Strings are a fundamentally important element for playing many musical instruments, including guitars. In fact, they are the ones who determine the quality and richness of the sound. But for some reason, sometimes even when choosing a good instrument, the quality of the strings is the last thing people pay attention to. Getting the perfect sound on an acoustic guitar is a combination of great equipment, talent, technique and practice. But without good strings and setting them up correctly is unlikely to achieve good sound.

Beginning musicians most often buy strings exactly those recommended by the seller, choose according to an inexpensive price category, or are guided by the colored packaging of the strings, thinking that the brighter it is, the better the quality of the strings.

But guitar strings are an element of a musician’s equipment that, if chosen correctly, can be the golden mean in finding and creating your own sound.

Become a certain “trick” of a specific performer. There are some fundamental factors to consider when choosing strings. Each of them is equally important.
Therefore, what should you pay attention to when buying strings for an acoustic guitar?

You will need:

String choice: nylon or steel

When buying strings, pay attention to what kind of guitar you have. Because there are two types of guitars - acoustic and classical. Out of ignorance, many people generalize them and believe that they are all the same guitar, but this is not the case. There are special ones for classical guitars. nylon strings, and the neck mount is different from acoustic guitars, therefore, installing steel strings on a classical guitar will damage the neck, lead it and, with intense playing, may even crack at the base.

Therefore, there is a clear rule: for acoustics - steel, for classical - nylon.

Select the thickness (caliber) of the strings

Each musician selects the thickness of the strings to suit his playing style. String thickness is measured in inches. The diameter of the first string, which ranges from 0.008 to 0.013 inches in different sets, determines the subsequent thickness of the entire set. Most professional musicians play and advise starting to learn by installing a set of strings with a diameter of the first string of 0.009 (from nine).

The higher the gauge of the strings, the louder, richer and longer they will sound.

Thick strings have a variety of overtones, they are less bright, but they are much more difficult to play, especially for beginners, since a lot of effort is required to press the strings, and when playing for a long time, this is a big strain on the hands.

Select string winding material

The thicker the string, the thicker the winding on it. Winding is a layer of wire that is wound along the entire length of the string. Depending on the hardness of the material from which the winding is made, the strings will have different stiffness. This affects not only the finger feel, but also the sound of the guitar.

There are several types of winding:

• Copper

Quite a common winding. Often used on acoustic amateur guitars. It is not very expensive, so under good loads it quickly breaks and tears.

• Silver plated

These strings are more practical for concert performances due to their aesthetic qualities. They do not fade over time, do not rust, do not accumulate dirt and dust, and as a result do not leave dark fingerprints on your hands while playing. But the sound qualities of such strings are not much different from copper ones.

• Brass or phosphor bronze

These are considered the best strings; many performers prefer them. Because they have more colorful and live sound. Several times more durable than with copper winding.

Select winding type

There are two types of winding on strings: round and flat. 80% of guitar strings installed are round wound. It is very common and popular, since flat is considered more studio-specific and narrowly focused for specific styles and techniques of the guitarist.

Round wound strings have a ringing and colorful sound.

But still, after some time after their installation, it gradually decreases, the strings lose their properties, and sound more natural and monotonous.

Flatwound gives the strings a more stable and slightly muted sound. The sound is unusual with a characteristic matte sound. Good quality flat winding is the absence of whistle when sliding fingers.

The choice of strings is a purely individual matter and it is impossible to say unambiguously which strings to choose; this also applies to instruments. Demanding musicians sometimes spend years selecting strings for themselves, sometimes one at a time from different sets. Even if they finally pick it up, then, lo and behold, the string manufacturers will come up with something new, and the search begins again. A good musician, as a creative person, will always look for better and better strings, but for a beginning guitarist, when choosing strings, it is important to decide on the main thing; what kind of music and what kind of guitar he will play, then the choice of strings will not be such a painful problem.

First, a little about what strings are. In fact, a string can be any thread or wire, as long as it does not break or be stretched under the influence of the player. Once upon a time, when there were no guitars or violins, our distant ancestors played on sinew (made from animal intestines) and silk strings that did not have a winding. Gut strings have survived to this day, but for a number of reasons they now remain almost only on harps and are sometimes found on violins (mainly when performing authentic music). Only in the 19th century did metal (copper, silver) windings appear on gut strings, which made it possible to improve the timbre of bass strings while simultaneously reducing their tension, which made the performer’s life easier and enriched the timbre of his instrument. At the same time, with the advent of the grand piano, the first experiments in the production of steel-based strings appeared, which later found application for other instruments. The 20th century extremely expanded the range of types of strings, adding many new ones to the existing ones: synthetic, on a steel cable, multilayer, with a profile winding (not round, but flat or semicircular, etc.), bimetallic (combining two or more materials ), combined, etc. Let's try to figure out what determines the need for such diversity.

