How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
- Thread starter Top Jimmy
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wanmei1
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
various 24 3/4 " guitars and a 25 1/2" Strat.
various 24 3/4 " guitars and a 25 1/2" Strat.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
My deepest vibrato bends are on the G string, pulling it down with my second finger. Probably not the way most guys do it, but you get maximum strength & control that way.
My deepest vibrato bends are on the G string, pulling it down with my second finger. Probably not the way most guys do it, but you get maximum strength & control that way.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
The real Fleetwood Mac, was 1967 to 1970, with founder Peter Green & his young protege Danny Kirwan. They were straight blues & with some progressive rock. That band has nothing in common with the wimpy later versions that Clinton's enamoured with (and that halfwit Lindsey Buckingham). They really should have renamed the band.
Clapton rose to fame after he left the Yardbirds, and went to play pure blues with John Mayall's Bluebreakers in the mid 1960's. Probably Clapton's best, most aggressive solos. After one recording (the "Beano" album), Clapton left to form Cream, and Peter Green took his place. He also did an album with Mayall ("Hard Road"). Although the public was skeptical at first, it didn't take long for Peter to prove he was Clapton's equal. Peter left to form Fleetwood Mac in 1967. Mayall replaced him with Mick Taylor, who did a few albums with him, and then he left to join the Stones in 1970. In a matter of 5 years, Mayall had 3 of world's best electric blues guitarists.
The real Fleetwood Mac, was 1967 to 1970, with founder Peter Green & his young protege Danny Kirwan. They were straight blues & with some progressive rock. That band has nothing in common with the wimpy later versions that Clinton's enamoured with (and that halfwit Lindsey Buckingham). They really should have renamed the band.
Clapton rose to fame after he left the Yardbirds, and went to play pure blues with John Mayall's Bluebreakers in the mid 1960's. Probably Clapton's best, most aggressive solos. After one recording (the "Beano" album), Clapton left to form Cream, and Peter Green took his place. He also did an album with Mayall ("Hard Road"). Although the public was skeptical at first, it didn't take long for Peter to prove he was Clapton's equal. Peter left to form Fleetwood Mac in 1967. Mayall replaced him with Mick Taylor, who did a few albums with him, and then he left to join the Stones in 1970. In a matter of 5 years, Mayall had 3 of world's best electric blues guitarists.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
The British blues guitarists wanted to boost the popularity of the bluesmen of the 1950's & 1960's, who inspired them. The Brits were also very modest. By then, black blues players were almost forgotten in the USA (black audiences turned to Soul & Motown instead) until the Brtish blues invasion of the mid 1960's introduced blues to a new crowd: white America. Because of that, the original bluesmen were finally able to got the recognition & earnings they deserved.
But the fact remains, some of the British blues players far surpassed the skills of the orginial players. The black players created blues and made it all possible, and their contributions cannot be underestimated. In spite of who said what, the Brits took the skills to the next level. Everything builds on something else.
The British blues guitarists wanted to boost the popularity of the bluesmen of the 1950's & 1960's, who inspired them. The Brits were also very modest. By then, black blues players were almost forgotten in the USA (black audiences turned to Soul & Motown instead) until the Brtish blues invasion of the mid 1960's introduced blues to a new crowd: white America. Because of that, the original bluesmen were finally able to got the recognition & earnings they deserved.
But the fact remains, some of the British blues players far surpassed the skills of the orginial players. The black players created blues and made it all possible, and their contributions cannot be underestimated. In spite of who said what, the Brits took the skills to the next level. Everything builds on something else.
guitfiddle
firstlessonologist
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
At the same time that they raised the bar for technique, they lost some of the flavor and even some of the art of the genre...everything became so ridgid and straight-edged with regard to the length of the measures and whatnot.
When you listen to some of the old blues guys play, you can't just lay any old straight 12 bar thing over it. That's a big part of the sound that the original artists had...they made you think about the music by changing at odd times, and making the words and feel the main focus as opposed to the format.
When the blues hit the main stream, it aquired an element of letting you predict it the same way almost every time. That isn't a bad thing, but that's the main difference as I see it.
In keeping with the thread theme, those old guys used BIG strings.
At the same time that they raised the bar for technique, they lost some of the flavor and even some of the art of the genre...everything became so ridgid and straight-edged with regard to the length of the measures and whatnot.
