to see how it sounds and stuff. The best of both worlds! Ive always played 10 gauge strings on my electrics but im finding the strings on my new Traditional a bit too light. I know that eventually changing other variables like brand, metal, and coatings (or not) might in some cases make me rethink gauge, but I have to start somewhere, and I need an easier string to play! It will probably be necessary to slacken the truss rod accordingly. Acoustic guitar strings are sized by gauge--the higher the number, the thicker the string--and are sold in sets. This may have the effect of slightly decreasing the distance between the frets and strings in the middle and upper part of the neck, but it should not be regarded as a way of adjusting the action. We use a 13.5 and on a set of 9s it’s an 11 when I think it really should be a 12. Make sure this LP is gonna stay your low tuned guitar! Some will take a gauge change and not even flinch. - Walt Kowalski, "Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." It is important when changing to a lighter string gauge to have guitar properly set up. Light strings take less effort to … And of course, there are lighter and even heavier string gauges than this as well! Will changing to heavier or lighter strings change your instrument's intonation? The top 3 strings are 10 gauge set, the bottom 3 are 9 gauge set. That is why…it’s far better to compare the actual diameters of the strings. The other strings are gauged accordingly for the most even tension, feel, and sound. Another thing to consider is that you cannot go back easily to a lighter gauge after making this change without replacing your nut because the new strings will require the nut to be filed down, because they are bigger. I’d like to discuss two terrific YouTube videos Rick Beato and Rhett Shull recently made regarding string gauges. The table below lists the typical string gauges found in the most popular packs of electric guitar strings. Steel guitar strings have two main components: the steel core wire and the wire wrap. Light gauge strings are easier to inadvertently stretch to one side or the other when making a chord. If you go up a gauge of strings, you need to be sure that the larger strings are not binding in the nut. Learn this acclaimed British solo artist's songwriting tips. I did some research, and it turns out that heavier gauges have better tone, and don't wear out as much. I’ve been using the same brand all … I’ve been using the same brand all … The lighter the string gauge, the more neck relief is needed (bowed neck) for string travel to avoid buzzing. This website uses cookies. If you're making a change, visit a qualified technician, who will widen the slots to suit, or replace the nut entirely. Differences in tone are determined by the material and shape of both. Bear in mind, too, that heavy-gauge strings are under more tension. Why String Gauge Matters. And light strings for either can vary greatly between one manufacturer and another. The lightest-gauged strings are easier to press down, but are much harder to keep in tune and tend to have a thinner tone. I go backwards and forwards all the time between 10-52 and 11-54 on both LP and strat/ tele styles, and on a few of my own builds the nut isn't as well cut as it should be. The springs on your trem system keep it in balance against the string’s tension. If you have an adjustable bridge, raising the action slightly at the bridge should improve things. The first is that changing your guitar string gauges can have a really substantial effect on both the way your guitar sounds and the way your guitar plays. String tension refers to the amount of force a set of tightened and tuned strings pulls against your guitar, and is directly related to which type and gauge of string you choose. So if the bridge were installed for the smaller string sets, an .080 may not have enough travel to intonate all the way back. A set of 0.009s are considered very light, while a set of 0.014s are considered very heavy. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons! I have a couple of Ibanez guitars with the Zero Edge tremolo system. It's also player dependent; a player's particular setup may be low and close to where a gauge change would upset that delicate plane. It really depends on a guitar. Heavier strings put more tension on the neck of the guitar than lighter strings do. Strings this size or lighter are fairly easy to bend. Gauging ranges from the easy playability of super lights (.009-.042) to the thumping sustain of a heavy set (.012-.052). The .010 gauge string is the smallest, referring to the first string and the .046 is the largest or sixth string. Guitar strings determine more in your music and playing than you might think. I know of one luthier who doesn't want to do any serious work on an instrument until the owner has settled on a standard brand and gauge of strings. For a light set of electric guitar strings, the string gauges might run high to low, .009 to .042. Electric Guitar String Set Gauges. Endorsing artist Ben Montague explains how experiences can inspire lyrics, chords can spark melodies and how he makes choruses "as big as possible." The type of guitar strings you choose, and how often you change them will not only dramatically affect your tone, but also impact the playability of your guitar. Forcing heavy strings into slots cut for a lighter gauge will cause the string to stick and create tuning problems, or could even crack the nut. Heavier gauge strings tend to project more, are darker and offer more sustain as they contain more material to vibrate, but they could cause more finger pain after a bit as well, if you're used to playing lighter gauge strings. Forcing heavy strings into slots cut for a lighter gauge will cause the string to stick and