Where do you get new guitar strings? Personally, I prefer to buy them in regular music stores, feeling them live, while exchanging jokes with the sellers there who have known me for a long time. However, you can order guitar strings online without any worries.
Wandering through the expanses of online stores, you probably noticed that the types of guitar strings offered for sale are quite numerous. Of course, after this the question could not help but arise: how to choose strings for a guitar, how not to make a mistake with the choice when purchasing? These issues need to be sorted out in advance.
Types of strings based on material of manufacture
There are three main types of strings:
- Organic Gut (Catgut) – Traditional strings made from animal gut and wrapped with wire. Despite their short service life, many guitarists still prefer to install only gut strings on their instruments.
- Nylon strings are held in high regard by classical guitarists. They are soft and pliable, and therefore suitable for beginners. The three tenor strings (lower) are made of nylon fishing line, and the three bass strings are nylon strings wrapped in gold or silver-plated wire.
- Steel is the most popular look strings The sound of the instrument with such strings has a bright and ringing timbre. The winding of steel strings is made from the most different materials: nickel, phosphorus bronze, brass and others.
About different types of string windings
Let's talk in more detail about the winding, or as it is sometimes called, the braiding of the strings. The wire covering the core of the strings can be made in several versions.
- Round braid is the cheapest to manufacture, which means the cost of guitar strings will be lower. Main disadvantages: squeaking of fingers on the strings when playing, rapid wear due to contamination of the sinuses of the braid.
- Flat braid eliminates unnecessary sounds. These strings are used on a guitar for studio recording. Main disadvantage: less bright sound than round wound strings.
- Semicircular braid is a hybrid that includes both the pros and cons of the two previous types.
What is string tension?
Before choosing strings for your guitar, find out what their tension is: light, medium or heavy. The tension force is influenced by several factors: their length, weight, tuning frequency, diameter, winding material and core size.
It is believed that the stronger the tension, the louder and brighter the instrument sounds. If it is light, the instrument is quiet and melodious. Another caveat is that strings with heavy tension will not be so easy to press on the frets, and therefore for beginners it is recommended to take the lightest strings to make playing easier.
The most popular manufacturers and prices of guitar strings
The D’Addario and LaBella companies have long been producing a large line of a wide variety of strings for classical and acoustic guitars. They are considered the most popular manufacturers - all their types of guitar strings have excellent characteristics and are not sold at such a high price (about 10 USD).
The strings from the French manufacturer Savarez stand out separately. They are made of high-strength materials, have excellent sound properties, and therefore their cost is high (from 20 USD).
The most popular manufacturers of strings for electric guitars and bass are Elixir and DR. Their prices are very affordable: for electric guitars - from 20 USD, for a four-string bass - from 70 USD.
Why can't a classical guitar have steel strings?
The mechanics of the pegs and the stand in a classical guitar are made of lightweight materials. Therefore, this type of guitar can only be used nylon strings– they are soft and not very stretched, which means they are not capable of breaking and damaging the instrument.
Steel strings are used on guitars with a reinforced structure, such as acoustic six-strings. Well, if you try to put nylon strings on an electric guitar, you will see with your own eyes that the pickup simply cannot detect sound vibrations from them.
Conclusion
So, when choosing strings, you need to focus on the instrument itself, its strength or, conversely, softness, the level of your technical skill (tight or light tension), the practical purpose of the instrument (educational, concert, studio, etc.), well and on the traditions that have developed in guitar schools (preferences for materials of one type or another).
Of course one of the most important criteria, and for some the main thing, is the cost of guitar strings. And yet, also pay attention to the packaging of the strings - it should contain not only the characteristics of the product, but also the basic data of the manufacturer. Being careful will protect you from buying a fake.
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This article will give you the information you need about different types strings for acoustic and electric guitar. Next we will talk in detail about the thickness of the strings, the types of strings for acoustic guitar and electric guitars, about coated and uncoated strings, about nylon strings, flatwound and roundwound strings, about the materials from which strings are made and their effect on sound.
String thickness
Strings vary in size, and more specifically, in thickness. It is usually measured in thousandths of an inch. As a rule, the thickness of the strings in a set is indicated by the first string. Sometimes you can hear guitarists say something like: “I play ten.” This means they use a set of strings where the first string is 0.010 inches thick.
