Electric Guitar Players, what gauge strings are you playing?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Electric Guitar Players, what gauge strings are you playing?

Posted: 2/2/2020 4:10:36 PM EDT

Curious. I have always played 10s or 11s and recently bought a bunch of strings to try. Balanced, mixed, light, heavy... Its been interesting.

I mostly play rock and some standard tuning metal. I am moving to like the 8s more and really no loss of tone. If anything its a bit better than the heavy strings if I do my part.

ES will still probably keep the 10s, the LP will probably get 8s or 9s as a permanent setup, the Strat is getting 8s as a permanent setup, and the traveller is definitely getting 8s!

Posted: 2/2/2020 5:39:17 PM EDT

[#1]

I’ve been mulling this over myself lately, based largely upon this video:

You’re Probably Using The WRONG Guitar Strings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGXj_NQONYM

Rick Beato has some great stuff on his channel.

Posted: 2/2/2020 5:54:08 PM EDT

[#2]

12’s in drop B (c# in normal) 10’s in E and d#(alice n chains tuning) my 8 string had what looked like a bridge cable on that lowest string

Posted: 2/2/2020 10:32:23 PM EDT

[#3]

It really depends...

I used to simply play 10s in standard and go up a gauge for every step I tuned down. This generally keeps the intonation pretty close, if not dead on, because it maintains string tension. But as time went on, I also learned that different scale lengths work better with different string gauges. I also started using hybrid sets that are lighter on top and heavier on the bottom.

For 24 3/4" scale:
- straight E/dropped D - 10s
- straight D/dropped C - 11s

For 25 1/2" scale:
- straight E/dropped D - 9s
- straight D/dropped C - 10s

I also run a 10 set on my Schecter JL7 (26 1/2 scale), which is tuned in G-C-G-C-F-A-D, and that set is a bit too heavy for me, so next time I may try a lighter set. But then again, I'm probably going to put it back to straight B (the current tuning is way too low for me), so I'll need something different anyway.

Posted: 2/2/2020 11:33:24 PM EDT

[#4]

Beato’s vid was interesting. I don’t have the ears or skills those guys do for sure. Billy Gibbons played 7s almost all the time from what I read, and is never short of crunch.

What surprised me the most is how I used to hate light strings and always used a lot of hand strength when playing.

Now, as I have gotten a little better over 20 years, I can do a soft touch I couldn’t do last time I picked up something with light strings.

Posted: 2/3/2020 12:24:58 PM EDT

[#5]

26.5" 7 tuned to Drop F/F# 10 - 64 balanced tension set
25.5" 6 all turnings 9.5-46 I usually play in Drop C but have a couple in Eflat

Posted: 2/3/2020 1:21:59 PM EDT

[#6]

On my ESP LTD Eclipse (24-3/4" scale) I run Ernie Ball Ultra Slinkys:

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ernie-Ball/Ultra-Slinky-Nickel-Wound-Electric-Guitar-Strings-10-48.gc

The low three strings are a little thicker, which works well for the occasional dropped D.

Posted: 2/3/2020 1:26:14 PM EDT

[#7]

Tens on my les paul. Elevens on a telecaster or strat because I play them differently

Posted: 2/3/2020 1:41:52 PM EDT

[#8]

I like the custom "thick /thin" packs that GHS and Ernie Ball have. Light up top for fast solo stuff....heavy down low for chunky metal rythem type stuff.

Posted: 2/3/2020 2:04:35 PM EDT

[#9]

10's

I rarely pick up my electric guitar anymore, but when I do, the strings feel like threads, as compared to my acoustics.

Posted: 2/5/2020 9:59:11 AM EDT

[#10]

Running 11's on my Les Paul and 10's on my Strat and Tele.

Posted: 2/5/2020 8:53:58 PM EDT

[#11]

90% of my guitars are 9-42. For me it's the easiest playing gauge without excessive string breakage. Tone? Pfff...that's the pre-amp/effects/pickups. Also, 9's are the most common and I can find them anywhere.

