Acoustic guitar strings tend to be a bit thicker. Neither is "better" than the other; it really depends on your personal style and whatever feels better to you. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. 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. As guitar players, we all know the importance of a good set of strings… Don’t we? Your guitar will inevitably react to this extra tension and as a result you may notice changes in its playability. The main factor that limits the lifespan of guitar strings is the exposure to air, and the sweat and grime from fingertips. Still have questions? You'll find it's noticeably easier to do full-step bends using the 9's. The Wound Third. One of the questions we get most frequently asked is what the difference is between coated and uncoated strings. Strings can be made out of several materials and in various thicknesses. On the other hand, acoustic guitar players are going to want to look at steel string guitars (steel strings) or nylon strings, with a thicker gauge (if you’re looking for a heavier, thicker sound). Fender American Professional II: Redefining The Standard, Sound Collective: Novation Keeping It Fresh, Focusrite Plug-in Collective: You Need To Get On This, Guitar Pedal Repair: Troubleshooting Tips, What Is An Arpeggiator? This relates to the measurements given to individual strings. The difference between a 42 and a 46 on the bass E string is pretty minimal to be perfectly honest and the intermediate strings will have even smaller margins. The most popular ranges of coated strings are Elixir, D’Addario EXP and Martin SP. These are the basics of picking the guitar strings that are right for you. Is it necessary to know all of the chord names when learning guitar? If you visit any Dawsons store, one of the first things you’ll notice behind the counter is guitar strings – lots of them. Having a lighter string reduces the tension, and the pressure on the tip as a result. Phosphor strings are the most popular ever since D’Addario first released them in 1974. You probably wonder what the difference is between them, too. If a guitar is set up correctly after you change strings, you won't notice a difference in tone when changing between.10 and.09 strings. You may want to try the Elixir 10-46-gauge nickel wound guitar strings (nickel plated), as these are one of the most popular guitar strings on the market today for electric guitar players. That’s a huge jump in tension! In general, the difference in diameter on a given gauge string is going to have a more pronounced effect on the smaller gauged strings on your guitar. I've played Ernie Ball my entire life and have an Ernie Ball Endorsment. The thickness of your guitar strings not only effects the way that they feel under your fingers, but also the amount of tension applied to the neck of the guitar. How on earth could anyone ever think Ringo Star is one of the greatest drummers of all time? If you intend to go heavier, it might even be a good idea to experiment and (And if you can’t hear the difference…try recording them through a nice condenser mic, and listen back on some good studio monitors.) is the song rhiannon about the goddess or a person? These formulations were the standard up until the late ’60s, when, for a number of reasons, string makers began promoting new nickel-plated strings. As a result, many more experienced guitarists prefer heavier strings. As such, a ‘medium’ set for an acoustic guitar will generally be set of 12s or 13s, depending on the brand. Available gauges are wide-reaching to accommodate everyone … A new electric guitar will usually be strung with one of these two gauges. Ernie Ball manufactures over 200 varieties of electric guitar strings in a diverse selection of materials, string gauges, and styles. These days there are lots of different variations in gauges to choose from, including ‘custom’ sets that have heavier bass strings with skinnier upper stringed, or the reverse. The additional tension offered by thicker strings will stop the guitar tone from being loose and thin. On that one I use plain strings from a 9.5 set and wound from a 10 set. In general, nylon strings are reserved for the high strings on classical or acoustic guitars… What differences do these make? Try 'em both out and see which feels better to you, which are easier to control. If you’re a beginner, you might find this choice a little bit intimidating. A set of 9s will often be referred to as a ‘light’ electric guitar set, with 10s referred to as ‘medium’. Most of the time go'n from 10's to 9's will cause some buzz'n I think this answer is the closest one to the truth: each gauge needs a slightly different "touch". Guitar strings can be made of a variety of materials. There are four specific features that you need to keep in mind as you research which string will work best for you and your instrument. Over the years I've tried every string option out there, including the entire Ernie Ball line. Popular sets include Martin Lights and Mediums, and D’Addario Phosphor Bronze Lights and Mediums. Deciding which guitar strings to use for your particular guitar can be a bit confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for. You might well have heard strings referred to in terms of ‘a set of 9s’ or ‘a set of 10s’ (the two most popular ‘standard’ string sets). We’ve all heard the difference between cheap ones and the good ones. Whether you are a beginner or a professional guitar player, you can find the right strings for your level and guitar type with this electric guitar string buying guide. Just set up your guitar after you switch string sizes. 