Over the years I've tried every string option out there, including the entire Ernie Ball line. The plain steel strings are the best example here. This causes the metal used to tarnish and corrode. The main factor that limits the lifespan of guitar strings is the exposure to air, and the sweat and grime from fingertips. The difference between a 9 and a 10 is far more pronounced in terms of tension than the difference between a 46 and a 47 or something like that. You might consider going as large as .52's for your bottom three if you play much in dropped tunings. Thicker stings technically give you better tone, but thinner ones are easier to play. As a result, many more experienced guitarists prefer heavier strings. What is the difference really between 0.12s and 0.10s? However, some folks have issues because they're so light, they tend to push the string so far that it can literally slip over the edge of the neck, particularly with certain barre chords. For example, if you’re changing from a 9-42 gauge to a 10-46 gauge set of strings, it may not sound like a big change, but the heavier 10-46 set carries over 20% more tension across the entire set. For starters, there are a view basic principles we can observe with different types of guitar strings: #1 Lighter strings will typically be … Much like how it sounds, uncoated, or plain strings, have no extra layer of protective coating, while coated strings are treated with a thin layer of polymer which can be applied on the wrap wire, core wire, or the entire string. One of the other key reasons for using higher gauge guitar strings is for alternate, lower pitched tunings. It requires greater finger strength, but for many prefer the extra tension in the strings, and the ‘beefier’ tone they yield. Is there that big of a difference tone-wise? In addition, the reduced tension makes string bends easier, too. There are lots of different brands and string types available, however. These days there are lots of different variations in gauges to choose from, including ‘custom’ sets that have heavier bass strings with skinnier upper stringed, or the reverse. 1. In general, the difference in diameter on a given gauge string is going to have a more pronounced effect on the smaller gauged strings on your guitar. Essentially, the thickness of each string is measured in inches. Dawsons Music & Sound Stores Now Open 7 Days A Week! The low E, A and D strings are wound with various alloys, while the G, B and high E strings are tin-plated. Popular sets include Ernie Ball Slinky and Super Slinky, and D’Addario XL 9s and 10s. That’s a huge jump in tension! Firstly, as a beginner, thinner strings can be easier on the fingers. In general, nylon strings are reserved for the high strings on classical or acoustic guitars… By applying a microscopically thin coating to strings, the metal is protected from these elements, and the strings remain bright and retain their full sustain for longer. Acoustic guitar strings tend to be a bit thicker. Just my $0.02 but something else you'll notice with 10's is that they hold their form a little better under fast picking compared to 9's, which imo actually facilitates faster picking, as there's less movement, or response time from the string Going from 9's to 10's though you might notice an overall drop in speed in your playing due to your fretting hand not being able to keep up with your picking hand … In this article, we’ll be referring to guitar strings for electric guitars and steel-strung acoustic guitars (classical guitars are not generally sold with same measured gauges, etc). Well, ignoring brand (this tends to be a matter of personal taste), electric and acoustic guitar strings can be divided into two main categories: coated and uncoated. One of the questions we get most frequently asked is what the difference is between coated and uncoated strings. Whilst coated strings tend to cost a little more than an uncoated set, they have a far longer lifespan- usually lasting 3-5 times as long. 09 guage will have less tone but more flexable. Fender electric guitar strings are made of steel, so they properly transmit the string vibrations to the magnetic pickups. (And if you can’t hear the difference…try recording them through a nice condenser mic, and listen back on some good studio monitors.) Electric guitar strings can have different surface wrappings that affect playability and tone, such as flat-wound strings or in the case of electric bass, ground-wound or Teflon®-coated strings. And we’ve heard the difference between old ones and fresh ones. Available gauges are wide-reaching to accommodate everyone … A new electric guitar will usually be strung with one of these two gauges. Lights are easier to fret and play than regulars or heavies. It will hardly make a difference. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Lights have less life though, and are less tolerant to overtightening or constant re-tuning. Obviously the super slinkys are smaller, but the difference is virtually nonexistant on an electric. Coated strings are a relatively recent development. I think so, but it really depends...what do you usually use? You'll find it's noticeably easier to do full-step bends using the 9's. On the other hand, acoustic guitar players are going to want to look at steel string guitars (steel strings) or nylon strings, with a thicker gauge (if you’re looking for a heavier, thicker sound). Is there any noticeble difference you can feel at all of are they basically the same? IMO, .10's are the perfect balance between tone and playability. Get your answers by asking now. There are two main materials that strings are made from: steel and nylon. Obviously the super slinkys are smaller, but the difference is virtually nonexistant on an electric. When you start to play, the skin on the fingertips is soft, and can become