I’ve been spending the summer learning how to play the guitar. Last month, I bought a lovely Sire S7 and I’ve been having a blast playing it and learning guitar chords and playing with the modes on the couple of portable guitar amps I bought (The Fender Magnum Micro and a Positive Grid Spark Go). I know those amps might not sound that impressive, but like I said I’m still pretty new at this and when I get better, I’ll probably get an even bigger amp.
But that’s not why I’m here today.
I was on the Ernie Ball website thinking about picking up some spare strings (because I broke my little e string a few weeks ago), when I noticed they had different pack of string sets with different strings that were other than the typical 10-13-17-26-36-46 set, but had other gauges of strings.
Surely, the width of the strings would result in different notes as much as where you put your fingers on the fretboard, right?
So what would I be gaining or losing if I used a different set up strings? (I’m not planning on re-stringing my guitar any time soon, but it would be nice to know the significance of these other sets, what they are used for, and if there was a specific set ideal for playing certain genres or playing techniques.)
String thickness is kind of personal preference. Thicker strings won’t give you different notes but they will sound more pronounced than thinner strings.
I find thicker strings really come into play when you’re doing alternate tunings. Especially drop tunings like Drop D, Whole Step Down, Drop C, etc. This is because when you loosen thinner strings for those lower tunings the notes won’t ring clear because the strings will be super loose and buzzy. Those tunings really only come into play for playing heavy metal. Some “metal” guitars are specifically set up for those lower tunings too.
I believe Steve Ray Vaughan was also rumored to play on .13s (.13 being the high E string thickness). So again thickness is kind of personal preference unless you’re doing low tunings. I think most people use .10s like you do.