The strings on an electric guitar have a huge impact on the sound and playability of your instrument. If you look at the assortment of any online store, you will probably see the variety of strings they offer. Keep reading and you can easily decide which strings you need and whether they suit your guitar and playing style.

All about string thickness

Their main characteristic of any strings is their thickness, which is measured in thousandths of an inch. The thinnest strings are usually .008 (commonly called "eight" by guitarists) or the thickest .56 (or simply "fifty-sixths"). The thickness of the strings has a big impact on the playability of the guitar and the sound in general.

Thin strings:

• They are usually easy to play
• Allows you to easily do pull-ups
• Very easy to tear
• Sounds quieter and produces less sustain
• Tend to hit the frets, which gives a very unpleasant sound
• Have the least impact on the neck of the guitar, which is a safe choice for vintage guitars

Thick strings:

• They are usually more difficult to play
• Requires a lot of effort when clamping and playing bends
• Generate louder sound and sustain
• Preferred for low tunings such as
• Puts more pressure on the neck of the guitar

String thickness designation

Most string manufacturers define string thickness using terms like “thin” or “very thick.” While the exact thickness may vary slightly among manufacturers, I want to give you typical string size ranges for an electric guitar:

Basic string thicknesses

• Incredibly super thin: .008 .010 .015 .021 .030 .038
• Super thin: .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042
• Thin: .010 .013 .017 .026 .036 .046
• Medium thickness: .011 .015 .018 .026 .036 .050
• Thick: .012 .016 .020 .032 .042 .054

The set of strings is determined by the thickness from the thinnest string, which is below all the others, to the thickest, which is above all. For example, for an average set of strings, the first string (the thinnest) will have .011 inches, the second .015, the third .018, and so on.

Factors to Consider When Buying Electric Guitar Strings

The most important factors when purchasing are:

• Your playing style and music genre
• How often do you play
• The character of the sound and the tone you want to achieve

Things that influence these factors:

• String thickness
• The material from which the strings are made
• String winding method used
• The presence of a protective coating on the strings

Now knowing all these factors, we can choose the most suitable solution for you.

We have already discussed above that thinner strings are easier to play than thick ones. If you're looking to play fast, technical solos and intense rhythm parts, then you might want to look at thinner strings. Although, on the other hand, if you play metal and use lower tunings, then your choice should be thicker ones.

Guitarists who play genres such as blues or rock and use bends often prefer medium gauge strings, which make bending easier to play and generate a richer, fatter, darker tone. Jazz guitarists most often use the thickest strings, since they practically do not bend and have a great need for a wide range of tones.

Most beginners prefer super thin and thin strings. Once you have mastered the basic technical skills and your fingers become more flexible and strong, you will be able to move on to thicker options (due to their specific benefits that we discussed above).

To find the right string thickness for you, you should rely solely on your playing style and experiment as much as possible. Try the strings different sizes, brands and you will probably find the ones that are most “attractive” to your fingers and ears.

Difference between different types strings can be quite “thin” and at first glance incomprehensible to you. The only advice I can give you is to listen to your personal taste and choose what is comfortable for your fingers and ears.

Also keep in mind that the transition to new type strings may require you to adjust their height above the fretboard and may also have negative consequences for your technique.

String durability

I have a question for you: how often do you play the guitar? If you're a guitarist who plays say a few times a month and has a penchant for playing with a "light touch", then you can safely buy less expensive strings and not worry about the fact that they will come to an end in, say, a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you play often and hard, then you should buy more expensive strings, as they will remain playable quite for a long time. Most guitar manufacturers price their strings based on their durability, which depends on the materials from which the strings are made.

Materials

All electric guitar strings are made of steel, nickel or any other magnetically conductive alloy. Why magnetically conductive? Because these alloys are excellent for transmitting vibrations generated by strings directly to pickups, which use a magnetic field to capture sound (I wrote about this in more detail in the article:). The type of cladding or coating applied to the steel alloy has a significant impact on the sound of the strings. Here are a few tonal characteristics of the most common materials used in production. guitar strings:

Nickel plated steel: Has balanced brightness and warmth with more attack

Pure Nickel: has slightly lower brightness compared to nickel-plated steel and with more pronounced warmth

Stainless steel: It has a bright, crisp tone with sustain, as well as anti-corrosion properties.

