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How to Determine the Right Guitar-String Gauge for My Guitar

Guitar stings come in a variety of gauges that produces specific kinds of tones with each type selected. There is no right or wrong gauge to choose from, but if you are looking for a dark, lower tone, that will require a different gauge string than a brighter and clearer tone. Strings are classified and measured in terms of the lowest string's gauge. The most common guitar string is .010 gauge. There are strings lighter and thicker than this, however.

Instructions

- 1
  String your guitar with .010 gauge strings when you first start learning to play. These are the standard factory strings equipped on most guitars. Avoid extra-light strings such as 0.009 because beginners may inadvertently bend the strings as they play chords.
- 2
  Place .011 strings on your guitar for a heavier tone that produces lower frequencies. These strings are harder to bend, which can limit your range of playing somewhat.
- 3
  Feel which strings work for you best. Shorter-scale guitars (with shorter necks) such as Fenders may benefit from .009 or .010 strings because it's harder to bend the strings on a short scale. Longer-scale guitars such as Gibsons, for example, should use at least .010 or .011, however, because the strings bend more easily due to the longer guitar neck.

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