Whats better with string gauge?

[jerryjg]

Whats better, getting a lighter gauge string and tuning the stringstighter, or geting a heavier gauge and tuning the string looser, at the same pitch? Is there a difference? Ive always gone with 9's for Fenders  and 10's for Gibbos, but looks as if my new Tele might want to see 10's instead of the slinkys.

[oilpit]

I use .11s on my Les Pauls and .10s on my Tele, I find .9s very difficult to play with, it just feels uncomfortable...

But it is never a good idea to tune a guitar higher than standard E to e tuning, regardless of gauge, go with the heavier gauge...

[Echad]

It depends on your fingers and what you are comfortable with. Tighter strings might give you better articulation (in Maidenish gallops or Thrashy pedal point riffs), while looser ones will ease the pressure on your left (not picking) hand. Lower tension will also make bending easier (and vice-versa), while getting too loose will have you auto-bend (sounding out of tune) if you have a strong grip.

I use 10-52's for tuning to C# regular or 9-42's for E... It's tight enough, but will flab out if I drop tune. Both long (25 1/2") scale.

I found 10-46's to be perfect for Eb (half step down). 10-48's were too tight and 9-42's were too loose for sixteenth notes on low strings.

Going higher than E will not only be bad for your guitar, but for your hearing as well (it's gross)... Use a capo if you want to go higher.

[Whitmore]

It depends on your fingers and what you are comfortable with. Tighter strings might give you better articulation (in Maidenish gallops or Thrashy pedal point riffs), while looser ones will ease the pressure on your left (not picking) hand. Lower tension will also make bending easier (and vice-versa), while getting too loose will have you auto-bend (sounding out of tune) if you have a strong grip.

I use 10-52's for tuning to C# regular or 9-42's for E... It's tight enough, but will flab out if I drop tune. Both long (25 1/2") scale.

I found 10-46's to be perfect for Eb (half step down). 10-48's were too tight and 9-42's were too loose for sixteenth notes on low strings.

Going higher than E will not only be bad for your guitar, but for your hearing as well (it's gross)... Use a capo if you want to go higher.

Listen to this guy. He knows what he's talking about here.

+1 Karma.

Also. Nice to see you again Echad!

[CityofBlindingLights]

It depends on your fingers and what you are comfortable with. Tighter strings might give you better articulation (in Maidenish gallops or Thrashy pedal point riffs), while looser ones will ease the pressure on your left (not picking) hand. Lower tension will also make bending easier (and vice-versa), while getting too loose will have you auto-bend (sounding out of tune) if you have a strong grip.

I use 10-52's for tuning to C# regular or 9-42's for E... It's tight enough, but will flab out if I drop tune. Both long (25 1/2") scale.

I found 10-46's to be perfect for Eb (half step down). 10-48's were too tight and 9-42's were too loose for sixteenth notes on low strings.

Going higher than E will not only be bad for your guitar, but for your hearing as well (it's gross)... Use a capo if you want to go higher.

This is 100% true, without question. +1 karma. And yeah, good to see you again echad.

[jkrguitar]

Echad  has it goin' on with his post.  I'd like to add(which I think Echad was saying more or less).....one thing that usually gets left out of the discussion on string guage......while it is easier to do bends and legato on lighter/less tensioned strings...it's a hell of a lot harder to pick with looser tension.   It's a balancing act.

[Echad]

Basically, you should experiment to find the perfect tension.

I actually came back here to find out something about this:

http://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=2512.0

I'm at the point where I need practice materials, but don't know which.

[CityofBlindingLights]

Basically, you should experiment to find the perfect tension.

I actually came back here to find out something about this:

http://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=2512.0

I'm at the point where I need practice materials, but don't know which.

Materials won't make a hell of a difference in tension. The only component you'll really want to pay attention to is the core shape: hex cores will result in more tension than round cores (albeit, round cores won't eat up your frets as fast as hex cores).

[Whitmore]

Materials won't make a hell of a difference in tension. The only component you'll really want to pay attention to is the core shape: hex cores will result in more tension than round cores (albeit, round cores won't eat up your frets as fast as hex cores).

Nah mate, he needs PRACTICE materials. He was just describing his other thread. 

[KH Guitar Freak]

Strings with gauges that are too light seem to sound rather thin and small sounding, for the lack of better words. However, using strings that are too thick would lead to a tone that's too woofy, and doesn't crunch as much anymore, if that makes sense...

[jkrguitar]

Everyone has their own preference, just have to find what works for ya.    There's a certain type of compression that happens with 9s....good compression IMO.   For me humbuckers sound good with 9s.    Singles on the other hand shine with 10s....but if you have a fat sounding single it will sound great with 9s too.

[alfaromeo90]

thanks jkrguitar - i have never heard that theory about 9's compressing, but now you mention it, there's a lot of truth to what you say.

[jkrguitar]

thanks jkrguitar - i have never heard that theory about 9's compressing, but now you mention it, there's a lot of truth to what you say.

 I really think so,  but in a very good/natural way.,,,,  9's have a sort of  snarl about them that I love too.   Thanks

[CityofBlindingLights]

For me it comes down to feel. I can't play a 25.5" scale length guitar with anything other than 9s, and I can't play a 24.75" scale length guitar with anything other than 10s.

[slugworth]

Harmonics are richer with thicker strings.  You simply won't get the sweet sounding pinch harmonics up high (above 12th fret on 2nd and 3rd strings) like Slash or Billy Corgan on anything thinner than 10's.