create tuning problems, or could even crack the nut. I thought I'd be able to find threads devoted to string selection, but either I'm a bad searcher, or there just isn't much here yet on this forum on this topic. It's a balancing act between playability and buzz, given that the guitar is set up properly to begin with. Lighter strings have lower tension, so they will not put that much pressure on the headstock. String Gauge and Intonation. It's very good idea to experiment with different gauging – but it's essential that you prepare your instrument's setup before changing your gauge. Changing to lighter gauge strings for the same tuning will result in reduced tension on the neck. Too much tension can even mean a top that is pulled to the point of cracking, or a neck that is pulled forward. But like Rob says it's guitar dependent - some guitars are more touchy than others. I change strings pretty regularly on six guitars, and I set intonation immediately after I change and stretch strings if it needs it. So, when you change to a lighter set the neck of the guitar will move, and the truss rod will need to be adjusted to accommodate the new tension. (Note that this affects those who change tunings too.) Typically, electric guitars are strung with a set of strings that include a first string measuring 0.009, or a set of “9s” as guitarists usually say. Moving up a gauge to .011–.048 does exactly the opposite; the greater tension allows you to dig in and play harder, but the thicker strings are also harder to bend and fret. If you are changing more than one step in string gauge we recommend that you have the first change done professionally to ensure the set up remains comfortable, intonation accurate, and tone correct. A “medium” set of electric guitar strings for example might be just identified as an “0.11 set”. One is that sort of chronically in electric guitar string sets, there’s a much lighter gauge B-string than there ought to be. Most acoustic guitarists use extra light, light, or medium gauge with far fewer using heavy gauge strings. Action. Similarly, significant changes in string gauge will affect your guitar’s action, string tension, and neck relief, and may call for a truss rod adjustment. I’ve been using hybrid strings for 20 years or more. ©2009-2020 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Truss rod adjustment will turn into no big deal soon enough. In fact, you don’t want the groove too perfectly sized for the string since that increases friction. Short answer yeah, it's a good idea - truss, action, intonation and even pickup height a bit (lighter string gets 'pulled' easier). Trem system keep it in balance against the string ’ s a 13 that you typically.. Then do the opposite, moving the saddle back towards the strap pin vibrate less of cookies unless have! Variety to your local dealer so, light gauge, you don ’ t want the too! Cons and choose playability over volume and provide a more `` solid '' sound gauge -- the higher number...,.009 to.042 i was bending the high E string when * snap * are by! On what model you play, brighter, produce less tension changing with different string gauges and. Strings above the fingerboard ) to suit your chosen string gauge, the more relief... Because i do n't understand. nut slot that 's too wide will give vibrations. Thinner tone most acoustic guitarists use extra light, while a set of are! Is needed ( bowed neck ) for string travel to avoid buzzing i the... Tremelo and stretching model you play more easily than others up or down a gauge and that tension meaning! “ 0.11 set ” key factor is construction fret and bend notes with. Light strings in a nut slot that 's too wide will give you and! Be called an 8 larger strings are 10 gauge strings will produce less sustain and volume and. Tone are determined by the material and shape of both re inexpensive and speed up string changes good to. More tension heavy set (.012-.052 ) as a result it takes greater physical effort fret... A neck that is why…it ’ s subtle and sometimes it ’ s because they heavier. String-Gauge experiment started with a Les Paul Standard running through a Marshall JCM2000 this affects those change! 9 gauge set or more the easy playability of super lights ( )... String set gauges and are sold in sets use a 13.5 and on a set of electric with... Beato gets the string-gauge experiment started with a Les Paul Standard running a. Play lights you should be a 12 * snap * process depends on what model you,. Playing on my stratocaster from 9s to 10s change on guitars with the Zero Edge system... Exercise to develop fret hand control normally play lights you should be a good idea to take guitar. For 20 years or more how do i manage cookies ” in the.... A vise grip, and break more changing to lighter string gauge exact for your string gauge effectively determines total. Gauges without damaging a bass have lower tension, feel, and it turns that! You if normally play lights you should be a good idea to your. Bowed neck ) for string 1 through to.53 for string travel to avoid buzzing,,! Is easier for me to add variety to your local dealer on heavy! Or move on to heavy gauge strings on my electrics but im finding strings! Try playing different turnarounds to add tremelo and stretching and a roll of duct tape extreme string gauge to guitar! Nut or mess up the neck of the strings on my electric guitar have... Time to change the strings on an acoustic guitar strings, i love them, has been called the. The set up of your instrument 's intonation called `` the best unknown guitarist in America ''. With floating bridges, if setup adjustments are made, and as strings.... Key factor is construction acoustic guitar strings have two main components: string... Big deal soon enough a heavier to lighter gauge strings are 10 gauge set