Acoustic guitars typically use strings ranging from 9 to 13 gauge. The most common are very light gauge strings, 10 gauge, and light gauge strings, 11 gauge. Thicker strings produce a richer, louder sound, but are more difficult to play. These will work well for you if you like your acoustic guitar to sound really tight and loud. Usage thin strings will make the game easier, but you will sacrifice volume and fullness of sound for this.
Electric guitar string gauges range from 8 to 13 gauge. Thicker strings can be found, but they either come with flatwound or are made for baritone guitars. Most electric guitars are set to 9 or 10. For jazz and hard rock, thicker strings are used. Thick strings are also useful if you play in low tuning.
The thickness of the strings is indicated on the packaging
Acoustic guitar strings: bronze and phosphor bronze (Bronze, Phosphor Bronze)
Bronze strings are characterized by a more sonorous and bright sound compared to phosphor bronze. Their golden color is given by the alloy from which they are made: 80% copper and 20% tin. Bronze is softer than steel and also resists corrosion well, which is useful in humid climates.
Phosphor bronze strings have a soft and warm sound, unlike regular bronze. Many guitarists believe that this makes them better suited to fingerpicking. As for color, they have a red, copper tint. The composition of phosphorus bronze is similar to ordinary bronze, but it contains a small proportion of phosphorus. It prevents rapid oxidation of the metal. Approximate composition: 92% copper, 7.7% tin, 0.3% phosphorus.
Bronze (left) and phosphor bronze (right)
Electric guitar strings: nickel plated, pure nickel and steel (Nickel Plated, Pure Nickel, Stainless Steel)
Nickel plated strings are probably the most common type of electric guitar strings to date. The winding on their thick strings is made of nickel-plated steel, i.e. nickel plated steel. The steel from which the string is made is highly magnetic and ideal for magnetic pickups, while the nickel plating helps balance its bright sound. Nickel also makes the string smooth on your fingers and protects it from corrosion. It is softer than steel, so nickel and nickel strings will wear less on the frets than steel strings.
Pure nickel strings have a softer, warmer tone than steel and nickel-plated strings. If you play blues, jazz or classic rock, then you will truly appreciate the fat sound of pure nickel. Nickel resists corrosion very well and is well suited for magnetic pickups.
Steel strings have the brightest and most sonorous sound of all types of electric guitar strings. They also retain their sound over time because... Made of stainless steel, which resists corrosion well. Stainless steel actually feels different to the player than other strings. Some say they feel "dry" and are not as slippery as nickel. Steel is a fairly hard metal, so frets with these strings will wear out a little faster, but if you want bright, ringing sound, then it's worth it.
Nickel plated strings
Strings with and without polymer coating (Coated, Non-Coated)
Polymer-coated strings have a kind of film on the surface that prevents oxidation and corrosion of the string, and also prevents dirt from getting between the turns of the winding. This helps the string sound like new for a long time. Such strings are about 2 times more expensive than uncoated ones, but if you don’t want and don’t like to change strings often, then they will be worth the money. They retain a fresh, new sound for about 3 times longer than uncoated strings. These are best for you if your hands get sweaty, you play a lot, or you live in a climate with high humidity.
Uncoated strings are cheaper, but retain their original sound for a shorter period of time.
String with polymer coating (left) and without it (right)
Nylon strings
Nylon strings are designated and graded by tension, rather than by fractions of an inch like metal strings. There are 3 tension levels for them: medium (Normal), strong (Hard) and very strong (Extra-Hard). Medium tensions are fairly easy to play, but can feel too floppy if played loudly and quickly. High-tension nylon strings are better suited for playing loud and fast music, but O A higher tension force may negatively affect the comfort of play. Strings with very high tension are needed to perform even faster and loud music. They cause more discomfort on the fingers when playing than other nylon strings.
There are two main ways to attach nylon strings to the bridge of a guitar: with balls and knots. Usually, if you look at a guitar with nylon strings, you will see knots in the fastenings. They require a little more work when changing strings, but they are more popular.