Chromium: has a characteristic warm tone with less resonance. Jazz and blues are very often preferred by guitarists.

Titanium: has a bright tone and excellent durability

Cobalt: Has a wide dynamic range with outstanding brightness

Polymer coating: has less sustain compared to uncoated strings, but at the same time is resistant to corrosion

Color coverage: some coatings have color dyes, which gives visual appeal

Types of string braid

The first, second, and sometimes even the third strings do not have a “wire” braid wound over the string. The rest, or as they are also called, bass strings, have it. Below are the types of braids and how they affect playability and tone:

• Round braid: The most popular type of braid that has a noticeably ribbed structure and produces more sustain, attack and bite. This type of braid also wears out the neck and frets quite a lot.
• Semicircular: has a smoother texture and produces a darker tone and less attack compared to round.
• Flat braid: It has a very smooth tactile quality, as well as a fairly dark tone. Popular among jazz and blues guitarists.

Signs that it's time to change strings

1. Setting up and maintaining an instrument is becoming more and more difficult;
2. You see that rust has appeared on the strings and it has begun to fade or has already faded;
3. The braid of the bass strings seemed to begin to “unravel”;
4. Dissonance and instability appear even in the way you tune the instrument;
5. You can't remember when last time changed the strings;

How often should you change your strings?

Unfortunately I don't have an exact answer to this question, but there are some factors that shorten the life of your strings:

• Sweating. When you play a lot, your fingers produce a lot of sweat, which simply corrodes the strings.
• You play very aggressively, i.e. use a lot of bends and a hard attack when playing.
• Frequent playing of the instrument will also wear out the strings.
• You use different guitar tunings and often change the instrument.

Some guy from Fender shows how to properly change the strings on his electric guitar

• Keep your strings clean. After each gaming session, take the time to take a dry, clean rag and simply wipe them from your sweat, pieces of skin from your fingers and dirt. This procedure will allow you to significantly extend the life of your strings.
• Wash your hands before each time you play the guitar, which will slightly slow down the oxidation process of the strings.
• Invest in a tool for winding strings onto pegs. It will help you significantly reduce your time when changing strings.
• Buy strings in 5-10 sets. This way you will save your money by buying them at wholesale prices.
• You may need to urgently replace a broken string at a rehearsal or performance, so keep a spare set or individual strings in your case or case.

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. Each musician can choose the best strings for an acoustic guitar only on his own, 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.

If you have already purchased for yourself acoustic guitar and you also want to take a set of spare strings for it, but still don’t know which ones to choose or have no idea about them at all, then in this article I will try to reveal all the secrets to you and answer such questions important question: how to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?

What do you need to know first?

When choosing strings for your guitar, I would advise you to be careful about the opinions of the so-called “experts”. This is especially true for unfortunate salespeople in music stores, who for the most part are not particularly professional and want to push you the most expensive or stale product in the window, but are not as interested in helping you choose strings for an acoustic guitar.

I'm sure that for mine creative life Any guitarist will try more than a dozen different strings and change his preferences more than once, because a person’s requirements and tastes change over time, and string production technologies also do not stand in one place. Quite often, professionals have several different guitars and, accordingly, for each they select a separate set of strings that are best suited in terms of physical and sound parameters. Therefore, it makes no sense to give any advice on choosing certain brands of strings. But then, I will try to introduce you to modern types strings and their design differences.

Deciding before purchasing

As I already talked about in the article, you first need to decide what kind of guitar you will master. Whether it is a classical guitar or an acoustic one, the strings will also be different; in fact, the strings are almost the whole difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar.