Types of strings

Gut strings in principle, they do not last long on a fretted instrument, so they have almost fallen out of use (they are not found in Russia).

Synthetic strings- usually used for classical guitar. They were substitutes for unstable veins. The first three strings are calibrated nylon fishing line, and the three bass strings are made of polyfilament (consisting of large number threads) twisted synthetic base. The traditional winding for them is silver-plated copper. Silver coating (several thousandths of a millimeter) improves the sound of relatively dull copper, does not darken when touched by fingers, and looks very nice, however, it wears out over time. Many companies successfully use other copper-containing alloys as windings, which are in no way inferior in sound and are much superior in durability to silver-plated copper.

Mono steel strings (usually hex core) are used very widely in pop music, as well as those who appreciate sonority (“metal”) in a guitar. These strings have a higher tension compared to synthetic ones and are used on guitars of a different, reinforced type. And although there are still strings on a steel base with windings made of silver-plated copper, this is rather their disadvantage, since the steel base does not allow the twisted string to bend around the guitar fret in the same way as a synthetic one, which is why these strings last several times less than those with a bronze winding. brass, stainless steel, etc.

Guitar strings on a steel cable they are not found in Russia, although they probably exist in the West, but not for the mass buyer, because they should be several times more expensive than those listed above.

Concerning strings with flat winding or semicircular, lying flat side up, then these strings have a longer service life and when changing positions they do not have the characteristic whistle of the fingers on the winding turns. They tend to be a little less bright, but they are favored by guitarists who have to record in the studio.

For all guitar strings There are many standard sizes, which is determined by the requirements of the musician and his instrument. Unlike bowed instruments, where the length of the strings of a full instrument (4/4) is the same, guitars are different in scale (the length of the working part of the string). There are instruments with scales from 610 mm to 660 mm and even more, so the same set of strings will have different tensions. For more short guitar you should take heavier (almost always thicker) strings. The standard guitar scale is increasingly considered to be 648 mm.

About string tension

Guitarists are accustomed to determining the tension of steel strings by the number of the first string, indicated in thousandths of an inch, i.e. A set of "medium-light" tension strings No. 10 is a set in which the first string has a diameter of 0.010 inches = 0.254 mm. But few people pay attention to the diameters of other strings, but this is important. American steel-based acoustic guitar strings are usually designed for large instruments that are mainly played with a pick. These sets provide higher tension on the twisted strings than most traditionally prefer Russian performers who have instruments of a different design and give preference not to the loudness of the instrument, but to its melodiousness, i.e. pedaling (duration) of sound, which can only be obtained on strings with lower tension.

The figure shows the string tension for six string guitar. The top graph shows the tension of “loud” strings, the bottom - less loud, but with a larger pedal, i.e. “singing”

The tension of guitar strings on a synthetic basis (for a classical guitar) is also determined based on the sections of the strings, but here the difference is in the tension of the strings different sizes is miniscule, which is partly due to the fact that the scale length of the instrument itself has settled and is about 650 mm. A deviation in line diameter for the first three strings, even by 0.002 inches (0.05 mm), is no longer significant for string tension, since nylon itself is more than 7 times lighter than steel.

conclusions

From all of the above, we can already draw some conclusions about which strings should be chosen. The choice is mainly determined by what sound (timbre) you like, what instrument you have and what kind of music you perform. A beginner guitarist can be advised the following when choosing strings:

If you like a muted sound and soft strings, you should opt for synthetic strings, but they should only be used on a classical-type guitar, otherwise the sound will be too weak.

Those who need sound power and ringing and who have a large, American-type instrument should prefer steel-based strings no lower than No. 11. True, this also requires strong fingers.

Anyone who does not want to have calluses on the fingers of their left hand, but who does not like the “plastic” sound of synthetic strings, can be advised to use steel-based strings Nos. 9 and 10. In this case, it may be necessary to slightly increase the height of the strings above the fingerboard due to the height of the lower nut, since soft (or rather light) strings have a larger range of vibrations and can touch the frets when playing.

And finally, one more piece of advice - always tune the strings using a tuning fork, because In addition to the fact that when you re-tighten you damage the instrument itself, if the strings are held for a long time with re-tightening, they can stretch out and sound worse in the correct tuning.

