A Guitar String gauge refers to how thick a guitar string is, that is, the diameter of a guitar string. The standard for measurement is 1/1000th of an inch. So for a 10-gauge string, the diameter is 0.010 inch.
Stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, or copper are used to make guitar strings. Although these materials are the commonly used materials, guitar strings are also made with silk, brass, and aluminum.
Guitar strings play a very important role in the quality of sound produced by the guitar as they influence the type of sound created.
This article will cover everything you need to know about what acoustic guitar strings are made of and how to choose the best acoustic guitar strings.
Contents
What is the difference between guitar string gauges?
On the pack of guitar strings, you may read different gauges. For example: .0.12- .049. The first number refers to the thinnest string, usually the high E; while the second number refers to the thickest string on your guitar, usually the low E.
The strings in-between fall under the gauge between the first and last gauges you see on the pack.
Different guitarists have different preferences when it comes to gauging range. These preferences may fall under
- Custom light gauges
- Light gauge
- Medium gauge
- Heavy gauge
Custom light-gauge falls within the range of .011- .052
Light gauge falls within .012- .054
Medium gauge falls within .013- .056
Heavy gauge falls within .014- .059
Having established that there are varying string gauges, you may be wondering, “how do I select the best string gauge for me”.
Some factors determine how good a string gauge will be for different guitarists. Take note of these factors:
Your playing style and what your tone requires:
Playing with a heavy gauge will produce more depth, volume, and intensity. Heavy gauge is perfect for making bass tones prominent. To make treble notes prominent, use light gauge strings. While strumming, heavier gauge strings are highly recommended, but while picking, use light gauge strings. If there is going to be both strumming and picking, medium gauge strings are recommended.
The body size of your Guitar
Large guitars go with heavy gauge strings while small guitars go with light gauge strings. This is important for a relaxed and comfortable play.
The condition of your Guitar
Heavy gauge strings put more pressure on the neck of your guitar while light gauge strings are softer on the guitar. You would need to make your pick based on how old your guitar is and if it is in perfect condition.
You might want to consider getting the opinion of professional guitar technicians or specialists, letting them examine your guitar and its condition, and recommending the best type of string gauge for your guitar.
How experienced are you?
Your experience in handling guitars and strings will also determine the type of string gauge you should go for.
For beginners, it may be difficult to handle heavy strings. So you might want to go for light gauge strings or medium gauge strings.
This is because heavy gauge strings are more difficult to press down and you may end up with bruises on your fingers.
But if you are experienced, you can use any type of string because you have mastered playing the guitar and managing the strings whether heavy, light, or medium.
So why is the thickness of a guitar string crucial?
- The thicker the guitar string, the fuller and more prominent the tone gets. Thin guitar strings may not apply enough pressure for a tone to be accentuated.
- Thickness and thinness of a guitar string are achieved with different materials and the type of coating influences how well the tone is accentuated.
- The thicker the guitar string, the more strong or fuller the note develops into a stronger tone. Take note that the fingers play a very important role, so you do not want to wear them out. With more practice, the fingers will get used to thicker strings, but it is advisable to make a progression from lighter to heavier guitar strings.
The materials used in making guitar strings vary and have different effects on tones:
- Phosphor bronze which gives off very clear sounds and helps sustain the life of the string. It doesn’t rust.
- Bronze which gives off very light and clear tones but will wear out eventually due to the effect of oxygen on the bronze string.
- Brass gives off light, colorful and metallic sounds of the notes.
- Aluminum bronze which gives off bass tones and high pitch.
- Silk and steel which give off soft notes and are mostly used by finger display guitarists.
How to get better with guitar strings:
Try to experiment a little. Do not buy the same type of strings continuously. Move from light to medium to heavy until you find the best feel for your fingers.
When you purchase your guitar strings, keep the pack safe. Use the pack to track the date and type of guitar strings you purchased.
This will help you keep track of the age of your guitar when you need to make a new choice of strings to buy.
As a beginner, what gauge guitar strings should I use?
You should start out with light gauge strings. This is not optional because you want to avoid wearing your arms and fingers out. Try .012- .054 and progress from there.
Remember that lighter strings are easier to bend and press down on the guitar but heavier strings might take up more work. Don’t get discouraged, with practice and experience, you will find the best string gauge for you.
D’Addario EJ16 is strongly recommended for beginners. They are quite affordable, give off great notes and sounds, and go easy on the fingers.
Remember to explore different guitar strings until you find the best for your fingers and the sound you love to create. Ensure it matches your playing style. Once you feel you have mastered the lighter strings, move on to medium strings and then heavier strings.
Try not to rush it and see how much progress you make while mastering the art of playing the guitar!