Choosing String Gauges

An important element in both the tone and playability of your guitar, string gauge (how “heavy” or “light” your strings are) can make a real difference in your sound. While most electric players gravitate toward light or even extra-light gauges to facilitate easy fretting and bends, acoustic guitarists depend on the vibration of the strings to “drive” the guitar’s top, so using strings that are too light will decrease acoustic volume as well as bass response. Many acoustic players hover somewhere between light and medium strings, usually striking a compromise between playing comfort and string tension. Keep in mind that the nomenclature used to describe string sets differs between acoustic and electric: an average light set of electric strings might go from .010 of an inch to .046 in thickness, while an average light acoustic set runs between .012 and .053. Remember that changing gauges may also require you to make adjustments to your guitar to compensate for a change in “action,” or string height.