Guitar Strings: Which Gauge Should I use?

[Craig 10]

Hi Everyone

 

I've been looking at some of the different guitar strings on bidorbuy and realised I do not know which gauge strings are best for my guitar.

 

Is there any way to decide which gauge is correct for the guitar? I use a Fender Acoustic/Electric.

[MsPlod 11]

personal choice

 

Hi Everyone

 

I've been looking at some of the different guitar strings on bidorbuy and realised I do not know which gauge strings are best for my guitar.

 

Is there any way to decide which gauge is correct for the guitar? I use a Fender Acoustic/Electric.

 

Hey Craig

Personal choice really - some prefer the lighter gauges (extra light etc.) since these are easier on the fingers. They tend to give a very bright sound - slightly too trebly and sometimes tinny for my taste.

 

I go for a mix usually - I'll use a slightlier heavier gauge for performance - medium usually - to get the depth and tone I want and for practicing and just jamming around - use a light gauge.

 

Often mix gauges on the guitar too (depending on the string brand - since the sound is distinctly different for many of the brands too). So I'll use medium gauge trebles and mids (E B G and D) mixed with a light gauge bass (A and E).

 

Mess around with the different brands and the various gauges - record the same songs over a few months with different gauges and you'll see the different nuances each string set provides.

 

My playing tends to emphasize rhythm (a sort of flat-picking blues/jazz) so love the bass notes to ring a little. Won't specify the guitar string brands because I have found that the brands sound different on different guitars. Best always to find what works best with your own playing style, hand strength and music genre. Have fun!!