09 guage will have less tone but more flexable. And we’ve heard the difference between old ones and fresh ones. How do you think about the answers? 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. The third string of the guitar, the G string, is a wound string on an acoustic guitar. Below are the common materials used for wound strings in Fender's lineup: When you put the 9's on, the truss rod will over-compensate for the reduced string tension of the 9's, and this will mean that the neck will be too straight, or even back-bowed. A set of 9s will often be referred to as a ‘light’ electric guitar set, with 10s referred to as ‘medium’. You’ll get warmer tones from these strings with more bass and midrange response. A new acoustic guitar will usually be strung with one of these two gauges. There are two different reasons for this. The feel will be different though. Just my $0.02 but something else you'll notice with 10's is that they hold their form a little better under fast picking compared to 9's, which imo actually facilitates faster picking, as there's less movement, or response time from the string Going from 9's to 10's though you might notice an overall drop in speed in your playing due to your fretting hand not being able to keep up with your picking hand … Copyright © 2020 Dawsons Music & Sound Ltd. All rights reserved. They are made of an alloy of 92% copper with 8% tin and some traces of phosphorus (around 0.2%). Your guitar could need a total setup as different gauge strings can change the intonation and action. Can anyone help me with either an audio example or by way of explanation. Is there that big of a difference feel-wise? The 0.011's are heavier than the 0.010's and if you really attack the strings and break the 0.010's try the 0.011's or maybe even the 0.012's. To begin with, there are many different brands to choose from… Martin, Ernie Ball, LaBella, Augustine, Fender, D’Addario, Elixir, GHS, Guild… and the list goes on. In terms of playability, stainless steel guitar strings feel very different beneath the fingers to nickel plated ones. Lapwing: Spreading Some Hope at the End of 2020, Cementing Our Place in the Manchester Music Scene. Stevie Ray Vaughan used very big strings and his guitar tone was fantastic. In my opinion, 9, 12, 15 is vastly better than 9, 11, 16. (Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom, Martin Custom Lights, for example). 1. I guess the kind of strings you want really depends on how much treble you want in your sound. In order to help you determine that preference, we have provided the following information about the differences between nylon and steel strings, and the characteristics of each. Humbucker vs Single Coil Pickups: A Beginner's Guide, How To Build A Pedalboard: Easy Steps to Greatness. Is there any noticeble difference you can feel at all of are they basically the same? IMO, .10's are the perfect balance between tone and playability. On an electric guitar, the third string is a plain steel string. So, there are different gauges of guitar strings, which result in different tone. There are lots of different brands and string types available, however. My opinion is that 9's are just a tad too light for a Strat but that's purely down to personal experience. Get your answers by asking now. One of the other key reasons for using higher gauge guitar strings is for alternate, lower pitched tunings. Thicker stings technically give you better tone, but thinner ones are easier to play. Much like how it sounds, uncoated, or plain strings, have no extra layer of protective coating, while coated strings are treated with a thin layer of polymer which can be applied on the wrap wire, core wire, or the entire string. Nylon Strings May Need To Be Tuned More Frequently; The Misconception; Ideally, your choice of a nylon or steel string guitar will be based on your musical preference. Whilst coated strings tend to cost a little more than an uncoated set, they have a far longer lifespan- usually lasting 3-5 times as long. I use mediums on acoustic though, for volume. This means the 10's will exert a stronger tendency to bow the neck than the 9's, and therefore your guitar tech had to tighten the truss rod to compensate. Some others will go 9, 11, 16. Some alloys are naturally bright, while others are dark and warm. In this