Article by Spencer Chapman
Guitar strings can be fickle. In my many years of playing guitar, I have had guitar strings last seemingly for a year and others snap and twirl the first hard strum. It is just hard to tell sometimes but there is some basic guitar string information all guitar players should know. Strings come in many different sizes and types. When speaking of acoustic and electric guitar strings we talk about the size with labels like light gauge, extra light gauge, medium gauge, etc. Larger gauge strings can help boost volume and sustain but can be more uncomfortable on tender fingertips unaccustomed to the tension or those who liked bendin strings. Lighter gauges are often easier to fret and bend, but very light strings can cause some players to over-bend the string causing the note to play sharp or flat when released
Guitar String Action and Guitar SetupThe most important thing in getting ready to play your guitar is the setup. Instruments that have been set up properly ensure appropriate string height, nut slot width/depth, intonation and neck relief in accordance with the string gauge the player is using. If one changes string gauges, more or less tension is being placed on the instrument depending on whether they go up or down in string gauge. This can affect everything about your set up and require several adjustments. If you are experimenting with tone, try various materials and brands but remember to choose the same gauge to avoid changing the action.Guitar String Sound
Besides affecting the action, a change in guitar string tension may also affect the sound (sustain and tone). Some players may choose to increase the string gauge on their instrument in hopes of increasing volume and sustain. A common complaint when using very light or extra light gauge strings is a loss of volume, sustain and a thin or twangy sound. However, a person very familiar with amps and amp setup can often overcome the gauge of the strings with an amplification modification. Playing Comfort
To be straight, the higher the string gauge means the higher the string tension. The higher the string tension means the more difficult it is to make good contact with the frets. This tension is painful at first but callus and frequent playing reduce or eliminate it with time.
Let's not forget string benders. Not all of us can take an .011 gauge E string and bend it 2 notes sharp. Players must choose their string gauge according to their playing demands. Extra light gauge strings which offer little resistance to the players touch can easily be over bent when fretting or string bending.
Other Guitar String Considerations
Age / ConstructionWhile most new instruments are solid enough to give the player the option to choose from several string gauges, vintage pieces or those with structural problems may limit your options. Older instruments that were originally designed to be strung with gut strings or were braced lightly, require very light gauges and should be structurally sound before submitting them to tension.
If you are thinking about stringing up a vintage instrument for the first time I highly recommend having it inspected. All braces should be securely glued to the top and back. The bridge and bridge plate should be inspected and all other areas of stress should be checked for cracks or looseness.
Neck ReliefAnother common problem that robs us of our string choice is the necks condition. Let me give you an example:
A 1967 Fender Stratocaster comes with a neck that is slightly back bowed (fingerboard is higher in the middle than the ends). After inspecting the truss rod I learn that it is completely loose, leaving us without the ability to introduce proper neck relief by loosening the truss rod. We opt for a heavier gauge string that puts more tension on the neck, pulling it straight. Likewise a neck with entirely too much relief may require a lighter gauge string in reduce the tension with hopes of decreasing relief.
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About the Author
Spencer Chapman is a professional musician. His credits include lead trumpet in big bands, writing marching band half-time shows, lead guitar and vocals and award winning songwriter. His influence locally and on the Internet is educational and entertaining.