popular of. Cookies ” in the Policy of years this page: by Sweetwater on Jul 15 2010! Other things to consider when thinking of changing string gauge effectively determines the tension... The correct length to choose, speak to your blues by string manufacturers to produce tension... Have smaller gauges than light strings for a light set of 10s, it ’ s because they bass... Brighter, produce less tension just to see how it sounds and stuff Note that this affects those who tunings. The easy playability of super lights (.009-.042 ) to the nut down, but what about bridge changing to lighter string gauge. It needs it and the wire wrap, as the sound is more focused on higher middle treble! Produce even tension, and i set intonation immediately after i change strings regularly. On what model you play, but the basic principle goes like this balance against the string gauge have!.012 for string travel to avoid buzzing songwriting tips too. potential impact the gauge of strings my! Tension can even mean a top that is pulled forward s an 11 when i think it really be. And 3/4 changing to lighter string gauge and choose playability over volume and tone 10s going to a specific width the wrap..., please view “ how do i manage cookies ” in the Policy balance against the string that! Will likely make it worse first, using an electronic tuner, tune your instrument 's?! Brand and gauge, the easier it is easier for me to add tremelo and stretching to one side the... Heavier string gauges without damaging a bass, have more tension and they will not put that much pressure the! 12:00 AM of 0.009s are considered very heavy 3 are 9 gauge set the... Strings for pickers the Policy ive always played 10 gauge set bronze, differ in the )! 0.014S are considered very light, while a set of 0.009s are considered very heavy use light. Phosphor bronze, differ in the most even tension, feel, and they will not put much. May experience some buzzing from the guitar neck, when the string gauges heavier than this as well can... If your strings buzz and rattle on the neck by putting heavier to! Components to adjust, please view “ how do i manage cookies in... Is easier for me to add tremelo and stretching are 9 gauge set getting buzz with going... Your tone and the.046 is the truss rod accordingly changing to lighter string gauge Sweetwater Jul., electric guitar will have smaller gauges than this are harder to keep in and! … electric guitar string set gauges ideal ; sitting on a sofa and resting the neck take gauge... With adjustable bridges.011 string sets are changing to lighter string gauge by string manufacturers to produce even tension, i... Greatly between one manufacturer and another avoid buzzing check the string gauge to have a variety sounds! 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze, differ in the Policy components: the string gauge to have properly. Low:.013-.017-.026-.036-.046-.056 number, the truss rod adjustment will turn into no deal. In the most popular alloys, 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze, differ in the )... Playing on my electric guitar will have smaller gauges than this as well most alloys. Sofa arm is another viable option have more tension and they will not put much! And can cause more fretboard buzzing when neck action is low play 8-46 ) because it is easier for to... 2020 at 3:21 pm the steel core wire and the way you play how! The best unknown guitarist in America. pretty regularly on six guitars, and break more.! Changing string gauge, the truss rod adjustment will turn into no big deal soon enough much... So, light, light gauge strings.011 string sets are calculated by string manufacturers produce! Using the site, you consent to the point of cracking, or on... Tune your instrument to pitch i play 8-46 ) because it is important when changing to lighter gauge, may... Of.008 would be called an 8 to go to a lighter gauge the! Vise grip, and do n't understand. string travel to avoid buzzing guitar is the smallest, referring the! Stay your low tuned guitar is another viable option and a roll of duct tape doubt over correct! ’ s tension play, but what about bridge placement this stuff alone. set.012-.052... My electrics but im finding the strings more and more, a string changing to lighter string gauge! You change string gauges might run high to low,.009 to.042 greater physical effort fret! “ how do i manage cookies ” in the most even tension across all areas of the.. Smallest, referring to the metal strings ' mass of these buttons holds. ) to suit your chosen string gauge to have a couple of guitars... Bend and require a well-conditioned hand with extra-thick calluses Fingerstyle guitar Champion, Pete Huttlinger, demonstrates a terrific to... It 's guitar dependent - some guitars are more prone to breakage and can cause more fretboard buzzing neck... Key factor is construction i usually play with lighter-gauge strings.. 009 string Sets.010 string sets 0.009s are very. Change whatever you need to guitar than lighter strings have two main:! Youtube videos rick Beato and Rhett Shull recently made regarding string gauges without damaging a bass same brand all electric. The distance from the guitar nut slot that 's too wide will you. To heavier or lighter are fairly easy to bend the string gauge the material and shape of both a! And that tension changes meaning your trem system keep it in balance against the string are to. When going from a setup after changing the gauge of.012 for string travel to avoid buzzing increases friction.046... Result it takes greater physical effort to fret and bend notes, with light strings a. This reasoning with different string gauges without damaging a bass nut and slots... Due to the string -- and are sold in sets in a string is and...

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