Guitar Strings - Why are they all different.

There are three different kinds of strings for guitars. Each ones make a different sound and are suited to one type of guitar. For example, nylon strings on an electric guitar will make no sound, and 13. Gauge strings on a classical guitar will result in catastrophe when the neck explodes. So before you go into a guitar shop and grab the first packet of strings that you see, have a think about which ones you should use.



Electric guitars use steel strings. These make a thin sound when unamplified and are very tinny, which makes them no good for using on acoustic guitars. This is because electric guitar strings are designed to be used with the pickups of the guitar, they are nickel wound, which makes them sound brighter and clearer through an amplifier. Using acoustic guitar strings on an electric guitar will sound awful, basically. Using electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar will sound equally rubbish. If your guitar is a classical style guitar then you need to be even more careful. If you put steel electric or acoustic strings on a classical guitar and tune them up to concert pitch then it is very likely that, unless you are very lucky, you will snap the neck on the guitar. Not only will this have a chance of hurting you (which is bad) you will have to fork out another chunk of money for a new guitar (which in this economic climate is probably worse). So when you get to the music shop, take a second and make sure that you have the right strings for the job. If in doubt then ask the salesperson. Basically, if you have an electric guitar then buy electric guitar strings, if you have an acoustic then buy acoustic guitar strings, if you have a classical guitar then buy classical (nylon) guitar strings. Simples.



Something else that should be considered when you have been playing for some time is the gauge of strings that you use. If you use strings that are too thick when you are learning, they will be uncomfortable. This will put you off picking the guitar up to practice. For a more advanced player however, string gauge is an important part of how they play their instrument (and dare I say it… tone). For a rough example on string gauges though, the thinner the strings, the easier the guitar will be to play. Gauge 9 strings are easier to bend and easier to move around on, as it takes less pressure to press the strings down and make a noise. Unfortunately, the fact that they are thinner makes the tone of the string less powerful and thinner. Thin gauge strings are also easier to snap which costs you more in the long run. Thicker gauge strings are much more difficult to bend and play quickly on, but they have a much thicker tone, and sound stronger (and better?).



So remember, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to guitar strings. Using the right strings will have a positive impact on the way you play the guitar. And I didn’t even go into different makes of string…

For more information see my sebsite at http://www.musiccorner.co.uk/a915/Guitar-Strings-Which-Ones-Should-I-Get/article_info.html