Thicker strings give more full tone. It may be surprising how different guitars feel and sound with different gauge strings. I've had some that I felt needed the heavier strings to feel right and some I really like lighter gauge. If they're too light, I can't "grab" them plus they break if you bend a lot or play hard. I used 11 - 52 for years but as I've aged and arthritis has began to set in, I started using 10 (light). I buy Ernie Ball Slinky's by the 10 (12 with buy 10 get 2 free) pack. Good strings. I rarely break one (if I don't bend the .10s too much). I'm talking electric here. I recently put a set of 9 on a strat which I loved the feel but broke the E string after a few hours of play. That's why I went to heavier gauge strings years ago (that and better tone). On my acoustics I don't go below 12 for the high E.