When choosing strings for an acoustic guitar, any musician, both a professional and someone who picked up the instrument for the first time, faces one difficulty. It consists in the inability to listen to sound. How certain strings will sound will become known only when they are used; it is impossible to predict the sound.

If professionals understand what they came to the store for, that is, these people are familiar with various brands, they have specific preferences and favorite manufacturers, then beginners do not have such experience and get lost in front of the display case.

How to choose?

Buying strings is almost always a lottery, but there are some determining factors. Firstly, you need to understand in advance as clearly as possible what exactly you need to purchase in terms of technical characteristics and material. For a beginner in music, there is no point in trying everything at random, since a person with no experience can simply tension the string incorrectly, which is why he will not hear its true sound.

Music teachers and acquaintances with playing experience can help you decide what is worth purchasing. A similar question can be asked in thematic groups or on the forums. The only thing you shouldn’t do is trust the words of the seller when he tells you which strings are best for an acoustic guitar.

As a rule, the dealer is not at all interested in how the instrument will sound; he is worried about selling an old or frankly low-quality, stale or expensive product to an amateur. Best Strings For an acoustic guitar, each musician can only choose independently, just like the instrument. Absolutely identical strings, like the guitars themselves, in different hands They don't sound the same at all.

What are they?

Beginners are usually embarrassed by the question of what strings there are on an acoustic guitar and how they differ from classical ones, trying to figure it out on their own. However, having found out how some differ from others, beginning musicians do not take into account such a factor as finger strength, which an experienced musician or teacher will certainly tell you about when explaining which strings are used on an acoustic.

The acoustic strings themselves can be:

• monolithic on a steel base;
• steel in flat and semicircular windings;
• synthetic on a steel base.

Having heard about steel, beginning musicians are almost always puzzled and ask sellers about strings for an acoustic guitar made of copper or brass. Such questions immediately reveal a complete lack of experience and even the very fact of familiarity with the instrument. Copper, brass, etc. are not the material of the strings themselves, but their windings.

Monolithic

Made from so-called piano steel. Copper, its alloys and phosphorus bronze are used in the windings of “monoliths”. These strings are very sonorous and have good unison. Almost all 12-string acoustic guitars are equipped with them.

With flat and semicircular windings

This is how a regular 6-string acoustic guitar is equipped. The strings are stretched with the flat side under the fingers, and the round side, respectively, towards the body of the instrument.

This is the best option for beginning musicians. The specificity of this type of strings is that they give a more matte, pure and free sound even with uncertain playing technique. Especially important point is an even sound in the bass, which is more difficult to achieve than the upper ringing.

Synthetic

They are most often equipped with not particularly expensive instruments, which are what beginners purchase. Many are completely satisfied with the sound, and when going to the store, such musicians know for sure that they need “synthetics”.

As a rule, only when contacting the seller do beginners in playing the guitar learn that there are two types of this type of strings.

The first type is strings in a metal winding, additionally covered with Teflon on top. This variety is good for those who intensively use the tool, as it is extremely wear-resistant and almost resistant to friction.

The second type is strings, in the winding of which wire and “synthetics” are connected. This variety is easier in terms of pressing the frets, but quickly becomes dirty with sweat and skin particles, since the gaps between the turns are not very tight. This feature leads to the fact that these strings lack iridescence, that is, gypsy romances cannot be played on them ideally; the sound is quite dull. But for chanson they are quite suitable.

About the winding

Before you change the strings on an acoustic guitar to the same ones, you need to know exactly what type is on the instrument, and, most importantly, do not forget what the winding is made of and what type it is made of.

Literally everything in the game depends on these factors, not only for a beginner, but also for an experienced musician. Since guitar playing is based on tactile memory, that is, finger memory, string consistency is extremely important. Musicians who are accustomed to certain values ​​of gaps in the turns and convexity of the strings always experience discomfort and perform worse on the new type.

Of course, after some time devoted to scales or other exercises, your fingers get used to it, but you don’t always have free hours for your own “tuning,” especially for beginners.

Winding materials

Acoustic guitar strings are wrapped in copper and its alloys, phosphor bronze, brass, synthetic polymers and silver.

There was a joke among Western guitarists in the middle of the last century that silver strings protected them from vampires in auditoriums.

In fact, such strings are not made of silver, and they cannot protect against a vampire. Silver is only a coating sprayed onto finished strings with any winding. This does not affect the sound in any way, but it looks very aesthetic and even mysterious. In addition to their visual appeal, such strings do not leave dark marks on the skin and do not fade with long-term use.

Phosphor bronze and brass are the most durable and strong windings available. But they have a disadvantage, the same as that of polymers - such strings for an acoustic guitar do not ring. Their sound is thick, rich and dull, very solid and serious.

