string gauge

Hey yaaaaaaaal...

I've been using heavy top skinny bottom strings for a while now (10-52) because I play a lot of metal and rock, and people told me heavier strings were better for a heavy sound. I did notice a bit of a difference.

But last time I changed strings I put on 10-46 (standards gauge) instead, and this actually allowed me to lower my action a bit. Because with the thicker strings, I had to raise it to prevent buzzing. So now I'm thinking that I can't really hear too much of a difference, and being able to lower my action actually allows me to play a bit faster. So I'm thinking perhaps this is more important than having a slightly heavier sound?

Have you guys noticed a real difference when using heavier gauges? Because I can still get a nice chunky, heavy sound with 46's. Another thing to consider is if I even need to worry about the fret buzz when playing through my amp, because I'm not sure if I even notice it.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

~Rusty

It sounds like you have already figured it out. Lighter gauge will certainly help with speed and bends etc.. Some guitarist like heavier strings because they have more sustain such as SRV. Billy Gibbons started using unwound G strings when He found out BB King used unwound Gs and still had great tone. Lighter strings will be easier on the hands in the long run especially if you are a speed player. Sustained can be increased by overdrive and compression pedals. Much of the tone involves the hands of the player and yes, a good tube amp coupled with the right guitar.

That's interesting because my experience has been going to a *heavier gage* allowed me to lower my action. On my Strat, I experimented with 9's and a lower action. I had some fretbuzz, but I also felt like I wanted to move to 10's. Moving to 10's resolved the fretbuzz. My understanding is that heavier gage string have more tension, therefor they travel less (vibrate in a narrower patter) to produce a given tone. Because of this, a heavier gage allows you to lower you action more.

maybe thats true for the high e string, or maybe u just happened to have a defective string. because i know for sure that when u move to thicker gauges for the low strings, u usually gotta raise your action. Ben Lindholm verified this in his forum.

Thank you all, helpful. I think I will stick with standard gauge.

Andrew, I know in my case, my Keith Urban came with probably 12 60 roughly, and I replaced them with Dadarrio 10 46 gauge. I just like the feel of this set of strings. I am only a beginner, but I like them because bending is relatively easy, although in the future I may experiment with 9 gauge. Hope this helps.

I understand what you mean about the heavier gauge strings buzzing. I was wondering why I was having that issue. I thought I was just need that fret leveling haha. But yes I play mainly metal, and I do love having thicker strings for more bottom on those chugs.

However, you said you are able to achieve that on 46's anyway. Are you doing anything specific with your tone to make that work out?