There's occasions when I go heavier - I have a Baritone tele that gets 13's on it so I can go even a bit lower and get really deep sounds out of it, but mostly 9's and don't see a reason I'd ever change.

I also have a custom nashville tuning strat that's all ultra-lights (tuned to the 6-small strings of a 12-string set), for doubling up or articulated higher parts. I think it's 7-9-11-15-20-22, IIRC.

Posted: 2/6/2020 4:24:10 PM EDT

[#12]

I've been using 9s and 10s. Strats get 9s and Gibsons get 10s. I may try some 8s at some point for the heck of it on a Strat.

Posted: 2/7/2020 3:03:12 PM EDT

[#13]

9s on everything - HM Strats with Khaler Spyder bridges, and Gibson Les Paul Studio.

If you are gigging and playing, having everything on one guage of strings simplifies carrying spares.

They will ALL work, and your hands and technique have more effect on your tone than the string gauge.

If you want more or less mids, that's what all the knobs on the guitar and amp are for.

Posted: 2/7/2020 8:52:52 PM EDT

[#14]

If the guitar is Floyd'ed, .42-.09

If it's static bridge, .46-.10 on my Explorers or .46-.09 on my V.

Posted: 2/8/2020 1:03:47 AM EDT

[#15]

10-48s

Posted: 2/8/2020 1:17:00 AM EDT

[#16]

I've been playing for over 40 years.
Electric mostly, but I love acoustics, too.

I grew up playing 10s; then switched to 9s.
My hero has always been Angus Young of AC/DC (and I got to work with them, too) and when AC/DC's former bass player (now a friend) Mark Evans told me, 'Fil, Angus has always played 8s in the golden years of AC/DC' oh well, I went straight to 8s.

8s actually have better tone than any other set. There is no way in the world that I'll ever install any other gauge other than 8s;
While it's true that I really bend and vibrate much, 8s just feel amazing to me - especially now that I know a lot more about guitar.

Posted: 2/8/2020 5:23:29 AM EDT

[#17]

Skinny top heavy bottom 0.010 to 0.052

Posted: 2/8/2020 8:28:34 AM EDT

[#18]

I play 9s but sometimes I use gold 10s.

Optima 24k gold strings.

They’re really nice to play.

Posted: 2/8/2020 11:28:36 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've been playing for over 40 years.
Electric mostly, but I love acoustics, too.

I grew up playing 10s; then switched to 9s.
My hero has always been Angus Young of AC/DC (and I got to work with them, too) and when AC/DC's former bass player (now a friend) Mark Evans told me, 'Fil, Angus has always played 8s in the golden years of AC/DC' oh well, I went straight to 8s.

8s actually have better tone than any other set. There is no way in the world that I'll ever install any other gauge other than 8s;
While it's true that I really bend and vibrate much, 8s just feel amazing to me - especially now that I know a lot more about guitar.

View Quote

I'll have to try out some 8s. Angus, Rev. Billy F Gibbons and BB King all used light gauge strings for their rigs. Guess I will need to buy a few packs next time I'm getting strings.

Posted: 2/9/2020 9:55:10 AM EDT

[#20]

Just recently started experimenting with 8s and 9s based on the above video. I love them so far.

Posted: 2/9/2020 12:32:39 PM EDT

[#21]

08s are brighter, too. And contrary to popular belief, they sustain longer because of less mass and attrition.
Do NOT be thrown off by the initial feeling of dealing with spaghetti: this is a false flag.

08s will allow you to do way more with (electric) guitar; they will let you express yourself to your full potential. You can do anything with them.

What you WILL have to do, however, is to sophisticate your touch. While everything seems easier (less strength, apparently, to be applied) you can and will make easier mistakes, too: by over pressing on the fretboard; by over bending. You will.

This may throw you off, don't be a pussy and don't give up right away - it's just the signal that you're getting a lot out of your touch.

Now GO BACK AND REFINE that touch of yours; get 'in tune' (pun intended!!!) with your bending, with your finger pressure.
THESE are ALL THE QUALITIES that you were looking for and that will make of you a better guitarist! Without killing you with tendinitis.