When choosing strings for your acoustic guitar in a store, you will definitely encounter a problem that did not exist when you were choosing your instrument. I’ll tell you what this problem is now. Before purchasing, you will not be able to listen to how the strings sound in order to choose the most suitable ones for yourself. Therefore, first, consult with friends or acquaintances of guitarists who have experience behind them before you decide to buy strings.

String thickness

You need to decide what thickness of strings suits you best. Keep in mind that to play thick strings confidently, you must have well-trained fingers on your left hand. As a rule, the diameter of the 1st string in different sets can vary from 0.008 to 0.013 inches. The thicker the strings, the richer and more voluminous the guitar will sound.

Winding material

Copper or its various alloys. These strings are the most common and most often used on acoustic guitars and are therefore less expensive.

Silver coating. This metal has little effect on the sound, but has a good effect on aesthetic qualities. Strings with this coating do not fade, look beautiful and do not leave dark marks on the fingers.

Brass or phosphor bronze. Such strings will be more durable and, unlike copper ones, will have a slightly different sound.

String winding type

Round winding. Strings with such a winding will have a ringing and bright sound, especially immediately after replacement, but not for a long time.

Flat winding. When choosing such strings, keep in mind that their sound will be dull, as if muffled.

The 1st and 2nd strings are always made without winding. The 6th, 5th and 4th bass strings are always wound. The 3rd string most often comes without a winding, but in thicker sets with a winding, which gives its sound a more beautiful and rich sound, but it also has a drawback. Due to the fact that the winding is very thin, it often breaks and becomes unusable, and because of this it is necessary to change the entire set.

Classical Guitar Strings

Synthetic (nylon) strings. The first three strings consist of nylon fishing line, but the bass strings are made of a large number of threads of exactly the same nylon and have an external metal winding, most often made of copper, less often of silver or brass (phosphorus bronze).

High density synthetic. These strings, unlike nylon strings, are made of carbon fishing line, and at the same time have an increased density and a thinner diameter. Such strings are characterized by a ringing, pronounced sound. The disadvantage is the high price.

Strings on a steel cable. The strings are relatively soft and have different windings: the first three are with nylon tape, and the 6th, 5th and 4th are with silver-plated copper. These strings have virtually no stretch and change pitch quite quickly when the pegs are turned. They are less popular due to their high price and are quite unusual.

Synthallic strings. They are characterized at the metal level by high sound brightness and the usual softness like nylon. They tune up quickly, the winding does not wear out so much from contact with the frets, and these strings also allow you to make “braces.” Maintains tune and rich timbre for several months without changing.

Acoustic guitar strings

Monolithic steel strings. The core of these strings consists of high-strength, so-called “piano steel”, from which the first three strings are also made. Alloys based on copper or phosphorus bronze are most often used as windings, and the windings differ in hardness and elasticity, while imparting different rigidity to the strings. This in turn affects the sound of the instrument and the comfort of playing with your fingers.

Steel strings with semicircular or flat winding. Such a winding can lie flat side out. These strings are a type of string with a solid steel base. When sliding fingers along the coils, the windings do not make a “whistle”. They are characterized by a more matte sound on bass strings and a more ringing sound on unwound strings.

Steel strings covered with thin synthetic material. There are two types of them. The first type includes strings in which on top of the metal winding there is another additional thin tape winding consisting of Teflon - a synthetic material that has low friction and good wear resistance. Protects the twisted string from dirt and moisture and reduces wear from contact with the frets. The second type differs in that, according to the technology, the wire winding the strings is already enclosed in a plastic sheath. Disadvantage - the gaps between the turns are less protected from contamination and sweat from the fingers, but they more effectively reduce wear from contact with the frets. These two types of strings are quite expensive and lack the iridescent sound that is characteristic of round wound strings.

Let's sum it up

When choosing strings for an acoustic guitar, you need to decide what sound you personally like, what kind of guitar you have and, not least, what kind of music you will play or already play. But for beginner guitarists who have no experience, I would advise the following:

Try to always tune the strings using a tuner or tuning fork, because the instrument will not be able to sound fully if it is not tuned correctly. Do not over-tighten the strings so as not to deform them or break them at the most inopportune moment. Also, you shouldn’t tighten the strings loosely, because the sound will be less dense and loud, and the tuning will “float.” Keep in mind that even if you take the most expensive strings, but don’t tune them correctly, they will sound much worse than cheap ones, but correctly tuned and matched to the hands and guitar of a particular player.

Perhaps this is the most important information for those who wondered: “How to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?” I hope that I was able to help you in some way and will be glad if you write a comment, adding your information to this article. Don't forget to share with your friends on in social networks, perhaps they will also be interested in knowing this. The next article will be about how to choose strings for an electric guitar. So, for those who are interested, wait for updates on the site. Good luck to you!

Strings for acoustic or classical guitar significantly affect its sound, so from the widest range of strings on the market, you should choose exactly those that are ideal for you and your instrument. This guide will help you choose the right strings that best suit your guitar and playing style.

Acoustic guitar strings

Since there are no sound effects or amplification in an acoustic guitar, the strings have key value for its sound. Thus, the material and caliber acoustic strings must be carefully considered, and the type of winding is also an important factor.

Acoustic or classical guitar

The first thing that determines the choice of strings is the type of instrument - classical or western guitar (it is most often called acoustic). In most cases their strings Not interchangeable. Usage metal strings on a guitar designed to be used nylon strings, may seriously damage the instrument. The neck design of a classical guitar is not designed to withstand the pressure from the tension of metal strings. Using the wrong strings can also damage the bridge and nuts.

String gauge

Before we dive into the specific characteristics various types guitar strings, let's look at the concept of string gauge, since it applies to both of them. Strings come in different thicknesses or gauges. Caliber is indicated in thousandths of an inch. The thinnest acoustic strings are usually 0.010 gauge, while the thickest are 0.059 gauge. The gauge of the strings greatly affects their playability and sound.

Please note that classical guitar strings also vary in tension. Below we will discuss the effect of tension on the sound and playability of classical strings.

Thinner strings (smaller gauge):

• - it’s easier to pinch the strings and play by fingerpicking;
• - tear faster;
• - their sound is less deep and long;
• - can cause fret buzzing, especially on guitars with a small distance between the neck and the strings;
• - place less pressure on the guitar neck and are safer for older instruments

Thicker Strings (Higher Gauge):

• - require a lot of effort to pinch the strings and play chords;
• - the sound is deep and long;
• - cause more pressure on the bar.

Gauge designation on acoustic guitar string sets

Most manufacturers mark the gauge of the string set with labels such as “extra light” or “heavy” on the packaging. Although string gauges of the same markings may vary slightly among different manufacturers, the following are standard gauges for acoustic guitar strings:

Selecting String Gauge for an Acoustic Guitar

When deciding which string gauge to choose, the following factors must be considered:

Type of shell: general rule is that on guitars with a smaller soundboard, that is, with less resonance, it is better to use smaller gauge strings, on guitars with a larger soundboard - thicker strings. Thus, large dreadnoughts (western dreadnoughts) or jumbos, as a rule, sound better with medium gauge strings: thanks to the large soundboard, the sound resonates well and is balanced deep and loud. Folk and grand audience guitars will sound better with thinner strings.

Playing style: Picking is much easier on smaller gauge strings. If you prefer to play, it is better to choose medium-gauge strings, although for non-hardened beginners' fingers they may seem harsh. If you combine both plucking and strumming in your playing, light-medium gauge strings may be a good option. These sets consist of thinner three lower strings and thicker three upper strings.

Desired tone: As you probably already guessed, heavy gauge strings produce a deep low sound with pronounced bass. On the other hand, thinner strings give a bright and ringing sound to high notes, making fingerpicking very effective.

Condition and age of the instrument: Vintage guitars are often fragile and high tension on thick strings can cause the neck to change angles and damage the bridge. If you are unsure how large a gauge is safe for your guitar, check with the manufacturer or luthier.

Acoustic Guitar String Materials

Below are the features of the sound of strings with various materials windings of their basses.

