Guitar Strings
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Guitar Strings
Did you know there were a few strings choices you have for your guitar. There are many good guitar players that are quite fussy about their strings. I played with a guy that changed his strings about every two weeks. He liked new strings. I have also talked to players that like the sound they get out of an older set of strings. You may not be that fussy and as you play more and more you may get fussier about your strings.
Check The Type Of Guitar You Have
Most guitars can take just about any gauge of strings. You can check the manufacturers recommendation for string types for your particular guitar if you are not sure. You can also check with a luthier for their recommendations. The most common string types used on guitars are the .12-.53 gauge strings.
Keep in mind that some string gauges may be slightly different, from different suppliers, than the sizes listed below.
String Gauges
Extra Light Strings .10-.47
The lightest string gauge for acoustic guitars are the .10-.47. Some people like these because they are a little brighter. They are also easier to play and easier on the fingers. These would be a good choice for beginners. These strings can be put on just about any guitar. However, putting these on a dreadnaught or jumbo guitar will not get you the most tone out of a bigger guitar.
Light Strings .11-.52
The next size, up a gauge, for acoustic guitars are the .11-.52. They are closest to the .12s in sound and feel. They are also easy to play and easy on the fingers. These would also be a good choice for beginners. In addition, like the .11s, these strings can be put on just about any guitar. Furthermore putting these on a dreadnaught or jumbo guitar will not get you the most tone out of a bigger guitar.
Medium – Light Strings .12-.53
These are the most common string types that most guitar players use. Most guitars that come from the factory have these string types installed as default strings. Beginners will get sore fingers from using these. In addition, if I play for a long period of time my fingers get a little sore. These strings will get you more volume and tone out of your guitar.
Heavier Strings .13-.56
These are the thickest string types that would be installed on a guitar. personally I have never played a guitar with these strings installed. If you have really tough fingers you will get the most volume and tone from the. If you want to install these make sure your guitar will be able to take the tension these strings would put on your guitar.
Cleaning Your Guitar
Heavier Strings .13-.56
One of the things you should be doing when changing strings is cleaning your guitar. You can get cleaners for the fretboard. Your fretboard should be cleaned each time you change strings. Oil from your skin and dirt in the air can get on your fretboard and affect the playability of the guitar. In addition take a clean rag with warm water and clean the body of the guitar.
Changing Strings Accessories
Guitar String Winder
These is a great little, low cost, guitar string changing accessory. It performs two jobs. Firstly it has a slot that is used to remove the bridge pins. It also helps wind the strings when tightening them. Use it to tighten your strings to the point where they are not loose. Finish tightening your strings with your fingers and a tuner.
Tuning Your Guitar
Snark Guitar Tuner
The tuner shown displays all the reading you can get. Red means it is flat or below the key. Yellow is sharp, or above the key. What you want is to get it in the green area. The best to tune your guitar is to tune it up. I will turn the tuner so that it shows a little bit in the red and then tune it up to the green. It’s always best to tune up.
A Couple Of Tips For When You Are Not Playing
Firstly when you are finished playing you should store your guitar in a case with some humidifier. No matter where you live you will have changes in weather, especially humidity. Since your acoustic guitar is all made of wood, or a combination of wood and laminated wood products, it will be affected by weather change.
Secondly my guitar set up guy gave me a great tip for when you are not playing. Tune your guitar down a step to take a tension off of the top and neck. This little trick will help keep your guitar in the best playing condition.
Gear Recommendation
The Yamaha FS800 is possibly the best grand concert size guitar on the market. If you are looking for a quality made instrument with lots of power for jamming or playing at kitchen parties, as well as ease of play, then you need to check out the Yamaha FS800. This is the guitar I play and recommend.
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