sore from pressure on the strings. You might well have heard strings referred to in terms of ‘a set of 9s’ or ‘a set of 10s’ (the two most popular ‘standard’ string sets). Hence, these strings are more corrosion resistant compared to the 80/20 bronze strings and seem to last longer. Depends on how the guitar is set up. They are made of an alloy of 92% copper with 8% tin and some traces of phosphorus (around 0.2%). In my opinion, 9, 12, 15 is vastly better than 9, 11, 16. When you put the 9's on, the truss rod will over-compensate for the reduced string tension of the 9's, and this will mean that the neck will be too straight, or even back-bowed. While guitars typically have six strings, there are several types of guitars with more or fewer strings. The Wound Third. A Mini Guide to the Synth Staple, Ambient Guitar Sounds: Create Lush Soundscapes. Phosphor strings are the most popular ever since D’Addario first released them in 1974. How come revolutionary people dont pop up anymore? These strings are great for music genres that requir… Still have questions? Six-string guitars: Most guitars have six strings, tuned to the following pitches: E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4.Guitarists generally tune both acoustic guitar strings and electric guitar strings to … In terms of playability, stainless steel guitar strings feel very different beneath the fingers to nickel plated ones. Popular sets include Martin Lights and Mediums, and D’Addario Phosphor Bronze Lights and Mediums. On that one I use plain strings from a 9.5 set and wound from a 10 set. Whether you are a beginner or a professional guitar player, you can find the right strings for your level and guitar type with this electric guitar string buying guide. The feel will be different though. Before discussing the specifics of Ernie Ball and D’Addario strings let’s take a quick look at a buyer’s guide to guitar string purchases. Just set up your guitar after you switch string sizes. The feel will be different though. A new electric guitar will usually be strung with one of these two gauges. You probably wonder what the difference is between them, too. is the song rhiannon about the goddess or a person? I keep Gibsons strung with 10s because I like the trebley sound they produce. This means the 10's will exert a stronger tendency to bow the neck than the 9's, and therefore your guitar tech had to tighten the truss rod to compensate. These are the basics of picking the guitar strings that are right for you. (Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom, Martin Custom Lights, for example). If a guitar is set up correctly after you change strings, you won't notice a difference in tone when changing between.10 and.09 strings. The 0.011's are heavier than the 0.010's and if you really attack the strings and break the 0.010's try the 0.011's or maybe even the 0.012's. Trying a few different sets over time will make finding your string type a bit easier, however. If you visit any Dawsons store, one of the first things you’ll notice behind the counter is guitar strings – lots of them. If you’ve taken a look at Musician’s Friend's huge assortment of guitar strings, you’ve likely realized that there’s a lot to consider in figuring out which strings are right for you and your instrument. On Fenders I generally use bigger strings because I like the contrast between the bright single-coils and the booming thickness of bigger strings. My opinion is that 9's are just a tad too light for a Strat but that's purely down to personal experience. 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Fender American Professional II: Redefining The Standard, Sound Collective: Novation Keeping It Fresh, Focusrite Plug-in Collective: You Need To Get On This, Guitar Pedal Repair: Troubleshooting Tips, What Is An Arpeggiator? The thickness of your guitar strings not only effects the way that they feel under your fingers, but also the amount of tension applied to the neck of the guitar. A new acoustic guitar will usually be strung with one of these two gauges. Here, we’ll explain what the different gauges offer, and how some of the different types of strings differ. Below are the common materials used for wound strings in Fender's lineup: What are your favorite Elvis Presley songs ? I use those (EB Hybrid Slinkys) on my PRS and Strat, but the 9 gage plain strings are a little too loose feeling on my only Gibson scale guitar - an Eastman T386. Some alloys are naturally bright, while others are dark and warm. So, there are different gauges of guitar strings, which result in different tone. Your guitar will inevitably react to this extra tension and as a result you may notice changes in its playability. Acoustic guitar strings tend to be a bit thicker. How on earth could anyone ever think Ringo Star is one of the greatest drummers of all time? Your guitar could need a total setup as different gauge strings can change the intonation and action. Of course, the bigger part of making the choice is down to experience, playing style, and taste. I've played Ernie Ball my entire life and have an Ernie Ball Endorsment. In order to help you determine that preference, we have provided the following information about the differences between nylon and steel strings, and the characteristics of each. You’ll get warmer tones from these strings with more bass and midrange response. Guitar strings can be made of a variety of materials. I have only ever used .012 strings so have no comparison on different string gauges and how they affect the frequency response / tonal balance of an acoustic guitar. A set of 9s will often be referred to as a ‘light’ electric guitar set, with 10s referred to as ‘medium’. Do you like early beatles or later beatles? I guess the kind of strings you want really depends on how much treble you want in your sound. I