What Strings Should I Buy?

Buying a set of strings especially if you don’t know the differences between them can be a fairly confusing process. Strings are thicker gauges and thinner gauges. Different sets of strings are better for specific genres of music. For example, I use Ernie Ball, not even slinky’s which are great for heavy rock and heavy metal as they are heavy gauge strings. The gauge on the strings are 12-56 and you get a lot of tone from the heavy bottom string so all those chugs will sound brutal in your recordings and play. One of the best things about having heavy gauge strings is drop tuning. Standard tuning is E A D G B E. but if you are using heavy gauge strings you would not put your guitar in standard tuning because of the stress it would put on the neck of the guitar.

You would instead detune it to tunings such as drop C, drop B or Drop A, which are tunings that will really bring out the power in your strings. Other strings that are lighter such as 9-42 or 10-46 are great for tuning into standard and feel great to play as they are extremely light gauge strings. These strings are great for bending on which is a lot harder to do on heavier gauge strings. However, I would say that you are sacrificing tone with getting these light strings so you can play best of both worlds and go for a set such as 11-49 or 11-54. those gauges are great for keeping tone and power but also not having the strings too heavy so you cannot bend them. We sell a fantastic range of strings at Rimmers Music, from D’Addario to Ernie ball and elixirs. If you are in need of help in buying a set of strings then come down and see us.

We are highly trained, friendly staff with a great set of knowledge. We want to help you to get the best out of your guitar strings!

Phil – Southport Store