Choosing electric guitar strings

Every guitarist is faced with the moment when it is necessary to replace the strings on the instrument. This is a common business, but not very simple. And initially it is absolutely necessary to choose strings that differ in several criteria. Then you just have to remove the old kit and install a new one.

Electric guitar strings come in a variety of materials and thicknesses. This all affects the characteristics of the sound of the instrument. The diameter also affects how much experience a musician needs to play well. Steel threads are sold in sets. The kit may contain elements that are similar in characteristics or individual ones will differ.

Nylon strings are not commonly used on electric guitars, they are common on acoustics. In any case, you need to put a set of the same material on the musical instrument as it was when you bought it.

String thickness is usually measured in inches. The set indicates the caliber of the first and sixth strings. The marking can be 9-42 or 10-46. When choosing, musicians are guided by the peculiarities of the melodies. It is necessary to balance between loudness and richness, comfort and speed. String gauge directly affects sound quality. "Tens" are considered optimal for solving many musical problems.

Consider the features of the calibers.

1. 0.008 - soft and fine threads. Good for beginners. They are not so popular with experienced musicians, because their sound is not powerful and dense enough.It is not worth using such sets for a long time, otherwise it will be more difficult later to get used to thicker strings.
2. 0.009 is soft and rather thin. The sound is denser when compared to the previous version. The use can already be difficult due to the thickness.
3. 0.010 is the optimal indicator. This option - the most popular and demanded among musicians. Medium hardness is combined with a dense sound. This is a sweet spot that attracts experienced guitarists.
4. 0.011 and more - thick threads. It is quite difficult to play them. At the same time, the sound is distinguished by power and volume. Strings are often used in hard rock to lower the tuning.

There are hybrid sets where the first three strings are of classic thickness and the latter are thicker than usual. These kits are designed to give you the most powerful bass riff possible.

This characteristic is of great importance when choosing strings for an electric guitar. Material information is always indicated on the packaging. The string itself is always made of steel. The winding material is different.

• Nickel. A string with this coating sounds rather soft. A good solution for playing solo. These are the most popular strings today. But the material quickly becomes dull, erases at the points of contact with the frets. The original sound is lost after a couple of weeks of regular guitar use.
• Steel. The sound is sharp and bright. The winding and core are made of the same material. The popularity of this type of thread is less, but it is they who are needed by metalworkers and those who need a harsh sound.

In some cases, a standard steel or nickel winding is additionally coated with polymer. This protects the metal from corrosion. The cost of such a string is higher, however, the service life is longer. This is a good solution for professionals who use their tool frequently.

The last criterion by which electric guitar strings are divided is winding options.

• Round. The easiest and most affordable option. A round base is wound with a wire with a round cross-section. When fingers slide along the steel thread, a whistle is generated. This is due to the embossed profile. Roughness quickly ruins the fretboard and fret thresholds. After damage, the winding will rotate around the core. This is due to the fact that it is not fixed.

• Flat. The core is the same. But the winding is made of wire with a smooth profile, the shape resembles a square with rounded corners. As a result, whistling is reduced. The sound of the flat-wound steel thread is less bright than in the previous version. It is more comfortable to play on such strings, the parts of the guitar wear out much less.

• Semicircular. A hybrid of the two previous options. It sounds like a round winding, but in terms of comfort it is flat. Wire is made in the same way as the very first option. Later, the round winding is polished and the outer part is pressed.
• Hexagonal. The core is hexagonal, the winding is round, but repeats the inner shape. As a result, the sound improves significantly. This winding does not slide over the core. It is worth noting that sharp edges do harm the neck and nut. It's not very comfortable to play, especially without experience.

The basic characteristics of new strings are usually the same as the old ones. Professionals can play with winding and gauge for optimum sound. In this case, one should give preference to proven companies that have managed to earn the trust of guitarists.

Here are the top 5 manufacturers of electric guitar strings.

• Elixir. The products have a high cost and long service life. These steel strands are the best in the rating.There is a polymer coating, thanks to which the kits retain their original sound for a long time. It is also equally important that the strings are pleasant to the touch, rather soft.

• D'Addario. Strings are very popular. There is a fairly wide assortment, a variety of windings. A popular solution among guitarists.

• GHS. Quality products with a long service life. Usually such strings are used by guitarists playing hard rock and metal. The average pricing policy makes the product quite affordable not only for professionals, but also for amateurs.

• Ernie Ball. Affordability meets quality. The long service life makes it possible for novice musicians to calmly master the instrument. At the same time, professionals can play concerts with pleasure and not think about changing strings.

• Dean Markley. The American company offers steel and nickel wound strings. Professional guitarists speak well of this product. Moreover, the cost is quite affordable.

It is worth making a certain choice even before going to the store. Vendors may make incorrect recommendations to dispose of stale kits. You should decide in advance on the manufacturer and the required sound.

First you need to decide on the goal. So it will be possible to decide on the formation, then on the caliber and brand. The strings are selected based on the experience of the guitarist, genre of music. Choose a large caliber if you want a fairly low action. Here are some tips for choosing.

1. For beginners. Sets 8-38 are chosen by virtuosos and beginners. Fingers suffer greatly from them, but the small amplitude of oscillation makes the sound clear, allows you to play quickly. The 9-42 set is the most popular. As a result, the guitarist can enjoy a balance between powerful sound and comfortable string tension.
2. Regular. The 10-46 set is almost legendary. A popular versatile kit that is used by both pros and amateurs. Zakk Wild used a 10-60 caliber, while David Gilmour used a 10-48. Hybrids are extremely popular for achieving unusual sounds.
3. For professionals. Better to give preference to kits with a caliber from 11-48 to 11-70. At the same time, the most comfortable and popular option is 11-50.
4. For jazz. The 12-52 set works well for this genre, but newbies shouldn't try it. The sound is powerful and warm, but extremely inconvenient to play.
5. To lower the pitch. Here you need to pick up rather thick strings. Variations from 13-56 to 14-80 are used.
6. For 7 strings. The most popular sets are 9-52, 10-56, 11-58. In fact, another, thicker one is simply added to the 6 strings.

For the first time, a novice musician is advised to take the same strings that were on the guitar at the time of purchase. The dimensions must be selected based on your own preferences. However, it is better to experiment with strings after you have developed the skills to play the electric guitar.

Electric guitar strings change more often than acoustics. That said, a lot depends on the regularity of use and the tailpiece. Professionals make a replacement about once a month, and amateurs - once every 3-4 months. Remove the old strings first.

Further steps are very simple.

1. The tuner holes must be turned towards you.
2. Pull the first string through the bridge and into the peg. It stretches from the inside to the outside. Usually, musicians start stringing with the last, thickest string. It should not be taut initially.
3. Take the string from both sides of the tuning peg and wind it with a snake. Proceed clockwise.
4. Twist the end of the string around so that it squeezes in place. The tip should form a loop near the splitter hole.
5. Press down on the string and start pulling. You need to keep it about 2-5 cm from the splitter. It is important not to press down on the string, but only to fix it. You can take a tuner for correct tension.
6. The whole process is repeated with the rest of the strings.
7. The excess can be cut off with nippers. It is only important to leave at least 2-3 cm of strings for tuning.

Changing strings is pretty easy. For the first time, you can take them off and put them on in sequence so as not to get confused. The first 1-2 days you will have to make frequent adjustments. The steel strands will slowly adjust to tension during this period.