You’re Probably Using The WRONG Guitar Strings

Does size (String Gauge) matter? In this episode we test whether guitar string gauges actually make a difference in your guitar sound. Rhett Shull, Dave Onorato, Ken "Grand" Lanyon and myself compare strings sets of .011-.052, .010-.046, .009-.042 and .008-.038 sets of guitar strings with the same guitar and amp combinations for the test. The results are fascinating!

Rhett Shull - Youtube and Instagram @RhettShull
Dave Onorato - Instagram @dojoguitarrepair
Ken "Grand" Lanyon - Instgram @grand_lanyon

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[okamino]

I've found that my problem is far worse. I'm not using the wrong strings, or the wrong guitar. I'm using the wrong guitarist.

[hecanseeme]

I played 11s for years then heard Gibbons say that he was using 7s of 7.5. So I figured what the hell and tried them, and found out I was a dumb ass. When playing 11s I would break strings all the time. Now when I use 8s I almost never break strings, my hand lasts longer, I got a raise, lowered my house payment, and my wife and kid respect me. Honestly though lighter is better.

[BenWatkinsGtr]

I concur with Rick's impression of the lows tightening up with the ultra light .008 set, but there are a few other factors worth addressing. The difference of +10% total ferrous mass is present between a .009 and a .010 E-string, and that additional mass has a measurably greater effect when it's creating signal by vibrating in the pickup's magnetic field. As particular as many players are with their signal path, it's a factor worth considering. Also, there is a correlation between a string's length/diameter ratio and the balance between fundamentals and harmonics of the note produced. Assuming the consistent scale length of the guitar, the strings with greater diameter will have more harmonics added to the fundamental tones due to properties of the original "string physics". This principle is why they make 9-foot grand pianos and they are generally better to record than a church basement spinet upright. Finally, strings with less tension have a greater tendency toward transient modulation, especially on the heavy strings, and laying into them hard with the right hand drives the note sharp before the tension equalizes along the string length. It's easy to see with an old fashioned VU-meter guitar tuner. This upward pitch deviation can hit the ear in a way that makes the intonation sound iffy, and laying back with your right hand to compensate can sound like some of the intent of the player is muted.

In fact, any increase in tension (like bending) is more audibly pronounced with lighter strings, so the common issue of first fret bass notes being slightly sharp compared to the open tuned string is generally more pronounced with lighter strings. I often place a slightly heavier 6th on an acoustic with .011s and it helps the intonation between the open pitch and the first few fretted notes.

I have usually gone with a .009-.046 or .010-.048 for electric, but I can't argue with the results of all those amazing guitarists using a .008 set. Billy Gibbons currently uses .008s, but many classic ZZ tunes were recorded with his self-described "baling wire" strings.

Askill's "Physical Properties of Musical Sounds" is a great reference for some of these queries. I was lucky enough to take a course with the author years ago.

[menamestom]

From a sound perspective big strings make more sense on single coil guitars, especially with styles with more single note stuff. It’s fairly well known humbuckers can sound a bit bloated, especially with gain, so makes sense bigger strings don’t sit as well in a mix. Would like to see how the SRV effect works with different string gauges on a strat.

[ShaneChaffin]

I love how as guitarists, we can find such joy in obsessing over things that most people don't notice or care about.

[eddypiof]

The "physical" feeling of the strings is as important as their supposed intrinsic sound, as it determines the way you play in many subtle aspects....

[evliyaarslan]

You are scientists of sound. I am really thankful for your experience to reveal and criticize each one of examples .I appreciative.

[joelshields]

Would like to hear this with single coil guitars (and a clean/crunch comparison). Wonder if the highs might get too harsh with the lighter strings. For an LP through a Marshall, the 9s do sound darn near ideal and sound like they'd slice right through the mix.

[MrPLO]

For me, this is the real String Theory.

[TheworldofMattias]

Wow, what a difference ! I’m absolutely gonna change from 10 to 9. It’s what you said about when different string size were popular. I started playing in the 90s and 10 was the standard. Never thought much of it but I think that jumping from 10 to 8 would be a bit far for me. I’ll try the 9 and take it from there. Love your videos, big fan! Rock on!

[lydmo]

Would be nice to hear this comparison on clean, with some arpeggiating and also for jazz sounds. One thing that wasn't addressed was tuning stability. I use 10s with a wound G (D'Addario 110W) because the wound G stays in tune better.

[gavinnason]

My girlfriend said it doesnt matter. Then dumped me for a guy with size 13 strings
*lowers head in shame, kicks sand

[alexjackson]

Personally I've always found the difference in how the gauges feel when you play them to be a much more significant factor than their tone when it comes to choosing which one's best. The fact that light gauges take a tiny bit less effort to play makes a big difference if you're playing technical lead stuff. They make your playing feel much more light and effortless. Similarly heavier strings feel far more sturdy for heavy riffing rather than lighter strings which will feel like rubber bands in lower tunings

[GuitarFuel]

Great video! Played 10's for a few years when I was learning ...then once I gave 9's a try and never went back, I play a lot of leads so 9's are perfect and tight...wish more people would watch this video and understand the difference and not only hear the difference!

[KevinKlampe-zupi]

BTW Interview with Matteo speaks volumes of how accomplished of a player Rick is and the guys in the set as well I'm sure! Interview with one of the most amazing talents in history, crazy. Much respect and props to Rick and The Men on this set. You all are helpful. Appreciate what you do!!! Kev!!!

[jotapedonoso]

For me, the biggest pleasure is going from months on 11s, and then, when your fingers are all hard and harsh, go back to the 9s, and is like going back to elementary school after having been in university

[jr_dino]

My takeaway: I need more guitars. Each model strung with 4 different guages. 4 strats, 4lps, 4 teles etc.

[guccidolphin]

Honestly I liked the 11s sound. Had a nice warm roundness to them, and a heavier low.

[brettleisy]

what I heard was the texture become more defined with the thinner strings.
to put a visual representation to it, the thicker strings sounded more like heavy hills with little variation from peaks and valleys. the thinner strings you can see that it wasnt just hills and valleys but the trees and creeks running through mountains and canyons.
another visual representation is thick strings = 480x320 resolution
thin strings get higher in resolution eventually hitting 1080P.

[StrikeSideway]

The tonal variation is there, but so slight that it shouldn't be determining factor IMO. What is far more important is your playing style. If you're shredder, and bender with a light touch and hi gain, 8's are probably the way to go. If you're a heavy hitter or do a lot of finger picking and slide work, 10's or 11's might work better. I wouldn't base it on tone because lets face it, the tonal controls available today to the modern guitarist for compensation far surpass any of the nuanced tonal differences of the gauge . It should be based on what 'feels' best to your hands.