Nylon strings attached with balls have a small plastic or metal ball at the end, a reel, thanks to which you do not have to tie a knot to attach to the bridge. These strings are less popular and more difficult to find.
The strings are attached to the bridge classical guitar nodes
Fastening strings with balls
Round and flat winding strings
Round wound strings are what most of us see when we think of a regular guitar string. The winding usually has thicker three or four strings (the winding is around the steel cord) and on the strings of this type, as the name implies, it has a round shape in diameter. The sound of such strings is louder than that of flat wound strings.
Flatwound strings have a warmer, softer sound. This is why they are commonly used in jazz and some types of blues.
Their winding is, accordingly, flat, reminiscent of flattened wire. These strings are more durable because there are fewer crevices on their surface where finger dirt can get trapped.
Round winding string (top) and flat winding (bottom)
How to determine when it's time to change strings to new ones
There are three factors that can be used to determine whether strings need to be replaced: their sound, appearance and how they feel on your fingers when playing. Of course, the most important of these is the sound of the strings. If you think the strings sound quite good, then there is no need to change them. If you think that they sound dull, unclear and dull, then it would be a good idea to replace them with new ones.
As for the feel of the strings with your fingers, good strings should be smooth and clean, without the need to change them. Strings that are dirty, rusty or dry to the touch should be replaced.
They should look shiny, as if glossy. Dull, stained, rusty strings also need to be replaced.
The strings wear off on the frets
How often should you change strings?
It depends on many things: how often you play, what climate you live in, how sweaty your hands are, and how you keep your strings clean can all affect the lifespan of your strings.
Some guitarists change their strings every week or even after every gig, while others play with the same ones for months. How often you play will determine how often you change strings.
How to extend the life of strings
There are several rules that will help strings not lose good sound for a long time. First, wash your hands every time you play the guitar. Thanks to this, less dirt from your hands will accumulate between the turns of the winding, and sweat will not corrode them.
Secondly, after playing, wipe the strings with a rag or a special polishing cloth for strings. These two things will help you reduce the cost of new strings.
It has always been an honor to be able to play the guitar. Even after learning a few chords, you can already play simple songs in the yard or near the fire to lift your mood and morale. But there are times when, due to carelessness or prolonged use, the strings on a guitar break. In order not to cut short the holiday, you should always have a spare set of strings with you. This is where the main question arises: “How to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?”
Types of strings
For an acoustic guitar, you have the choice of installing nylon or metal strings (on the same electric guitar, you can only install metal strings). These are two opposing camps. There is still debate about which strings are best for an acoustic guitar. In fact, it all depends on the person. Acoustic guitar strings sound different. That's why they are so huge amount. There are many different sets that differ from each other in various parameters that affect the sound and quality of the game. Don't forget that, among other factors, the acoustic guitar itself also affects playing. What strings are best for beginners?
Strings for Beginners
The first steps in mastering the guitar are always difficult. It is very important that from the very beginning a person enjoys playing the guitar, otherwise he will soon give up. Since the main element of a guitar is the strings, the approach to their selection should be in the first place. For beginners, nylon ones are best suited, since they have all the parameters useful to them.
Pros and cons of nylon strings
For beginners, nylon strings are best, as synthetic strings are much easier to play. Metal is a much harder material than synthetics, so it is more difficult to pluck your first chords on such strings. Synthetics, in turn, are a softer material, so learning to play on them will be many times easier.
For untrained fingers, the first loads will be quite large, so you need to do everything possible to reduce the load on them. In addition, synthetics are not so harmful to the skin: although at first it will be painful to clamp the frets, but then you will quickly get used to it.
But everything is not as simple as it seems. Synthetic is a soft material, which is why it is susceptible to deformation. Because of this property, the acoustics need to be constantly adjusted as the strings stretch. They are also less durable, so you should be careful and try not to tear them.
Nylon on a guitar does not sound as loud as metal. Its sound is more subdued, but soft. Therefore, when playing “forte” you need to put in more effort.
Pros and cons of metal strings
Metal strings are made of a stronger material, which gives them such strength. They are more durable and unpretentious to other conditions. They also don't deform as much. This makes it possible to keep them tight (no need to adjust them every time). Best Strings for acoustic guitar - metal. They are rightfully considered as such, because their sound is more ringing and loud.