Bronze: the strings have a clear, ringing and bright sound, which, unfortunately, fades quite quickly due to the tendency of bronze to oxidize.

Phosphor bronze: the sound is lower and warmer, but still quite sonorous, phosphorus in the alloy increases service life.

Aluminum bronze: The sound is cleaner than phosphor bronze, with pronounced bass and ringing highs

Copper: the strings have a bright, ringing, metallic sound, but they get dirty and oxidize very quickly.

Polymer coated: less sonorous and bright than equivalent bare strings, the sound is warm and deep; Corrosion resistant.

With silk wrap(Silk and Steel): A steel core with silk, nylon or copper winding on the lower strings, giving them a softer feel and sound. These strings are popular among folk performers and for fingerstyle.

What is special about electric-acoustic strings?

Most electro-acoustic speakers are equipped with a piezoelectric pickup (or simply a microphone) located inside the soundboard, which converts the sound vibrations of the strings and soundboard into an electrical signal using a built-in preamp. Since piezoelectric pickups are not affected in any way magnetic properties string materials, regular acoustic or classical guitar strings are perfect for an electric-acoustic guitar.

If the electro-acoustic is equipped with an electromagnetic pickup, when choosing strings, you should follow the recommendations of the guitar or pickup manufacturer.

Nylon strings

Characteristics of nylon strings

Nylon strings are typically used for performance classical music, flamenco, bossa nova and folk music. However, their smooth, rich tone with excellent touch sensitivity is used by guitarists in other styles, such as jazz and country.

Some beginners choose nylon strings due to the belief that they are less likely to cut their fingers. This belief is true, since nylon is a softer material and the tension of nylon strings is weaker than metal ones. However, all beginners must go through a stage of roughening their fingertips, and with the correct tuning of the guitar this goes quickly. Nylon strings should not be chosen for their initial ease of play, but for their sound.

Because nylon strings tend to stretch more than metal strings, they require more frequent tuning, especially if the set is new. They are also more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Nylon string tension

In addition to the gauge, manufacturers indicate the tension of the set on the packaging of nylon strings. Unfortunately, there is no single scale for determining it, so to find strings with the ideal tension for you, you need to change several brands. The choice is complicated by the fact that there are sets in which the strings have different tensions, while only one value is indicated on the packaging. Below are the most common tension symbols and their sound characteristics.

Lowtension(Low Tension alsoModerate orLight Tension)

• - it is easier to pluck strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the strings and the neck;
• - the sound is less sonorous and rich;
• - the sound is soft, without pronounced intonation;
• - more suitable for legato technique;
• - prone to fret buzzing.

Averagetension(Normal Tension/Medium Tension)

• - is usually a happy medium between low and high tension characteristics.

Hightension(High/Hard/Strong Tension)

• - more effort is required to clamp the strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the neck and the strings;
• - the sound is clearer and brighter;
• - the sound is expressive, more abrupt;
• - more suitable for rhythmic picking;
• - May cause damage to the neck, bridge and tuning machines on fragile instruments.

Some manufacturers produce strings with extra-light tension and extra-hard tension, and there are also sets labeled Medium-hard tension. To choose the string tension that best suits your playing style, we recommend first deciding on the manufacturer and winding material of your bass. After that, try sets with different tensions in the selected line.

To reduce the pressure on the instrument when using strings with high tension, it is recommended to loosen them after playing, store them in a slightly deflated state, and tune them immediately before playing.

Nylon string material

First of all, the very definition of “nylon strings” is somewhat erroneous. There are several materials from which strings are made, which would be more accurately called “classical guitar strings.” The structure and materials of treble and bass strings in the same set are also different.

Until the 1940s, classical guitar strings were made from the intestines of cows and sheep. The trebles were made from simple gut, and the bass strings were made from silk thread wound with gut.

The trebles of modern classical guitar strings are made from nylon, fluorocarbon or other synthetic threads, the basses are a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various materials.

Materials of treble strings for classical guitar and their sound characteristics

Clear Nylon : the most common strings are transparent nylon fishing line, cast in the required gauge, and have a ringing and bright sound. The strings are smooth to the touch.