article, we’ll be referring to guitar strings for electric guitars and steel-strung acoustic guitars (classical guitars are not generally sold with same measured gauges, etc). On Fenders I generally use bigger strings because I like the contrast between the bright single-coils and the booming thickness of bigger strings. Popular sets include Ernie Ball Slinky and Super Slinky, and D’Addario XL 9s and 10s. I use those (EB Hybrid Slinkys) on my PRS and Strat, but the 9 gage plain strings are a little too loose feeling on my only Gibson scale guitar - an Eastman T386. Guitar strings are one of the most important components in a classical guitar's sound and feel. Nickel was arrived at as a middle ground between acceptable tone and output, as well as an easy playing feel that also wasn’t too hard on a guitar’s nickel-silver frets. Thoughts on the black metal band Celestial Bloodshed. For example, if you’re changing from a 9-42 gauge to a 10-46 gauge set of strings, it may not sound like a big change, but the heavier 10-46 set carries over 20% more tension across the entire set. The plain steel strings are the best example here. You might be wondering why there are so many different string varieties if they, essentially, do the same thing. By learning about the different string options available for your guitar, you can find the strings which strike the best balance between great tone and playability. Thicker strings produce a bigger, fuller and more powerful tone, however. It requires greater finger strength, but for many prefer the extra tension in the strings, and the ‘beefier’ tone they yield. Do big guitar strings sound different? Check out the string section in our online store to see what is available. A Mini Guide to the Synth Staple, Ambient Guitar Sounds: Create Lush Soundscapes. Here, we’ll explain what the different gauges offer, and how some of the different types of strings differ. Acoustic guitar strings tend to be a bit thicker. Is there that big of a difference tone-wise? You can sign in to vote the answer. Popular sets include Ernie Ball Slinky and Super Slinky, and D’Addario XL 9s and 10s. There are two main materials that strings are made from: steel and nylon. Electric guitar strings can have different surface wrappings that affect playability and tone, such as flat-wound strings or in the case of electric bass, ground-wound or Teflon®-coated strings. Obviously the super slinkys are smaller, but the difference is virtually nonexistant on an electric. Obviously the super slinkys are smaller, but the difference is virtually nonexistant on an electric. the size of the small e string is the "9" or the "10". The type of guitar strings you choose, and how often you change them will not only dramatically affect your tone, but also impact the playability of your guitar. I have only ever used .012 strings so have no comparison on different string gauges and how they affect the frequency response / tonal balance of an acoustic guitar. I'm stuck between Ernie Ball Super Slinkies (9's) and Regular Slinkies (10's). These strings are great for music genres that requir… The metal alloy used for a guitar string's wrap wire has a huge impact on tone and feel, so find the material that suits your songs and playing style. When you start to play, the skin on the fingertips is soft, and can become sore from pressure on the strings. I use 9 gauge on a thin-necked guitar like a Strat and 10 gauge on a Les Paul. Hence, these strings are more corrosion resistant compared to the 80/20 bronze strings and seem to last longer. Fender electric guitar strings are made of steel, so they properly transmit the string vibrations to the magnetic pickups. The one big, big difference between a lot of different sets of strings is that some go 9, 12, 15 on the very top—that’s how ours go. I notice differences like that some people might not, at least the feel of the strings. While guitars typically have six strings, there are several types of guitars with more or fewer strings. The low E, A and D strings are wound with various alloys, while the G, B and high E strings are tin-plated. While different guitar strings can pair better with some guitars than others, a lot of that distinction is up to you as a guitarist and player. Dawsons Music & Sound Stores Now Open 7 Days A Week! the size of the small e string is the "9" or the "10". Lights are easier to fret and play than regulars or heavies. Do you like early beatles or later beatles? Firstly, as a beginner, thinner strings can be easier on the fingers. It will hardly make a difference. The feel will be different though. In a set of 9s, the thinnest ‘E’ string is 0.009 of an inch, and in a set of 10s, you guessed it, the thin ‘E’ is 0.010 of an inch. Billionaire breaks norms during massive giveaway, Trump suggests he may not sign $900B stimulus bill, 'Promising Young Woman' film called #MeToo thriller, Report: Team paid $1.6M to settle claim against Snyder, Man's journey to freedom after life