But they have a whole series shortcomings. Due to their strength, metal strings are made thinner. Especially for beginners, this results in thick calluses on the left hand. If you re-exercise out of a spiritual impulse, your fingers may bleed, and these are not just words. That is why it is important for yourself to choose a norm, several hours a day, in order to avoid overwork and bloody blisters. In addition, pressing chords will be much more difficult than with synthetics, since metal is a harder material. Here you need to use all your strength to make a sound.
Which strings to choose
So what are the best strings for an acoustic guitar? Well, for this it is worth taking into account all the factors. If a person is just starting to study music, then it is better to use nylon strings, since they are the easiest to learn on; if you have experience, then metal strings, because they have a more beautiful sound.
How to change strings on an acoustic guitar
If suddenly the guitar you bought turned out to have a set of metal strings, but you needed nylon ones, it doesn’t matter. The question of how to change strings on an acoustic guitar is resolved very quickly.
The first step is to buy a new set of strings. They are sold in any music store, and there are plenty of them on the Internet. After that, all that remains is to remove the old ones and attach the new ones.
Old strings need to be removed starting with the pegs (those things that are attached to the headstock). By reducing the tension, you can easily untangle them with your fingers and remove them from the peg. Then simply untie the knot on the bridge (the base on which the strings are attached near right hand). Then, following the reverse procedure, new strings are put on, starting from the lower bridge and ending with the pegs.
Valuable advice: it is best to change strings for an acoustic guitar not from top to bottom, but from the sides. That is, first the sixth and first strings are put on, then the fifth and second, and only then the fourth and third. The headstock is made so that pairs of pegs hold the strings in exactly that order. The farthest pair of pegs is responsible for the first and sixth. Same with the middle and third pair of pegs.
In fact, there is nothing complicated here, you just need to practice a little.
Best Strings
You always want to have something of very high quality and reliability. The same applies to strings. As a rule, the strings for an acoustic guitar installed when purchasing it are not of high quality. This is why it is recommended to change the strings after purchasing an instrument. The best option there will be a famous brand dedicated to guitars, Fender. He collected all the best in himself. This pleasure costs more than other strings, but it's worth it.
It is important to replace guitar strings as soon as they become old or break. Choosing the wrong type may damage your guitar. There are a few tips to consider when purchasing acoustic guitar strings.
Need to decide before purchasing
First you need to decide what kind of guitar you will learn. Whether it is a classical guitar or an acoustic one, the strings will also be different; in fact, the strings are almost the whole difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar.
When choosing strings for your acoustic guitar in a store, you will definitely encounter a problem that did not exist when you were choosing your instrument. Before purchasing, you will not be able to listen to how the strings sound in order to choose the most suitable ones for yourself. Therefore, first, consult with friends or acquaintances of guitarists who have experience behind them before you decide to buy strings.
String thickness
You need to decide what thickness of strings suits you best. You need to keep in mind that in order to play confidently on thick strings, the fingers on your left hand must be well trained. As a rule, the diameter of the 1st string in different sets can vary from 0.008 to 0.013 inches. The thicker the strings, the richer and more voluminous the guitar will sound.
Winding material
Copper or its various alloys. These strings are the most common and most often used on acoustic guitars and are therefore less expensive.
Silver coating. This metal has little effect on the sound, but has a good effect on aesthetic qualities. Strings with this coating do not fade, look beautiful and do not leave dark marks on the fingers.
Brass or phosphor bronze. Such strings will be more durable and, unlike copper ones, will have a slightly different sound.
String winding type
Round winding. Strings with such a winding will have a ringing and bright sound, especially immediately after replacement, but not for a long time.
Flat winding. When choosing such strings, keep in mind that their sound will be dull, as if muffled.
The 1st and 2nd strings are always made without winding. The 6th, 5th and 4th bass strings are always wound. The 3rd string most often comes without a winding, but in thicker sets with a winding, which gives its sound a more beautiful and rich sound, but it also has a drawback. Due to the fact that the winding is very thin, it often breaks and becomes unusable, and because of this it is necessary to change the entire set.
