When you walk into a guitar store, you might hear a customer ask, “I’d like a set of ’10’s’ for electric guitar“. The customer is referring to the gauge of the first string. .010″ (Ten thousandths of an inch).
String gauge refers to the thickness or specifically the diameter of a guitar string. String diameters are defined in thousandths of an inch (0.001 in = 0.0254 mm)…for example: .010 would be ten thousandths of an inch. As you probably know, the high E string is the thinnest string on the guitar, and the low E string is the thickest. Therefore, the high E will have the smallest diameter and the low E will have the largest diameter. Typical gauges run from .008 to .0012
The larger the diameter, the heavier the string is. Heavier strings require more tension for the same pitch and are, as a consequence, harder to press down to the fingerboard. If a fretted instrument is restrung with different string gauges, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the string above the frets, called the “action,” in order to make the instrument easier to play or to avoid the strings buzzing against the frets. The action height of fretless instruments, on the other hand, may also be adjusted to suit the string gauge or material, as well as the intended playing style.
The best all-round beginner gauges are either 09s or 10s. but it’s not that simple, however, as there are many variables in guitar strings not just the thickness of the first string. Most major string brands have a range that allows you to match the top and bottom strings to suit your style… so if you like to easily bend your high strings when playing lead but pound the bottom strings when playing rhythm then you can chose a suitable combination.
As a rule, heavier strings give a fuller guitar sound, but are harder on the fingers for beginners and are more difficult to bend when playing lead. Lighter guitar strings are easier to fret, better for expressive bends, slides and vibrato effects.. but give a slightly thinner sound and break more easily! In my experience, beginners who use ‘eights’ often break their E string!
The effects that string gauge have on your instrument are tone, playability and its 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 depress 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. Most guitars come from the factory with “Lite” gauge strings .012-.054 for acoustic guitars and .009-.042 for electric guitars. If you change string gauge you may need to have your instrument adjusted to keep the action (distance that the strings are from the fret tops) the same. Less tension may cause the strings to lower and cause buzzing while higher tension may cause the strings to rise making it difficult to play. Electric guitars that have a tremolo system may also need it adjusted.
Many lead guitarists and jazz musicians tend to prefer thinner (lighter) gauge strings that are faster and easier to bend, while bluegrass guitarists tend towards medium gauge strings for more volume and greater tone for picking/strumming. Rhythm guitarists might prefer medium or heavy gauge strings for the “wow factor” they provide in sheer volume and full sound.
Different strings are made for electric guitar and acoustic guitar. The most popular electric guitar gauge is .009. Most acoustic guitar players use .010. Novice and intermediate level guitarists will want to stick with these common gauges.
More experienced guitarists may want to experiment with higher gauges (.011 or .012 and up) because they offer better sustain and tone. Higher gauged strings are harder to play. They feel “heavy” under your fingers and take some getting used to. They’ll also make your fingertips quite tender if you’re not used to them.
When a beginner first chooses guitar strings (for electric guitar), he/she should choose either 9’s (extra light) or 10’s (regular light). This is the most common size string gauge for playing rock, blues, pop, country. 9’s will be easier to bend. However, because beginners sometimes bend strings when they shouldn’t, they might want to avoid 9’s. I would recommend 10’s for every level of player. Intermediate to Advanced guitar players should experiment with both 9’s and 10’s.
The feeling you’ll get with 9’s or 10’s will also differ depending on what kind of guitar you use. You can bend strings much easier on guitars with a longer scale length, such as Gibson. So, you might want to choose a heavier string gauge (10’s or even 11’s). This way you obtain a fatter guitar tone (heavier strings will get you more mid and low frequencies than thinner strings). Fender guitars have shorter scale length, so you should start by choosing thinner strings.
Guitar Players and String Gauge :
Stevie Ray Vaughan used 13’s! Now, keep in mind that he tuned all of his strings down a 1/2 step (which reduces string tension and makes the strings feel more like 11’s or 12’s).
Jeff Beck uses 9’s
Buddy Guy uses 10’s
B.B. King uses 10’s or 11’s.
Albert Collins used 9’s
Tags: guitar strings