Rectified Nylon : also represent a nylon fishing line of the required caliber, which is then processed by a laser to achieve the most accurate compliance with the specified diameter along the entire length of the string. They have a warmer, velvety sound. Matte and rough to the touch.

Black nylon : in addition to its appearance, it has a soft and clear sound with a predominance of high notes.

Nylon with titanium added : Smooth to the touch with a brighter sound than regular nylon strings. They are often used on low sounding guitars.

Combined : woven from several threads, have a bright, loud sound. Strings of this structure are often used as a G-string, as a transition between treble and bass strings.

Bass string winding materials for classical guitar

Classical bass strings consist of a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various metals. The most common ones are presented below.

80/20 bronze : The alloy contains 80% copper and 20% zinc. The sound of the strings is ringing and bright.

Silver plated copper : Silver coating makes the strings smooth to the touch, copper gives a warm sound. Some manufacturers label this winding “silver”.

Roundwound basses are the most common for classical basses. Some manufacturers sand the surface of the Roundwound to smooth out the surface, which makes the strings smooth to the touch and reduces finger noise.

Most classical guitar strings have straight ends (tie-ends) that tie them to the bridge.

Signs it's time to change strings

• - the guitar is increasingly out of tune, and tuning it is becoming more and more difficult;
• - rust has appeared on the strings or they have changed color;
• - in the places where it is attached to the bridge, the winding has delaminated and the base of the bass strings is visible;
• - the sound of the strings is flat and dull;
• - You don’t remember the last time you changed the strings.

How often should you change strings?

There is no single answer to this question, but the following are reasons for shortened string life:

• - You play in a hot room, you sweat while playing;
• - You play aggressively with loud fighting;
• - You play often;
• - You often change the tuning of your guitar;
• - You smoke or play in smoky rooms.

• - Have a clean cloth on hand to wipe down the strings after playing.
• - Wash your hands before playing.
• - Buy a stringwinder, they are inexpensive and will greatly speed up the process of changing strings.
• - Write down the date of replacement on the package of strings, put the package in the guitar case, so you can compare which strings last you longer.
• - Buying strings in bulk can be cheaper, especially if you use thin strings that are easy to break.
• - Pay attention to the packaging: it is better to choose polyethylene - it will protect the strings from corrosion during storage.
• - Keep a spare set or single first, thinnest strings in your guitar case, they will come in handy in case of emergency string replacement.

Many guitarists, both beginners and more experienced, are preoccupied with the search for the best sound, as a result of which they subject their instruments to various kinds of modifications.

Musicians replace stock pickups, potentiometers and other electronics, replace the saddles with brass, bronze or bone, and sometimes even replace such significant parts of the instrument as the soundboard or neck in the hope of changing the type of wood to change the tone (and we talked more about wood types in article).

These manipulations certainly affect the sound of the guitar, but often such drastic measures are unnecessary, because it was possible to get closer to the desired tone by simply changing the gauge and alloy of the strings, but for some unknown reason many guitarists neglect such a simple and inexpensive procedure.

It is for this reason that in this article we will talk about various types strings, both for electric and acoustic guitars, we will consider various alloys and coatings, type of winding, manufacturing technologies, calibers and the most important effect of all this on the sound.

String gauge

First of all, all strings differ in size; as a rule, for a standard tuning, the thickness of the first string in a set can range from 0.008 to 0.012, and for lower tunings it often reaches 0.013-0.014 inches.

The thickness of the strings primarily determines the richness of the tone and volume of the instrument, because the thicker the string, the richer the overtones and louder the sound, especially for acoustic instruments, but as the law of equal exchange says: if you want to get something, then you need to sacrifice something - then equivalent to this, in this case we directly sacrifice the convenience of play, because the thicker the strings, the more physical effort is required when playing.

In this regard, it is not surprising that virtuoso performers whose music primarily focuses on filigree technique use sets with 0.8 caliber, such as Yngwie Malmsteen.

