What Kind of Strings Do Beginning Guitar Learners Use?

Beginning guitar students should experiment with a variety of strings.

Choosing which guitar strings to buy can be a confusing and difficult decision for the beginning guitar player. Not only do certain strings belong to certain types of guitars, but strings also come in a number of thicknesses and materials that affect the ease of play. Beginning guitar learners should buy generally lighter strings that are responsive to bending and are made from non-abrasive metals.

Light Gauges

Guitar strings are offered in a number of thicknesses, or gauges, depending on the needs and experience of the player. Extra light and light string sets are the thinnest collections of strings, and can be strung on both acoustic and electric guitars. These gauge sets are often used by beginning guitar students because they can be easily pressed to the guitar neck without unduly tiring the fingers. They are also more responsive to bends, vibratos and slides than heavier gauges, which can be difficult for early students to master. Lighter gauges produce thinner tones than heavier gauges.

Nickel Strings

Beginning electric guitar players often seek out either nickel or nickel plated strings, as opposed to stainless steel strings. Nickel is a soft metal, and won't dig into sensitive, inexperienced fingertips the way stainless steel strings will. Learners usually experience less discomfort when switching chords, playing successions of notes and fingerpicking when using nickel strings.

Nylon Strings

Nylon strings are used when stringing classical guitars. Classical guitars are common among beginners for their beautiful tone and widely-spaced strings. Learners using nylon strings may experience initial discomfort when fretting, but it will quickly vanish. Students of guitar often begin with nylon strings, learning scales and fingerpicked classical tunes. Nylon strings are very responsive to touch and can be fretted very quickly with practice.

Silk and Steel

Acoustic guitars can be strung with silk and steel strings instead of exclusively metal strings. Silk and steel are woven together in these strings, creating a balance between sound, structure and tension that beginning guitar players find comfortable to use. These strings are similar to the metal-plated nylon strings of the classical guitar, but can be fretted more easily. Players new to the acoustic guitar should seriously consider getting silk and steel strings in a light or extra light gauge to make their fingers as comfortable as possible.

References

• Music Centers: Guitar String Questions and Answers

Resources

• Addr Guitar Tips: Different String Gauges