Facts to Consider When Buying Guitar Strings

When buying guitar strings there are a few things to consider. There are types of strings like metal and nylon. There are sizes, or thicknesses and the material strings are made of and there are electric and bass strings. Most guitars have metal strings; these are normally called acoustic or steel string guitars. Some guitars have nylon strings on them; these are generally called classical guitars. For most pop or rock music, a steel string guitar is used. Usually a classical guitar is used for classical music or even new age music. But of course you can use whatever guitar you like for whatever music you prefer.

Most guitars come equipped with medium gauge strings but there is also heavy, light, and extra light. Some brands of strings even do special gauges, like half heavy and half light. The thinner the strings are, the easier it is to solo, bend the strings, or do finger style techniques. But thinner strings cause you to loose tone. Heavy gauge strings have a really deep and loud sound, but can be hard to play because of their thickness. It is a good idea to have beginner guitar players start on light strings, or even nylon strings, so that it is easier on their fingers. Otherwise, thick heavy strings can hurt a players hand or be too hard to press down, and this can cause a beginner to give up early.

Most guitar strings are made of a 100% phosphor bronze, but some are called 80/20, that just means 80% bronze, and 20% nickel. The extra nickel in 80/20 strings can make the strings brighter, whereas only phosphor bronze strings are more mellow. Another thing to know is that 80/20 strings don’t last as long, and the sound becomes duller faster. Usually for someone who plays for an hour a day, changing your strings once every three months will keep the tone of the strings.

There is a difference between acoustic strings and electric guitar strings. Electric guitar strings are made out of only nickel, the reason for this is because the magnetic pickups sense nickel and not phosphor. In the guitars early history, even acoustic guitars had nickel strings but soon people realized that phosphor had a brighter sound when playing acoustically. Bass strings generally are the same as electric strings, or even acoustic strings if you have an acoustic bass. The main difference is their thickness or gauge. Bass strings are really thick and because of this they are generally more expensive.

Some guitar strings are coated; this means the manufacturers put a coating around the individual strings. This coating keeps our finger greased, and this makes the strings last 3-4 times longer. The coating can also make the strings smoother to play. So when buying guitar strings, it would be wise to consider the above options. But don’t let it be too daunting if you’re a beginner then just go for basic phosphor strings and a lighter gauge. From there on, the next time you buy strings, you can decide if you want thinner, brighter, thicker, mellow, or coated strings.