What is the difference between guitar string gauges

Generally speaking, electric guitar string sets include lighter gauge strings than acoustic guitar string sets and the gauges included in each set can vary from one manufacturer to another. Some players use heavy gauge strings because they like a richer tone but they also bend their notes, it just takes some extra muscle building to do so. The gauge of a guitar string also affects the tone the string produces. As mentioned, heavy strings typically produce a richer, thicker tone than light strings.

Some guitar players use heavy distortion so they like the thinner tone produced by light gauge strings because that tone cuts through the mix with more harmonic overtones. Strings sound different because of the unique characteristics each string type has. The materials, the wind and the gauge affect the sound of the string and the tone of your guitar. A thin string sounds thinner than a thick string, just like a roundwound string sounds brighter than a flatwound string.

In most cases, a thicker sound can only be achieved by using a heavy gauge string. A bigger string just sounds bigger. There are six strings in a set of guitar strings. Each string is named by the string number and the gauge of the string. A popular set of electric strings are the gauges starting from. This set is a lighter set with less tension and easier playability.

NOTE: Staying in tune, fret intonation and buzzing frets could be an issue with light strings. The most popular set of electric guitar strings are the. The 1 st string is a. This gauge of strings allows you to bend while offering a rich tone and the ability to play a bit harder without breaking strings.

The next gauge of popular strings is. Strings sets with gauges above. These days you can also find string sets with gauges that are in between traditional sets.

An example would be an Ernie Ball Heavy Bottom set with light gauges on the top three strings and heavy gauge strings on the lower three strings. The gauges for acoustic guitar string sets are heavier than gauges for electric guitar strings. In most cases, acoustics guitar players want a rich tone with a string gauge that allows them to play rhythmic strum patterns harder. Each company has a different take on string gauge combinations. A good starting place is to find out what your favourite guitarists use, or what musicians use in the genre you play.

Every player has a natural preference in tone and, most important of all, feel. They might also make their strings out of materials like steel, cobalt and titanium, which further expand the tonal and texture possibilities.

You can find out more info about string material in our ultimate Andertons guide. If you enjoyed this read, check out more of our Learn articles! Shop All Electric Guitar Strings. You must be logged in to post a comment. View Cian's Profile. For example, a gauge string is 0. Guitar string packs are usually referred to by their thinnest string, e.

Strings are commonly made of stainless steel, nickel, cobalt or copper. Thicker strings create more bass frequencies, thinner strings produce more treble. What is String Gauge? Why String Gauge Matters Guitar strings determine more in your music and how you approach the instrument than you might think. Thin Strings Country and folk music often involves a lot of finger picking. The Best String Gauge For You A good starting place is to find out what your favourite guitarists use, or what musicians use in the genre you play.

Featured Gear. Cian Hodge. What differences do these make? Well, ignoring brand this tends to be a matter of personal taste , electric and acoustic guitar strings can be divided into two main categories: coated and uncoated. Coated strings are a relatively recent development. The main factor that limits the lifespan of guitar strings is the exposure to air, and the sweat and grime from fingertips.

This causes the metal used to tarnish and corrode. By applying a microscopically thin coating to strings, the metal is protected from these elements, and the strings remain bright and retain their full sustain for longer.

Whilst coated strings tend to cost a little more than an uncoated set, they have a far longer lifespan- usually lasting times as long. These are the basics of picking the guitar strings that are right for you. Of course, the bigger part of making the choice is down to experience, playing style, and taste.

Trying a few different sets over time will make finding your string type a bit easier, however. Check out the string section in our online store to see what is available. Guitar Pedal Repair: Troubleshooting Tips. Registered in England.