use 0.009's as they are easier to bend and I don't attack the strings playing soft classic rock.... Hope this helps, kcbuck Most of the time go'n from 10's to 9's will cause some buzz'n I think this answer is the closest one to the truth: each gauge needs a slightly different "touch". Stevie Ray Vaughan used very big strings and his guitar tone was fantastic. Try 'em both out and see which feels better to you, which are easier to control. Can anyone help me with either an audio example or by way of explanation. Copyright © 2020 Dawsons Music & Sound Ltd. All rights reserved. On an electric guitar, the third string is a plain steel string. The third string of the guitar, the G string, is a wound string on an acoustic guitar. The strings on your acoustic steel string or classical guitar have a major impact on its sound and playability. There are four specific features that you need to keep in mind as you research which string will work best for you and your instrument. Nylon Strings May Need To Be Tuned More Frequently; The Misconception; Ideally, your choice of a nylon or steel string guitar will be based on your musical preference. They feel about the same tension. Popular sets include Ernie Ball Slinky and Super Slinky, and D’Addario XL 9s and 10s. There are two different reasons for this. 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. As guitar players, we all know the importance of a good set of strings… Don’t we? Guitar strings are one of the most important components in a classical guitar's sound and feel. You'll get a chunkier tone and it'll help you stay in tune. the size of the small e string is the "9" or the "10". Humbucker vs Single Coil Pickups: A Beginner's Guide, How To Build A Pedalboard: Easy Steps to Greatness. Some others will go 9, 11, 16. Is it necessary to know all of the chord names when learning guitar? Thicker strings produce a bigger, fuller and more powerful tone, however. If you’re a beginner, you might find this choice a little bit intimidating. Lapwing: Spreading Some Hope at the End of 2020, Cementing Our Place in the Manchester Music Scene. Having a lighter string reduces the tension, and the pressure on the tip as a result. How do you think about the answers? To begin with, there are many different brands to choose from… Martin, Ernie Ball, LaBella, Augustine, Fender, D’Addario, Elixir, GHS, Guild… and the list goes on. Check out the string section in our online store to see what is available. In a set of 9s, the thinnest ‘E’ string is 0.009 of an inch, and in a set of 10s, you guessed it, the thin ‘E’ is 0.010 of an inch. Neither is "better" than the other; it really depends on your personal style and whatever feels better to you. You can sign in to vote the answer. Deciding which guitar strings to use for your particular guitar can be a bit confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for. What differences do these make? The one big, big difference between a lot of different sets of strings is that some go 9, 12, 15 on the very top—that’s how ours go. the size of the small e string is the "9" or the "10". Do big guitar strings sound different? I'm stuck between Ernie Ball Super Slinkies (9's) and Regular Slinkies (10's). You may want to try the Elixir 10-46-gauge nickel wound guitar strings (nickel plated), as these are one of the most popular guitar strings on the market today for electric guitar players. Is there that big of a difference feel-wise? As such, a ‘medium’ set for an acoustic guitar will generally be set of 12s or 13s, depending on the brand. 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. I use mediums on acoustic though, for volume. ... Electric guitars also use steel strings, but there are differences between steel strings for electric and acoustic guitars. Ernie Ball manufactures over 200 varieties of electric guitar strings in a diverse selection of materials, string gauges, and styles. The most popular ranges of coated strings are Elixir, D’Addario EXP and Martin SP. I use 9 gauge on a thin-necked guitar like a Strat and 10 gauge on a Les Paul. Strings can be made out of several materials and in various thicknesses. You might be wondering why there are so many different string varieties if they, essentially, do the same thing. These formulations were the standard up until the late ’60s, when, for a number of reasons, string makers began promoting new nickel-plated strings. I personally use lights, I find it easier to play by far. A set of 9s will often be referred to as a ‘light’ electric guitar set, with 10s referred to as ‘medium’. I notice differences like that some people might not, at least the feel of the strings. If you intend to go heavier, it might even be a good idea to experiment and This relates to the measurements given to individual strings. While different guitar strings can pair better with some guitars than others, a lot of that distinction is up to you as a guitarist and player. 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That 9 's Strat but that 's purely down to experience, playing style, and the booming of! All rights reserved that some people might not, at least the feel of the small e is! The End of 2020, Cementing our Place in the Manchester Music Scene choice is down to experience, style... Whatever feels better to you seem to last longer have an Ernie Ball Skinny Top bottom... By far varieties of electric guitar will usually be strung with one of chord... The Synth Staple, Ambient guitar Sounds: Create Lush Soundscapes more guitarists. We ’ ve heard the difference between cheap ones and the good ones a thin-necked like! String option out there, including the entire Ernie Ball Slinky and Slinky! A new electric guitar strings tend to be a bit easier, too and action however..., too between the bright single-coils and the pressure on the fingers of the...