What type of acoustic guitar strings should I buy?
guitarparth asked:
I have an ok acoustic guitar but it needs new strings. I like playing music by artists like John Mayer and Jack Johnson. I know their are different types of acoustic strings, but what type of strings would be the best for this type of music? I’m pretty good at guitar.
I have an ok acoustic guitar but it needs new strings. I like playing music by artists like John Mayer and Jack Johnson. I know their are different types of acoustic strings, but what type of strings would be the best for this type of music? I’m pretty good at guitar.
I know their are light, medium, and heavy gauge, and steel and nylon strings.
most guitars out there now, come with light gauge strings.
If you’re guitar came with steel strings, stay with steel strings
Ya can put nylon strings on a steel string guitar, but they don’t sound very good,
The top is braced heavier, and the nylon strings are too light to “drive” the body.
If it came with nylon strings, DEFINITELY stay with nylon.
If you put steel strings on a nylon string guitar, it will probably warp the neck, pull the top and bridge up, because the top isn’t braced enough for the string tension, which is MUCH heavier on ANY steel string set.
Plus, you will break the nylon part of the tuning machines.
If your guitar came with light gauge strings, you shouldn’t put medium on it, because most guitars aren’t braced well enough to handle the extra tension.
Not always true, but it is most of the time.
Most American guitars CAN take medium gauge strings, since are built better.
Medium string will have more bottom end, and last longer, but they are a little harder to play.
If light gauge is you heavy for you, there are some “custom Lite” strings, that use light gauge bottom strings, but extra lite top end, so they are easier to bend.
Usually about .011 to .052.
or
I really don’t like a “full” set of light gauge, because they are so thin sounding on the bottom.
Well generally speaking, lighter gauge strings are easier to play because they have less tension when tuned to pitch. On the other hand heavier gauges will have a better tone quality. As a general rule you could say ”the bigger the string the bigger the tone”. If you have a regular acoustic guitar then you don’t want nylon strings. They are meant for classical and folk style guitars. It’s really just a matter of personal preference when it comes to guitar strings. I use D’Addario strings on all of my guitars , 12 - 54 on the acoustics and 10 - 46 on the electrics. I’ve never had a problem with any of their strings.
Phosphor bronze strings are usually best for acoustic guitar. Bronze strings (e.g. Martin) sound good on day one, but soon dull and lose their tone.
Coated strings stay brighter for longer.
Try D’Addario or Elixir.