Guitar Strings Buying Guide

Choosing strings is an important process in getting the best sound from your guitar. Strings are an essential part of the guitar, as they work directly to create sound when you play. To help you choose the right strings, here are some guidelines on how to buy strings.

Acoustic - Iron strings.

If the strings from your 3rd to 6th strings are yellow or brown and the top two strings are steel, then you likely have an acoustic guitar, also known as iron strings. However, if you are not completely sure and think it is a classical guitar, quickly loosen the strings and take it to your local store, they will help you identify it. “Iron-string” acoustic guitars use phosphor bronze or 80/20 copper strings. There are many other types of substances, but these two are the most common.

Dong 80/20.

Copper 80/20 is an alloy used to make acoustic guitar strings, made from 80% copper and 20% tin. This type of wire usually has bright colors, warm and bright sound, they have high durability and good sound stability after a period of use. 80/20 copper wire is usually cheaper or the same price as phosphor bronze, which is produced by most wire manufacturers.

Phosphor bronze.

These strings have a darker color (darker honey yellow) and darker tone, phosphor bronze strings produce a deep, warm, rich, lively tone. Although they use the same 80/20 strings, they typically put more pressure on the guitar, thus creating a more generous tone.

Electric guitar strings.

Choosing strings for an electric guitar is quite simple, however there are a few factors you need to consider. For example, does your guitar have a tremolo system? Do the strings go through the body or through the tail of the guiatr? What string size do you currently play? These questions play an important role in the process of choosing electric guitar strings. Electric guitar strings are made from many different alloys, with different tuning techniques, and they come in a variety of sizes. So how do you choose the right wire?

Size

First you should look at the size of the wire. Even large stores cannot sell every brand, size and shape of wire on the market. They may only have a few brands in the right size, so choose your band size first, then move on.

Wire size is often referred to by the diameter of the smallest wire, or in some cases the diameter of the smallest and thickest wire (gauge 10 or “10-52” wire).

Gauge 7 and 8 strings - many stores may not have gauge 7 strings in stock, gauge 7 and 8 strings are extremely light, however not all players will find the sound and durability adequate. The most notable advantage of gauge 7 or 8 string is its light feel and ease of bending.

Gauge 9 - is the most common type of string, used on many types such as Fender guitars, Floyd Rose tremolo system guitars and many others. For players looking for a string that feels light and bends easily, gauge 9 string is worth a look.

Gauge 10 strings - most guitars with tailpieces, strings that go through the body, and many others will use gauge 10 strings. 10s are a bit heavier than gauge 9s, but provide tone and sustain. better durability.

11, 12, 13 and more- These heavier strings serve many purposes, most commonly providing more tone and great sustain for players like blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughn, co compensates for the tension lost in down-tuning commonly found in rock, grunge and metal. Typically, your guitar will need some adjustments to keep it in optimal playing condition.

Among them, nickel-plated steel wire is the most popular type, many manufacturing companies also add materials such as Combalt, Titanium and mixed types. You can research and choose the right type of string, or simply try each type to see which one best suits your guitar.

Coated and uncoated wire.

Both electric and acoustic strings can be “coated” or “uncoated” (plain). The coated wire will have a protective layer of anti-corrosion material. Coated strings will typically last longer and are a great choice for players who frequently experience sweaty hands. Coated wires may not sound exciting at first, but in the long run the sound will be more stable.

Classic - Classic.

The final option is a classical guitar , which has 4th, 5th, and 6th strings (D, A, E), which are often mistaken for iron strings, but they actually have silk strings running inside, helping them play. Smooth and extremely flexible. The top 3 straps are usually clear nylon, but will sometimes be white, black, or some other color.

These guitars need to be fitted with nylon strings for best performance. Installing electric or acoustic cables can seriously damage the guitar.

Classical guitar strings are made from a variety of materials and mixtures, ranging from low to high tension. Just like acoustic and electric, higher tension means more difficulty to play, but better tone and sustain. Conversely, lower tension is easier to play but has less tone and sustain.