Me & .008s:

SoloDallas'' Live Wire (AC/DC) Solo - SoloDallas® Storm on SoloDallas SD50X® amplifier Demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JpieVvr36E

Posted: 2/9/2020 1:50:16 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
10-48s

View Quote

Specifically I use these:

Attached File

Posted: 2/10/2020 3:11:05 PM EDT

[#23]

I use string gauge to adjust string tension nothing more. You do get a bit more low end with thicker strings.

Tune down or using a shorter Gibson scale neck I'll go up a gauge. Want to get the action lower without fret buzz? bump up a gauge.

Posted: 2/10/2020 8:00:46 PM EDT

[#24]

lights
.012 to .054
oops, these are martin acoustics. I'll have to find my electrics.

Posted: 2/17/2020 4:20:00 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
08s are brighter, too. And contrary to popular belief, they sustain longer because of less mass and attrition.
Do NOT be thrown off by the initial feeling of dealing with spaghetti: this is a false flag.

08s will allow you to do way more with (electric) guitar; they will let you express yourself to your full potential. You can do anything with them.

What you WILL have to do, however, is to sophisticate your touch. While everything seems easier (less strength, apparently, to be applied) you can and will make easier mistakes, too: by over pressing on the fretboard; by over bending. You will.

This may throw you off, don't be a pussy and don't give up right away - it's just the signal that you're getting a lot out of your touch.

Now GO BACK AND REFINE that touch of yours; get 'in tune' (pun intended!!!) with your bending, with your finger pressure.
THESE are ALL THE QUALITIES that you were looking for and that will make of you a better guitarist! Without killing you with tendinitis.

Me & .008s:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JpieVvr36E

View Quote

Just got myself a pre owned 2012 Gibson SG standard, which came with 08s and they do indeed feel like spaghetti even after the 09s that I have on my Les Paul. As you say, everything, including mistakes happen a bit faster and easier on the SG with 08s (neck profile might also impact).

Posted: 2/17/2020 8:15:55 PM EDT

[#26]

Late 60s to early 80s I played with nothing but 8s. on my strat. I stopped for a Over 10 years due to life changes. Then I picked it up again. It took a while to get back into shape, but couldn’t play 8s again. Every time I played a chord I was pushing it out of tune. I switched to 9s and everything was
Ok. I tried 10s but didn’t like them as well. My son prefers 10 on his guitars, but doesn’t mind the 9s on mine.
I finally switched to Gibson Vintage all nickle strings for my best tone. I never had any issues with tone on 8s, but I’m pickier now.

Posted: 2/17/2020 8:57:08 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:

Just got myself a pre owned 2012 Gibson SG standard, which came with 08s and they do indeed feel like spaghetti even after the 09s that I have on my Les Paul. As you say, everything, including mistakes happen a bit faster and easier on the SG with 08s (neck profile might also impact).

View Quote

Don't give up!!!

Posted: 2/19/2020 11:24:53 PM EDT

[#28]

Ernie Ball Cobalts 130-100-80-65-45 in drop B. ;)

Posted: 2/19/2020 11:28:00 PM EDT

[#29]

After my experiments, I like the 8s and 9s best.

I don’t like the new strings that stain my fingers. That needs fixed.

Posted: 2/19/2020 11:43:16 PM EDT

[#30]

10s are my usual on electrics

Posted: 4/4/2020 4:42:49 PM EDT

[#31]

10's

Posted: 4/4/2020 5:45:41 PM EDT

[#32]

D'Add... 10-46.

Posted: 4/4/2020 5:53:14 PM EDT

[#33]

9's. Used to play 8's but my pickups had trouble hearing a high E string that thin.

Posted: 4/4/2020 11:24:47 PM EDT

[#34]

10-42 on the gee-tar & 35-90 on the bass.

Posted: 4/7/2020 8:58:50 AM EDT

[#35]

9's or 10's depending on tuning and/or scale length.

