• From: East Midlands, UK
  • Registered: 2008-06-30
  • Posts: 164

Topic: string gauges

hey all, i've now finished my guitar exile and have returned back to playing. i used to use 11's on my guitars and then stepped down to 10's.
i've been thinking of stepping down again to 9's on my fender guitars to ease my hands in gently.
though at the moment, i'm trying to battle with getting my fingertips harder again. 6 weeks not playing has made them all soft, not been this sore since i first started playing smile

what you reckon, lighten up for a bit or stick with the tens and man up?  wink

Fender 60's Strat>Fulltone OCD V4>>TC Electronics Polytune>Orange Dual Terror>Torres 2x10 Cab(with a vintage 30 and a greenback)
  • From: The Netherlands
  • Registered: 2010-02-14
  • Posts: 318

Re: string gauges

Well, I had the same thing a couple months ago, but then I said to myself I'd just keep on 11's. I played and played and played, and then played my friends guitar, which has 10's, and I realised I'm addicted to those heavy strings. but that's my thing, I would say to you: try out back to 9's, if you aren't happy with them, then just get 10's or 11's!

I don't charge for mistakes. - Joe Bonamassa
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: string gauges

Warning, boring geeky story about gauge changes.

I wrap over the strings on the Les Paul, light gauge (was)..never have string breaks.
Okay, top E broke...not surprising, old strings, Gilmour Another Brick In The Wall bend going on. Boioiong!

Didn't have a spare set to change, really wanted to have a jam, so (probably no need to try this  tongue ) went to go nick a top E off my Strat (which had no G - string breaks more common - buying new sets of strings, not very common at the moment).

Now, this is not a good idea, but tried removing top E...and that snaps right in my face. Feel annoyed now - two guitars, unplayable.

Desperation strikes and hour later (10pm shops not open)...and I go again...take the B string and put it on the Les Paul - wow - so E and B strings are now both .11's - never thought it would make a lot of difference - much thicker sound, fuller chords...just something that's pretty noticeable.

Hmm...I don't want to move up to .11s...but I do.  hmm Maybe something like a .9 set for the EAD and an .11 set for the GBE....sound weird?

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: string gauges

I think you should just keep the strings the same but limit your playing time. 10 to 15 minutes 1st week.  30 to 40 min week 2.  week three long as you can handle.  If you play every night that will break you back in gently might even progress faster if you play every night.

AD3THREE's Website

  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: string gauges

Man up... Play with 11's.  J/K Billy Gibbons used 8's I think.  Who cares play what feels good.

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: string gauges

Just stick with 10's, man. When I started, I used 10's. So, it can't be that bad. Just make sure that if you start to feel any joint pain etc you stop immediately and stretch.

All the best

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: string gauges

I have two strats... and one of them has 10's hybrid with the wound strings that would usually come on 11's.
And the other strat has .9's.  Both are a pleasure to play, and the 9's make the strings very bendy! I would say the bigger strings are louder and more "earthy" while the thinner strings aren't as loud and sound more 'electric'

BTW - I think 9's are great on guitars with a Floyd Rose.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool