Excellent strings for classical guitar. What are the best strings for an acoustic guitar? Key Factors Affecting Sound

Where do you get new guitar strings? Personally, I prefer to buy them in regular music stores, feeling them live, while exchanging jokes with the sellers there who have known me for a long time. However, you can order guitar strings online without any worries.

Wandering through the expanses of online stores, you probably noticed that the types of guitar strings offered for sale are quite numerous. Of course, after this the question could not help but arise: how to choose strings for a guitar, how not to make a mistake with the choice when purchasing? These issues need to be sorted out in advance.

Types of strings based on material of manufacture

There are three main types of strings:

Organic Gut (Catgut) – Traditional strings made from animal gut and wrapped with wire. Despite their short service life, many guitarists still prefer to install only gut strings on their instruments.
Nylon strings are held in high regard by classical guitarists. They are soft and pliable, and therefore suitable for beginners. The three tenor strings (lower) are made of nylon line, and the three bass strings are nylon strings wrapped in gold or silver plated wire.
Steel strings are the most popular type of strings. The sound of the instrument with such strings has a bright and ringing timbre. The winding of steel strings is made of a variety of materials: nickel, phosphor bronze, brass and others.

About different types of string windings

Let's talk in more detail about the winding, or as it is sometimes called, the braid of the strings. The wire covering the core of the strings can be made in several versions.

Round braid is the cheapest to manufacture, which means the cost of guitar strings will be lower. Main disadvantages: squeaking of fingers on the strings when playing, rapid wear due to contamination of the sinuses of the braid.
Flat braid eliminates unnecessary sounds. These strings are used on a guitar for studio recording. Main disadvantage: less bright sound than round wound strings.
Semicircular braid is a hybrid that includes both the pros and cons of the two previous types.

What is string tension?

Before choosing strings for your guitar, find out what their tension is: light, medium or heavy. The tension force is influenced by several factors: their length, weight, tuning frequency, diameter, winding material and core size.

It is believed that the stronger the tension, the louder and brighter the instrument sounds. If it is light, the instrument is quiet and melodious. Another caveat is that strings with heavy tension will not be so easy to press on the frets, and therefore for beginners it is recommended to take strings of the lightest tension to make playing easier.

The most popular manufacturers and prices of guitar strings

The companies D'Addario and LaBella have long been producing a large line of a wide variety of strings for classical and acoustic guitars. They are considered the most popular manufacturers - all of their types of guitar strings have excellent characteristics and are sold at not such a high price (about 10 USD).

The strings from the French manufacturer Savarez stand out separately. They are made of high-strength materials, have excellent sound properties, and therefore their cost is high (from 20 USD).

The most popular manufacturers of strings for electric guitars and bass are Elixir and DR. Their prices are very affordable: for electric guitars - from 20 USD, for a four-string bass - from 70 USD.

Why can't a classical guitar have steel strings?

The mechanics of the pegs and the stand in a classical guitar are made of lightweight materials. Therefore, only nylon strings can be used on this type of guitar - they are soft and not very stretched, which means they are not capable of breaking and damaging the instrument.

Steel strings are used on guitars with a reinforced structure, such as acoustic six-strings. Well, if you try to put nylon strings on an electric guitar, you will see with your own eyes that the pickup simply cannot detect sound vibrations from them.

Conclusion

So, when choosing strings, you need to focus on the instrument itself, its strength or, conversely, softness, the level of your technical skill (tight or light tension), the practical purpose of the instrument (educational, concert, studio, etc.), well and on the traditions that have developed in guitar schools (preferences for materials of one type or another).

Of course, one of the most important criteria, and for some the main one, is the cost of guitar strings. And yet, also pay attention to the packaging of the strings - it should contain not only the characteristics of the product, but also the basic data of the manufacturer. Being careful will protect you from buying a fake.

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In this article I will help you answer two basic questions: what strings are best for an acoustic guitar And what are the best acoustic guitar strings for beginner guitarists. I hope this material will help you choose the best strings for an acoustic guitar.

Due to the lack of pickups or amplifiers, guitar strings have a relatively greater impact on the overall sound of acoustic guitars compared to electric guitars. Therefore, when choosing guitar strings, you need to carefully study their composition and gauge. Choosing the right type of strings for this instrument is of utmost importance.

Depending on the material used, the shape and the way they are made, guitar strings can produce different sounds and different playing sensations, so using the right type of strings has huge benefits for the guitarist. Likewise, when guitar strings are incorrectly selected, it can be quite detrimental to both the player and his instrument.

One of the most important criteria for choosing the type of strings for acoustic guitars is their gauge., since it is equally relevant for all types and varieties of this instrument. String gauge has a huge impact on the playability and sound of an acoustic guitar.

Guitar strings come in different diameters or gauges. Caliber unit: 0.001 inch. Typically, the thinnest string is .010 (first string) and the thickest is .059 (sixth string). You should also remember that classical guitar strings are designated according to their tension.

Below are the main advantages and disadvantages of different string gauges that affect the quality and difficulty of playing an acoustic guitar:

Smaller gauge strings (“thin”):

as a rule, it is more convenient to play;
it is more convenient to do suspenders (bands);
easier to tear;
give less volume and sustain;
may cause fret rattling;
less stress on guitar mechanics (suitable for vintage guitars).

Larger gauge strings (“thick”):

generally more difficult to play;
it is more difficult to make a band;
give more volume and sustain;
more stress on the guitar mechanics.

Most guitarists name sets of strings by the thickness of the first(for example, “tenths”, “elevenths”, etc.). And guitar string manufacturers define the gauge of strings in a set using terms like “light” or “medium.”

While these definitions do not always correspond to the same gauge sets across different manufacturers, here are typical guitar string set ranges:

"extra light": 0.010 - 0.047
"custom light": 0.011 - 0.052
"light": 0.012 - 0.054
"medium": 0.013 - 0.056
"heavy": 0.014 - 0.059

A more complete table of guitar string thicknesses:

Set name	1	2	3	4	5	6
Ultra Light	0.008	0,010	0.015	0.022	0,032	0,039
Super Light	0,009	0,011	0,017	0,024	0,032	0,042
Light	0,010	0,013	0,017	0,026	0,036	0,046
Medium	0,011	0,014	0,018	0,028	0,038	0,049
Medium Heavy	0,012	0,016	0,024	0,032	0,042	0,052
Heavy	0,013	0,017	0,026	0,036	0,046	0,056

String core

There are many more components to a guitar string than meets the eye, and all the individual components come together to create the “life force” of the guitar sound. Through the middle of the string along its entire length stretches its base - a metal core.

Attached to the wire core is a "ball" tip - this is what holds the string to the tailpiece. Another round wire is wound around the metal core, which the guitarist's fingers feel when they press the string against the fingerboard.

There are two main types of core shape: round and hexagonal (hexagonal).

Guitar string winding material

The main materials used in guitar strings include steel and nickel (commonly used on electric instruments), brass, bronze and nylon. However, there are many more types of strings, since during the manufacturing process many manufacturers use various alloys and impurities, and in addition, the strings may differ in design and the presence of additional coating. Not only the sound and ease of playing the instrument, but also the durability of the strings themselves depend on the materials of the guitar strings.

Bronze

The braid of this type of string consists of 80/20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin) and has a golden hue. Bronze guitar strings provide a clear and bright tone, but quickly lose their positive properties due to the rapid oxidation of this alloy.

Phosphor bronze

Another type of bronze string is phosphor-infused bronze string. Due to the higher copper content in the alloy, they have a darker, reddish tint. Phosphorus increases the lifespan of these strings, making them more durable than bronze strings.

Phosphor bronze guitar strings produce a warmer sound with a smoother top end. This makes them especially suitable for genres that are characterized by a soft tone, as well as for fingerpicking. They pair well with smaller-bodied acoustic guitars, although many quieter players prefer these strings on larger instruments as well.

Copper

Copper acoustic guitar strings are considered a cheaper analogue of bronze ones. They also give a clear and bright tone, but lack a characteristic “individuality”, so copper strings from different manufacturers are almost the same in sound.

Silver plating

Silver coating of copper strings (silver-plated copper) does not make any significant difference in the sound, leaving it just as clean and bright. However, the higher quality of this metal makes silver-plated strings more durable and reliable, as they are less susceptible to corrosion and contamination.

However, in addition to excellent aesthetic qualities and practicality, such strings are characterized by a higher cost compared to strings made of copper and its alloys.

Brass

As a general rule, brass guitar strings always sound brighter than bronze ones. Although, oddly enough, most brass strings are made using the 80/20 bronze principle. There is no significant difference between these two types of strings, since brass, like bronze, consists of 80% copper with the addition of 20% zinc.

This gives the strings a bright and punchy character, although when used on high-end guitars it can make the instrument sound ringing and "metallic". Another feature of brass strings is their low durability, since brass tends to oxidize.

Nylon

Nylon guitar strings can be made from pure or rectified nylon. Pure nylon guitar strings are first drawn and then gauged to ensure accuracy.

How to choose the gauge (thickness) of strings

When determining what thickness of string to use, you need to take into account four main factors:

Guitar size. The general rule of thumb is that the smaller the body of the guitar, the thinner the strings, and the larger the instrument, the thicker the strings. For example, a dreadnought, which has a characteristically large soundboard, sounds better with medium gauge strings, which take full advantage of the acoustic qualities of this relatively large instrument. And guitars with a small soundboard sound much better with lighter strings (“light”).
Guitar age. Vintage instruments are often less durable, so the high tension created by medium and heavy gauge strings can cause the neck to warp and the tailpiece to become misaligned. If you are not confident in the strength of the instrument, then you should refrain from installing large-caliber strings on it.
Playing style. The finger method is much easier to play on smaller diameter strings. For strumming or picking, medium gauge strings are probably the best choice, although they will be much more difficult to play for beginning players. If the style of performance involves a combination of fighting and fingering, then the medium set may be a reasonable solution. Similar sets have thicker three bass strings and standard thin strings.
Tone and volume. The thickness of the strings directly affects the volume and tone of the sound created. Thus, larger gauge strings emphasize the bass register of the guitar, creating deep and powerful tones. Thin strings, on the other hand, will place more emphasis on the high-frequency range and can be useful for picking and strumming.

How to change strings on an electric guitar with Floyd Rose

Famous guitarists and the strings they play

Ernie Ball

Jimmy Page
- Ernie Ball 10-46 and 9-46
Eric Clapton
Kirk Hammett
Slash- Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky 11-48, RPS-11 - Slinky Nickel Wound 011 .014 .018p .028 .038 .048
Steve Vai- Ernie Ball 2221 Regular Slinky 10-46, RPS-9 Slinky Nickel Wound009 .011 .016 .024w .032 .042
Jeff Beck- Ernie Ball 2223 Super Slinky 9-42
John Mayer- Ernie Ball 2221 Regular Slinky 10-46
Jack White- The Raconteurs - Ernie Ball 2627 Beefy Slinky Drop Tune 11-54
Aerosmith- Ernie Ball 3123 Coated Super Slinky 9-42, Ernie Ball 2223 Super Slinky 9-42
Paul Gilbert- Ernie Ball 3123 Coated Super Slinky 9-42
Buddy Guy- Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky 11-48
Steve Morse- Ernie Ball 3121 Coated Regular Slinky 10-46
Iron Maiden- Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky 11-48
Blink 182- Ernie Ball 2215 Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom 10-52
Brad Paisley- Ernie Ball 2221 Regular Slinky 10-46, Ernie Ball 3121 Coated Regular Slinky 10-46
Keith Richards- Ernie Ball 3123 Coated Super Slinky 9-42, Ernie Ball 3121 Coated Regular Slinky 10-46, RPS-11 Slinky Nickel Wound 011 .014 .018p .028 .038 .048

Mark Knopfler- Fender Extra Lights 009 .011 .015 .024 .032 .040
Jimi Hendrix- FENDER "ROCK N" ROLL" STRINGS Light Gauge 010 .013 .015 .026 .032 .038
Yngwie Malmsteen- Original Pure Nickel Soft Light Ball End Electric Guitar Strings 008 .011 .014 .022 .030 .038

D"Addario

Mark Knopfler
Joe Satriani- D"addario EXL120 Super Light 9-42
Robben Ford- EKXL110 Regular Light Tremolo 010. 013. 017. 026. 036. 046

Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)- Blue Steel Electric 010 .013 .017 .030 .042 .052
Gary Moore- Nickel Steel Electric Custom 010 .013 .017 .030 .042 .052

Thomastik

George Benson- Infeld Electric Guitar Flat Wound Medium Light George Benson 012 .016 .020 .028 .039 .053

Buy strings

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to buy strings from famous brands; in this case, AliExpress comes to the rescue with its affordable prices. There are strings for every taste and budget, for example this set of strings for an acoustic guitar.

There is a huge range of different strings on the market for this type of guitar. Typically, classical guitar strings are made of either nylon or carbon fiber. In addition, there are vein strings of the intestines. Classical guitar bass strings are also made from nylon, but with the addition of metal winding threads. The winding material most often used is bronze with silver plating or bronze with the addition of phosphorus.

Nylon strings

This is a fairly popular type of string for classical guitar. Strings of this type are wear-resistant and durable. The sizes of nylon strings vary, so the tension force must be determined from the information on the packaging. As a rule, the package with strings contains the following inscriptions: Hard, Normal or Light tension. These inscriptions are translated as strong, normal and weak tension, respectively. For guitarists, low tension strings are usually recommended. For more experienced musicians, it is recommended to purchase high and medium tension strings.

Carbon strings

Carbon strings are made from carbon fiber, a material superior to nylon in quality. This material was created in Japan and quickly found application in many areas, including the production of musical instruments. Carbon strings are very strong and more durable than nylon strings. In addition, carbon strings produce a more sonorous sound. The density of carbon is higher than that of nylon, so with a small diameter you can achieve strong string tension. The main disadvantage of this type of string is obvious - the high price.

Gut strings

These exotic strings are made from animal intestines and are prized primarily by lovers of ancient music. You won't find such strings on the market. In the process of their creation, modern technologies are used to increase their service life.

Bass string wrap

Bass string windings also come in several types. Bronze windings without any impurities are used quite rarely, since such strings wear out quickly. The cost of strings with bronze winding is usually low. Silver plated bronze windings on bass strings are quite common in production. This coating increases the service life of the strings, and also improves the quality of the sound produced. The cost of this type of strings is slightly more expensive than strings with a simple bronze winding. There are also strings with windings made of silver-plated brass, which are highly wear-resistant. Bronze winding with the addition of phosphorus is one of the best types of winding. These strings produce a very long, soft and voluminous sound.

The sound of a guitar largely depends on what strings are on it and how well they suit the guitar itself, as well as your playing style. The most commonly found on sale are metal strings of various types, as well as nylon.

Instructions

Decide which sound tone you like best, as well as which one you are going to use. If you prefer a soft, deep sound and have the right instrument for it, opt for synthetic strings. For a guitar with a removable neck, metal strings are more suitable.

Evaluate the capabilities and size of your guitar. For a large instrument, if you want to get a strong, beautiful sound, it is better to take steel strings No. 10 or 11. However, it must be taken into account that calluses form on the left hand when playing on such strings. For medium-sized guitars, choose gauge 9 or 10 steel strings. These strings can also be used on larger guitars by increasing the height above the fretboard. There are two ways to do this. If you have a guitar with a set neck, increase the height of the strings by using the nut. The height of the strings on guitars with a sliding neck is adjusted using a screw.

Decide which type of winding suits you best. The winding is made of copper and its various alloys; it can be silver plated. The most durable strings are those with brass winding. They are also the most vocal. Pay attention to the type of winding. If you want a rich, bright sound, use round wound strings. If you prefer a more intimate sound, then flat wound may be more suitable.

Video on the topic

note

Strings are sold separately and in sets. If you buy a set, remember that its number is determined by the thickness of the first string. The higher the number, the thicker the strings. The first string ranges from 0.008 to 0.013 inches thick.

The third string in the set can be with or without winding. A wound string sounds brighter, but is less durable. The first two strings are always made without winding, and the three (or four for a seven-string guitar) bass strings are always made with winding.

If one string has become unusable and you do not want to buy a set, try to choose a string of the same type as the others.

Always tune your strings using a tuning fork. Over-stringing is just as harmful to the sound as under-tensioned strings.

If you have stretched the strings and tuned them using a tuning fork, but one of them touches one of the saddles, file the saddle. This usually happens with new mass produced guitars.

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What are the criteria for choosing a set of strings for a guitar? There are a lot of them and they are all individual: this is the style in which the musician plays, the sensitivity of his fingers, and of course, personal prejudices and preferences.

That is why it is difficult to give any specific recommendations or advice on what strings a beginning musician should choose. But a beginner, of course, should learn about the types, purposes of strings, and their types.

Classic guitar strings

For “classics” the choice of strings is simply huge. Mostly the strings for such guitars are made of nylon or carbon. Rarely, but they also use strings made from animal intestines, also related to veins.

The three bass strings of a classical-type guitar are also made of synthetic materials. But metal threads are also added there, which go to the winding. Also, the winding sometimes contains bronze with silver plating or bronze in combination with phosphorus.

Nylon, vein, carbon - which one to choose

Nylon strings are very popular for classical music. They are durable and practical. In addition, they do not distort the sound, but, on the contrary, give it a unique sonority and purity. Nylon strings come in a wide variety of sizes, and the tension force also varies greatly - you will have to adjust it yourself, preferably using the information that is written on the product packaging.

Usually the tension of the strings is determined by simple inscriptions in English, meaning Normal, Light or Hard, that is, normal tension, weak or heavy. Young guitarists are recommended to start their guitar lessons at Light level.

Carbon strings are made from carbon material, which is higher quality than nylon. Such strings are more practical. The sound with them becomes clearer and clearer. With a small diameter, more powerful string tension can be achieved, this is due to the higher density of carbon. The main problem with carbon string is its price.

Gut strings are perhaps the most exotic of all types of strings. This is because the material from which they are made is animal intestines. You can describe these strings as an amateur.

Bass string winding types

There are several types of winding for bass strings. There is a bronze winding, silver-plated brass, and also a bronze winding using phosphorus. The first is rarely used due to rapid wear. The second one is used more often and lasts longer. The third of all types is the most practical. Winding using phosphorus is recognized as the best. The sound with this type is clear, spacious and deep.