Types of strings
For classical (Spanish) guitar
Synthetic (nylon) strings. The first three strings are made of nylon fishing line, but the bass strings are made of large number threads of exactly the same nylon and have an external metal winding, most often made of copper, less often of silver or brass (phosphorus bronze).
High density synthetic. These strings, unlike nylon strings, are made of carbon fishing line, and at the same time have an increased density and a thinner diameter. Such strings are characterized by a ringing, pronounced sound. The disadvantage is the high price.
Strings on steel cable. The strings are relatively soft and have different windings: the first three are with nylon tape, and the 6th, 5th and 4th are with silver-plated copper. These strings have almost no stretch and change pitch quite quickly when the pegs are turned. They are less popular due to their high price and are quite unusual.
Synthallic strings. They are characterized at the metal level by high sound brightness and the usual softness like nylon. They tune up quickly, the winding does not wear out so much from contact with the frets, and these strings also allow you to make “braces.” Maintains tune and rich timbre for several months without changing.
For acoustic guitar
Monolithic steel strings. The core of these strings consists of high-strength, so-called “piano steel”, from which the first three strings are also made. Alloys based on copper or phosphorus bronze are most often used as windings, and the windings differ in hardness and elasticity, while imparting different rigidity to the strings. This in turn affects the sound of the instrument and the comfort of playing with your fingers.
Steel strings with semicircular or flat winding. Such a winding can lie flat side out. These strings are a type of string with a solid steel base. When sliding fingers along the coils, the windings do not make a “whistle”. They are characterized by a more matte sound on bass strings and a more ringing sound on unwound strings.
Steel strings covered with thin synthetic material. There are two types of them. The first type includes strings in which on top of the metal winding there is another additional thin tape winding consisting of Teflon - a synthetic material that has low friction and good wear resistance. Protects the twisted string from dirt and moisture and reduces wear from contact with the frets. The second type differs in that, according to the technology, the wire winding the strings is already enclosed in a plastic sheath. Disadvantage - the gaps between the turns are less protected from contamination and sweat from the fingers, but they more effectively reduce wear from contact with the frets. These two types of strings are quite expensive and lack the iridescent sound that is characteristic of round wound strings.
When choosing strings for a guitar, you need to decide what sound you personally like, what kind of guitar you have and, not least, what kind of music you will play or already play.
If you love classical guitar and are most suitable for you only soft strings, then opt for nylon strings, but it is better to put them on a classical-type guitar. Because if you put them on acoustic, the sound will be too quiet and dull;
If the ringing and sound strength of the guitar is very important to you, then take steel-based strings with a first string diameter of 0.011 inches and thicker bass ones, but this requires strong fingers;
If you don't like the "plastic" sound of nylon strings and want thick calluses on your left hand, then cable or steel-based 0.009 or 0.010 inch strings with low tension will suit you. You may need to increase the height of the strings above the fretboard (mostly the bass strings) to avoid them chattering on the frets when playing.
Try to always tune the strings using a tuner or tuning fork, because the instrument will not be able to sound fully if it is not tuned correctly. Do not over-tighten the strings so as not to deform them or break them at the most inopportune moment. Also, you shouldn’t tighten the strings loosely, because the sound will be less dense and loud, and the tuning will “float.” Keep in mind that even if you take the most expensive strings, but don’t tune them correctly, they will sound much worse than cheap ones, but correctly tuned and matched to the hands and guitar of a particular player.
Any guitarist sooner or later has to change the strings on his instrument, either due to wear and deterioration in sound, or in order to get a slightly different sound from the instrument. The acoustic guitar is a wonderful instrument that sounds great in concert hall, and in a cramped apartment, and in the courtyard among multi-story buildings, and, of course, in nature around the fire.
It is no longer possible to change the acoustic properties, which depend on the type of wood, the composition of the varnish, and the quality of manufacturing of the parts. But it is possible to achieve the desired timbre and sonority by replacing strings.
Nylon or metal?
If we consider what types of guitar strings there are, we can divide them into two groups that have their own varieties: nylon and metal. Each has its own characteristics, advantages and some disadvantages.
If we talk briefly about the main properties, then nylon ones are softer and their sound is duller. Metal ones are characterized by a brighter, ringing sound, but they are harsher - it is from them that guitarists develop rough calluses on the fingertips of their left hands.
Soft and quiet
As already mentioned, nylon strings are softer. They are essentially nylon fishing line, or at least that's what the first three look like. Only the thickness of the line from the first to the third increases accordingly. Thick basses consist of a bundle of nylon threads that are wound with copper (most often), silver or brass.
There is also such a thing as the degree of tension. For beginners, it is usually advised to choose a normal tension - it is very difficult and painful to press High Tension nylon lines to the frets. Although they are easier to play, there are some nuances of sound extraction, known to masters, will remain unavailable.
Experts believe that if the guitar was purchased with nylon strings, then when replacing it it is better to choose the same ones. The same goes for metal ones. Nylon is usually placed on the classic spanish guitar, and for an acoustic sound a loud, rich metallic sound is more suitable. However, there are exceptions and special opinions among guitarists on this matter.
By the way, it happens that nylon strings are more difficult to secure to the pegs (very slippery), more difficult to tune (it is difficult to “catch” the desired pitch). Professionals advise that after re-stringing and tuning, let the instrument sit for a day so that the nylon stretches, and then finally tune the guitar.
Loud and loud
This is exactly what is perfect for an acoustic guitar. Juicy sound of chords, ringing tremolo, bright strumming - only metal is capable of all this. No matter what metal strings are strung on an acoustic guitar, they will still sound louder than synthetic ones.
There are several varieties of them:
Based on monolithic (piano steel) with round winding. The first two strings are wire made of high-strength special steel, the third can look different: either like the first two, or have a thin metal winding. The sound with it is more velvety and pleasant, however, due to its thinness, the braid breaks very quickly. And in this case, replacement is already necessary.
There is one note: if one string fails, then it is better to change everything at once: the sound of the new one will still be out of tune with the overall timbre. It’s better not to skimp and choose the entire tool kit as a replacement.
With steel base and flat winding. IN in this case The difference from the previous type is only in the winding: it is flat on the outside.
Steel core with synthetic shell. The sheath can be a thin Teflon winding, or steel wire is encased in plastic. Such protection increases their service life: they do not get dirty from contact with your fingers, and do not wear out, even if the frets on the guitar are not well polished. However, the special iridescent sound characteristic of a metal core with a round winding will not work here.
More about the winding
In general, the sound of the bass and the ease of moving your fingers along it depend largely on the winding and, first of all, what its shape is. As already mentioned, the metal winding can be round in diameter. In this case, you can get a very ringing, rich, shimmering sound. But the sliding of fingers on such an uneven surface is accompanied by a characteristic squeak, or, as they also say, a whistle, and this extraneous noise is sometimes perfectly audible to the audience.
Flat or semicircular winding is good because it gives an ideal smooth surface. The fingers of the left hand glide along it easily and almost silently, without encountering any obstacles. And for beginners, pressing on such a surface is not so painful. However, the sound, although sonorous, loses that special iridescence that was mentioned above. On the bass it has a "matte coloration" compared to the richer sound of the thin first strings.
The material from which the outer braid of the bass is made is, as a rule, copper, less often brass, silver or other alloys. Copper is naturally cheaper, silver is more beautiful. But you shouldn’t put this expensive miracle on a cheap guitar with poorly polished frets. You won’t achieve any particularly beautiful sound here; the silver shell will quickly break, and you’ll just have to change the entire set.
Diameter and tension
Boxes with kits always contain numbers indicating diameter and tension. At least, reputable companies that produce quality products (such as D’Addario, La bella) must write this information on the packaging. The thickness of the first string can be from 0.08 to 0.15 mm, often this figure is indicated in inches. Thick, low-tension basses may rattle when played against the frets. To avoid this, lower the bar.
As a rule, guitarists, experimenting with various parameters and brands of manufacturers, choose the most successful option (or options) that satisfies them in terms of sound and ease of sound production. Knowing the basics and patterns, you can personal experience choose the most good strings.
We hope this article helped you choose good strings for your guitar.
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