Braid

Round braid

Round braid is easy to manufacture and affordable, making it the most popular solution for both acoustic and electric guitars. It is a round wire in cross-section wound in a spiral on a round core. It has a ringing tone and medium tension.

Due to the rough surface, making slides is a little more difficult than on strings with a flat braid, but easier than with a hexagonal braid, and in terms of fret wear, the round braid is located exactly in the middle.

Flat Braid

Flatwound strings have sophisticated production technology and are quite high price. The braid of such strings is wound on a round core, but the wire itself has cross section square with rounded corners.

Strings with this type of braid have a rich, velvety tone with a beautiful low end and smooth top end, and are often used by jazzmen. It should also be noted that the use of flat winding has a beneficial effect on the service life of the frets. However, if you want to use an overdriven guitar sound, these are not the strings for you.

Hexagonal braid

Making strings with hexagonal braid is not much more difficult than with round braid, and their price is about the same. The design consists of a hexagonal core with a wound braid, most often round, with a hexagonal cross section.

The tone of such strings is very bright and expressive due to the tighter fit of the braid to the core. Durability is also excellent. However, the rigidity and sharp edges of the braid negatively affect the life of the frets and can cause discomfort when playing.

Types of strings for acoustic guitar

To begin with, it should be noted that despite the general term “acoustic guitar”: classical-Spanish and western (jumbo) - these are essentially two different instruments, on which different strings should be installed to avoid damage.

Classical Guitar Strings

Strings made from sheep intestines are often called gut strings. Nowadays, they are no longer as widespread as in the past, but there are enthusiasts who bring these strings to our country in small quantities. They are usually used by folk music lovers.

Synthetic strings (nylon)

Synthetic strings, launched in the 40s in the USA, quickly replaced intestinal strings from the market, as they were cheaper and had greater wear resistance.

The basis for such strings is nylon, and copper alloys are used as the outer metal winding, which are durable and have a matte sound.

Western Guitar Strings

Bronze strings

As you might guess, the braid of such strings is made of bronze, or rather 80% copper and 20% tin, as a result of which the color of such strings is very similar to gold. Such strings are durable and have good anti-corrosion properties. The sound can be described as ringing and bright.

Phosphor bronze strings

Phosphor bronze strings differ from bronze ones in the presence of 0.3% phosphorus and big amount copper about 90-92%. Due to the amount of copper in the alloy, the strings have a red tint. The sound of such strings is very soft and warm, not as bright as pure bronze.

Types of strings for electric guitar

Due to the fact that an electric guitar transmits not acoustic, but electromagnetic vibrations to the pickup, it is impossible to use strings for acoustic guitars on it, but there is no problem with this, since there are simply a huge number of types of strings for electric guitars.

Steel strings

Steel strings are made entirely of steel, both the core and the winding. They have a bright and piercing sound, but they have great rigidity and very mediocre (especially without a polymer coating) anti-corrosion properties; add to this the severe wear of the frets from such strings and it becomes clear why they are not particularly popular.

The winding of such strings consists of nickel, they are much softer than steel, wear out the frets less and have a soft but rich tone. However, nickel strings quickly lose their acoustic properties and stop sounding within 2-3 weeks active play, but despite this they are the most popular electric guitar strings in the world.

How often should you change strings?

First of all, it depends on the intensity of the game, professionals change the strings before each performance, but most guitar lovers keep the strings fresh for 1 to 1.5 months, of course, if you limit playing the instrument, you can increase this period.

However, there are several factors that will help you know when to change your strings. Some of the advice is taken from the course by Mikhail Rusakov:

• First of all, there are visual signs of wear, such as breaks in the winding, dents in the strings and corrosion.
• The second is the sound, if your instrument begins to sound not as bright as usual or downright dull.
• And the last thing is the tuning, if it floats, tuning the guitar becomes uncomfortable or even impossible, you should change the strings.

Results

Such an abundance of different alloys and gauges suggests that there are no ideal strings. Therefore, you need to think about what it means for you highest value: tone brightness, playability, durability or even appearance and based on this make your choice.