Posted: 4/7/2020 10:01:27 AM EDT

[#36]

10's, usually Heavy/Skinny hybrids on the Gibsons

9.5 or Hybrids 9-46 on the Super Strats

Posted: 4/7/2020 10:29:13 AM EDT

[#37]

I like the "Custom" sets that many companies are making.....thin tops, heavy bottoms.

Posted: 4/7/2020 10:00:42 PM EDT

[#38]

All my guitars are set up a little differently.

If it’s a lower tuning or it’s a shorter scale length guitar I go a little heavier.

Strat has 9s with a higher action
Strat in Eb has heavy bottom 10s with a higher action
Tele gets 11s with a lower action
SG gets heavy bottom 10s

There’s more but you get the point.

Probably the first 10 years or so I pretty much only used 10s and had really low actions on all my guitars.

One of my favorite things about the guitar is how fun it is to completely nerd out and switch things up all the time. Hell I use different picks depending on what and how I am playing. It’s all part of it and what keeps it fun for me which let’s face it... that’s the only goal.

Posted: 4/13/2020 10:23:16 PM EDT

[#39]

EB Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom 10-52 (tuned down a half-step on an Epi LP)

Posted: 5/8/2020 2:52:07 PM EDT

[#40]

Posted: 5/12/2020 12:58:34 PM EDT

[#41]

I'm a rhythm guitarist with too heavy of a hand at times. .10's always broke at inopportune times for me. So I go .11's.

Posted: 5/12/2020 1:12:54 PM EDT

[#42]

I love the custom Thick n Thin type sets. Light on the top, heavy on the bottom

Posted: 5/17/2020 3:42:37 PM EDT

[#43]

Been using GHS Boomer 10s on my electrics for last 40-years. I'm used to them.

Posted: 5/22/2020 9:58:09 PM EDT

[#44]

9s on both my Ibanez's, 10s on my Strat and Les Paul.

Speaking of strings, does anyone run D'Addario NYXL strings? Worth the extra coinage?

Posted: 5/24/2020 6:50:47 PM EDT

[#45]

Strat: 9-42
Blackjack: 10-48
Hellraiser: 10-52

Strat pretty much stays in E standard.
The Blackjack has a FR, so it always stays in drop D.
The Hellraiser runs everything from E standard down to C# standard. It is often used for Eb drop Db.

Posted: 5/25/2020 11:28:55 PM EDT

[#46]

Do you guys notice much difference between brands? I always just bought D'Addario but I put some Ernie Ball's on my electric last time cuz guitar Center didn't have the size D'Addario I wanted. I feel like I don't like them as much but it might all be in my head.

I don't even know who all is a good choice. Obviously we've seen some choices here. GHS... And I guess Fender has their own.... Probably too many to name. LOL. Like everything else nowadays there's way more choices then when I played a lot in the 80's and 90's.

Posted: 5/26/2020 8:36:19 AM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:
Do you guys notice much difference between brands?

View Quote

Yes, both in feel as well as tone. It really just comes down to personal preference - you just have to try them to see what you like. I am running EB's on almost everything now, with the exception being my main bass, on which I run GHS Brite Flats (groundwounds).

Posted: 6/22/2020 12:30:13 AM EDT

[#48]

Elixer Nanoweb 9-42

Posted: 6/24/2020 11:28:35 AM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:

Yes, both in feel as well as tone. It really just comes down to personal preference - you just have to try them to see what you like. I am running EB's on almost everything now, with the exception being my main bass, on which I run GHS Brite Flats (groundwounds).

View Quote

I'm not sure what it is with me and D'Addario's but I went back to those. I even tried a set of Fenders too, although they were 10's cuz I wanted to see if I didn't mind them. I put D'Addario 11s back on and it felt right. LOL. Actually I think I might try some smaller D'Addario on my Strat copy. But I just got a new Squier Tele and put on D'Addario 11's and I love it.

I think it's cool how everyone comes to different conclusion about what they like. Reminds me of the variety and uniqueness we all possess. Just really interesting and neat.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Electric Guitar Players, what gauge strings are you playing?

General » Music & Musicians

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us