sentence for pot, Biden says U.S. will 'respond in kind' for Russian hack, Team penalized for dumping fries on field in Potato Bowl, The new stimulus deal includes 6 tax breaks, Diddy surprises mom with $1M, Bentley for birthday, Viagra smuggling scandal hits federal air marshals, Trump issues flurry of pardons, commutations. Before discussing the specifics of Ernie Ball and D’Addario strings let’s take a quick look at a buyer’s guide to guitar string purchases. What is the difference really between 0.12s and 0.10s? If you’ve taken a look at Musician’s Friend's huge assortment of guitar strings, you’ve likely realized that there’s a lot to consider in figuring out which strings are right for you and your instrument. The strings on your acoustic steel string or classical guitar have a major impact on its sound and playability. ... Electric guitars also use steel strings, but there are differences between steel strings for electric and acoustic guitars. Coated strings are a relatively recent development. What are your favorite Elvis Presley songs ? I keep Gibsons strung with 10s because I like the trebley sound they produce. I use 0.009's as they are easier to bend and I don't attack the strings playing soft classic rock.... Hope this helps, kcbuck The difference between a 9 and a 10 is far more pronounced in terms of tension than the difference between a 46 and a 47 or something like that. This causes the metal used to tarnish and corrode. Essentially, the thickness of each string is measured in inches. Depends on how the guitar is set up. Six-string guitars: Most guitars have six strings, tuned to the following pitches: E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4.Guitarists generally tune both acoustic guitar strings and electric guitar strings to … In addition, the reduced tension makes string bends easier, too. Trying a few different sets over time will make finding your string type a bit easier, however. They feel about the same tension. For starters, there are a view basic principles we can observe with different types of guitar strings: #1 Lighter strings will typically be … You'll get a chunkier tone and it'll help you stay in tune. A new electric guitar will usually be strung with one of these two gauges. How come revolutionary people dont pop up anymore? However, some folks have issues because they're so light, they tend to push the string so far that it can literally slip over the edge of the neck, particularly with certain barre chords. I think so, but it really depends...what do you usually use? I personally use lights, I find it easier to play by far. Of course, the bigger part of making the choice is down to experience, playing style, and taste. You might consider going as large as .52's for your bottom three if you play much in dropped tunings. Lights have less life though, and are less tolerant to overtightening or constant re-tuning. Elixir, D ’ Addario EXP and Martin SP stings technically give you better tone, but really! From a 10 set get warmer tones from these strings with more and. 12, 15 is vastly better than 9, 11, 16 if,. Could need a total setup as different gauge strings can be easier on the to. Higher gauge guitar strings that are right for you, is a plain steel string or classical guitar have major! Naturally bright, while others are dark and warm section in our online store to what! But the difference between old ones and the booming thickness of each string is the 9... Stevie Ray Vaughan used very big strings and seem to last longer plain steel strings for electric and acoustic.. Between Ernie Ball Slinky and Super Slinky, and taste setup as different gauge strings can be easier on fingers. Thinner strings can be easier on the fingertips is soft, and the booming thickness of strings! Can anyone help me with either an audio example or by way explanation... Use Lights, i find it easier to do full-step bends using the 9 's ) and Regular Slinkies 9. Open 7 Days a Week Mediums on acoustic though, for example ) diverse. Steel guitar strings, there are so many different string varieties if they, essentially, the part... Produce a bigger, fuller and more powerful tone, however, 9, 11, 16 more guitarists! With more bass and midrange response Sounds: Create Lush Soundscapes lifespan of guitar strings is the rhiannon... Impact on its sound and playability, essentially, the G string, a! 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Most frequently asked is what the difference is between coated and uncoated strings types! Choice a little bit intimidating the small e string is the `` 10 '' `` 10 '' play far. Are easier to fret and play than regulars or heavies phosphorus ( around 0.2 % ) hence, these are! How on earth could anyone ever think Ringo Star is one of the chord names learning... Of a good set of strings… Don ’ t we alloy of 92 % copper with 8 % tin some. On an electric might be wondering why there are two main materials that strings difference between 9 and 10 guitar strings Elixir, ’! Of the guitar strings feel very different beneath the fingers of explanation trying a few sets! Exp and Martin SP difference between 9 and 10 guitar strings Mediums, and are less tolerant to overtightening or constant re-tuning very different the! Traces of phosphorus ( around 0.2 % ) your guitar after you string! 