Copper, as well as its various alloys, is the most popular material for winding. These strings produce shimmer and are ideal for Spanish musical pieces, for accompanying dances, performing romances and much more. For example, a high-quality fight can be performed exclusively on copper. The only drawback is their fragility; such strings have the most short life.

What else affects the sound?

Beginning musicians, trying to achieve satisfactory sound quality, often change strings, throwing away quite good ones. And they do it only because it “doesn’t sound right.” This is another difference between a beginner in music and an experienced guitarist.

In addition to the winding material and type, the height of the strings on an acoustic guitar also affects the sound. It is adjusted above the neck, and the sound quality, ease of performance, and even the service life of the strings largely depend on it.

Each musician chooses this parameter for himself; there is no single standard for the “correct height”. It is determined personally, during the game, of course, not in an hour or even a month.

Beginners need to take into account when tuning that strings pulled too low will certainly catch and rub against the frets, as well as rattle on chords. Tensioning too high will require a lot of effort from the fingers and the hand in general, especially when pressing the central frets.

The optimal height parameter is influenced by the tool itself. For a convex bar, one height is good, for a curved bar, another. The ratio of the thresholds also matters.

What does a typical set of strings look like?

In the standard set, only the 4th, 5th, and 6th are always wrapped. But the 3rd string may have the thinnest winding in comparison with the others, but most often it is “bald” or “naked”. 1st and 2nd always remain unwound.

In stores, strings are sold exclusively in sets, which often causes confusion among beginning musicians who only need to replace one that has broken. However, the sale of strings in sets is not due to the desire of sellers and manufacturers to profit from beginners and inexperienced guitarists. This is due to the fact that each set of strings has certain specifications sound nuances. Strings purchased individually from different factory batches almost never sound in unison.

And this moment is extremely important for obtaining high-quality sound. Even home game or playing in the park on a bench “for girls” on strings from different sets often produces a noticeable resonance for the listeners. And when the instrument is used in areas with sound amplifiers, for example, in any club or cafe, sound defects are the first thing that “catches the ears.” Therefore, you should not look for advertisements for the sale of one string or pair, you need to purchase a whole set.

Beginners, when choosing their first set of strings, do not need to be shy. You should ask about everything, no matter how ridiculous the question may seem to the most novice guitarist. Music is impossible without a good instrument, and it, in turn, requires thorough study by the owner.

On any music forum, the same topic is always created. Every new guitarist asks us the same question. And every young musician always faces the same problem - choosing strings for his brand new acoustic guitar. And, indeed, today it’s easier to decide on a guitar than on strings! And everyone around just advises you to try, figure it out and choose for yourself best option. But what about a beginner who is faced with such a problem for the first time?!

We would like to lend a helping hand to aspiring guitarists and tell a little about various types strings and their brands. And although the choice of strings really depends on the preferences of the musician, we will still share with you personal experience and our opinion about certain manufacturers. Perhaps this will answer not only some of your questions, but also help you decide what you need.

Material bases

The key qualities of strings: sound, durability and playability depend on the material from which they are made. So the first thing you have to decide on is the winding material of your future strings. Go!

Variety of brands

There is no shortage of different brands of strings for acoustic guitars today. And it is not surprising that it is difficult for any beginning guitarist to make an independent choice for the first time. So let's look at the most famous ones modern brands Let’s take a little more detail and see what experienced people say about them.

• Dean Markley. Negative reviews I haven't heard of these strings yet - they sound great and are reasonably priced. Their only drawback is their service life.

• ErnieBall. Another string option that perfectly combines quality and price. They last a long time, sound good, have a pleasant tactile sensation, and they are not very expensive. In a word, also a good start!

• Olympia. Another standard string option that combines an affordable price, good sound and reliability.

• Rotosound. The strings of this brand can probably be described as follows: just strings. They do not have any outstanding qualities, nor do they have any particularly negative traits. Strings and everything.

So we went through all the famous manufacturers of strings for acoustic guitars and their products. And what conclusion can be drawn from all this?! Obviously, many strings from many brands represent a specific accessory, the choice of which is still worth growing up and trying a lot. So if you are purchasing replacement strings for the first time and are not yet in the mood for experiments, our advice to you is to take something simpler, such as D’Addario, La’Bella, Olympia or GHS of medium hardness. They will produce a fairly clear sound and will not create discomfort during the game.

As for the rest, the forums don’t lie – throughout your entire creative activity you will have to try more than one set of strings and give own assessment many manufacturers before you find the perfect option!