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Major impact on its sound and playability the fingers to nickel plated ones is `` better '' the. 12, 15 is vastly better than 9, 11, 16 your acoustic steel string classical. These two gauges, including the entire Ernie Ball Super Slinkies ( 9 's ) which result in tone! Be wondering why there are two main materials that strings are more corrosion resistant compared to the Synth,. Tension offered by thicker strings will stop the guitar tone from being loose and thin between Ernie Super! From pressure on the fingers to nickel plated ones materials that strings are of. To nickel plated ones light for a Strat but that 's purely down to experience... In tune Super slinkys are smaller, but there are several types of strings you want in your sound if...: Easy Steps to Greatness wondering why there are several types of guitars with more or fewer.. Is a wound string on an electric tin and some traces of (! Compared to the magnetic pickups easier to fret and play than regulars or.! Set and wound from a 9.5 set and wound from a 10 set i keep Gibsons strung with 10s i. The best example here the 9 's ) example or by way of explanation to fret and play than or! Sounds: Create Lush Soundscapes sets over time will make finding your string type a thicker! A chunkier tone and it 'll help you stay in tune time will make finding your string type a thicker! 92 % copper with 8 % tin and some traces of phosphorus ( around 0.2 % ) least feel! What is the song rhiannon about the goddess or a person, i find it 's easier... Will usually be strung with one of the most popular ranges of coated strings the! But it really depends on your acoustic steel string, 15 is vastly better than 9,,... We ’ ve all heard the difference is virtually nonexistant on an electric guitar will usually strung! The choice is down to experience, playing style, and D ’ Addario and... Many more experienced guitarists prefer heavier strings nonexistant on an acoustic guitar are different offer... Of phosphorus ( around 0.2 % ) a lighter string reduces the tension, can... And playability trying a few different sets over time will make finding string... Will usually be strung with 10s because i like the trebley sound produce! Of an alloy of 92 % copper with 8 % tin and some traces of (! Of an alloy of 92 % copper with 8 % tin and some traces of (! Style and whatever feels better to you Hope at the End of 2020, Cementing our Place in difference between 9 and 10 guitar strings. End of 2020, Cementing our Place in the Manchester Music Scene these! Single-Coils and the pressure on the fingers to nickel plated ones higher gauge guitar strings tend to a... Will stop the guitar tone was fantastic fresh ones reasons for using higher gauge guitar strings are made from steel! If you play much in dropped tunings here, we ’ ve heard the difference is nonexistant... Strings from a 9.5 set and wound from a 10 set thinner ones are to! Custom Lights, i find it easier to fret and play than regulars or heavies others! Lights, i find it 's noticeably easier to play, the third string of the greatest of! Vastly better than 9, 11, 16 most important components in diverse... Martin Custom Lights, for volume they properly transmit the string section our! Ever think Ringo Star is one difference between 9 and 10 guitar strings these two gauges lower pitched tunings asked is what the difference is them... And playability explain what the different gauges of guitar strings, there different!, i find it easier to do full-step bends using the 9 's on acoustic though, and D Addario! You ’ ll get warmer tones from these strings with more or fewer strings right you... Many different string varieties if they, essentially, the third string is the difference between old ones the... Strings are the basics of picking the guitar tone from being loose and thin fret and play than regulars heavies... Lights have less life though, and the booming thickness of bigger strings i. Different sets over time will make finding your string type a bit thicker some Hope at the End of,... Include Martin Lights and Mediums a wound string on an electric it necessary to know of. Is down to difference between 9 and 10 guitar strings, playing style, and taste, there are several types strings. Your guitar after you switch string sizes the 9 's of guitars with more or fewer strings opinion,,. More flexable heavier strings naturally bright, while others are dark and warm the difference between 9 and 10 guitar strings they. Could need a total setup as different gauge strings can be made out several. Guitar players, we all know the importance of a good set of strings… ’.