When you listen to some of the old blues guys play, you can't just lay any old straight 12 bar thing over it. That's a big part of the sound that the original artists had...they made you think about the music by changing at odd times, and making the words and feel the main focus as opposed to the format.
When the blues hit the main stream, it aquired an element of letting you predict it the same way almost every time. That isn't a bad thing, but that's the main difference as I see it.
In keeping with the thread theme, those old guys used BIG strings.
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
But the fact remains, some of the British blues players far surpassed the skills of the orginial players...In spite of who said what, the Brits took the skills to the next level.
OK; we are way off the subjest here, but are you seriously trying to tell me that these guys are 'better' than Freddie King, BB, Earl Hooker, Jody Williams, Hubert Sumlin, Reggie Boyd, Luther Tucker, Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, Otis Rush? You got some serious listening to do...I hear this all the time from people who are somehow fixated on the Bloomfield/Brit thing since it got imprinted on their brain during some heavy dosing back in the day...rant over.
But the fact remains, some of the British blues players far surpassed the skills of the orginial players...In spite of who said what, the Brits took the skills to the next level.
OK; we are way off the subjest here, but are you seriously trying to tell me that these guys are 'better' than Freddie King, BB, Earl Hooker, Jody Williams, Hubert Sumlin, Reggie Boyd, Luther Tucker, Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, Otis Rush? You got some serious listening to do...I hear this all the time from people who are somehow fixated on the Bloomfield/Brit thing since it got imprinted on their brain during some heavy dosing back in the day...rant over.
Top Jimmy
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
I bet I have really really crappy vibrato technique. I find it very difficult to do the pull down vibrato after all these years. Fortunately or unfortunately I taught myself 100%, no books, no internet, just put fingers on fretboard. But I did happen to get some more advanced techniques (mostly pick hand) just by working things out in my head.
Dude, which way are you bending the strings?
They shouldn't be coming off the fretboard no matter what you do, unless we are talking about a guitar with a 20 inch fretboard radius and you bend the G string right off the fretboard.
The general rule is, bend G, B and E up, and the lower string bend down.
For vibrato, E and B up, the rest down (the 2 up, 4 down rule), which as I've observed, is what the masters of vibrato generally do.
I bet I have really really crappy vibrato technique. I find it very difficult to do the pull down vibrato after all these years. Fortunately or unfortunately I taught myself 100%, no books, no internet, just put fingers on fretboard. But I did happen to get some more advanced techniques (mostly pick hand) just by working things out in my head.
80's_Metal
Underglazed Hair Metalologist
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
When I play my jackson shredder, (tuned std.) I always use 9's for the speed and bendability, I bend the crap out of them Ernie Ball SLinky pinks and I can play them all day and not bleed.
But I use heavy guages for my drop tuned guitars B and C to keep the attack fast.
Less solo's and more chugga chugga chugga!
When I play my jackson shredder, (tuned std.) I always use 9's for the speed and bendability, I bend the crap out of them Ernie Ball SLinky pinks and I can play them all day and not bleed.
But I use heavy guages for my drop tuned guitars B and C to keep the attack fast.
Less solo's and more chugga chugga chugga!
Fikealox
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
I love my 9-42s, too. I can manage playing my friend's guitars (which mostly have 11s), but I don't notice any benefit to the tone, and I feel like I'm fighting the instrument. 11s are better for him because he has crazy strong fingers and a very heavy touch with both hands, so he struggles with 9s. It just annoys me when people make out like there is an objectively "better" gauge without reference to the needs of the player, or when they don't use 9s "because they're gay" or something similarly ridiculous.
I love my 9-42s, too. I can manage playing my friend's guitars (which mostly have 11s), but I don't notice any benefit to the tone, and I feel like I'm fighting the instrument. 11s are better for him because he has crazy strong fingers and a very heavy touch with both hands, so he struggles with 9s. It just annoys me when people make out like there is an objectively "better" gauge without reference to the needs of the player, or when they don't use 9s "because they're gay" or something similarly ridiculous.
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rivera213
Guest
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
I was talking about Lane mainly, I'm sure no-one who knows anything about guitar playing would call him a pyrotechnic speed player. (I'd hope not anyways).
I've never really rated Vai & his vibrato leaves a LOT to be desired, but Yngwie can bend any string to pitch regardless if he uses .008's or .013's because he has IMMENSE control.
I'm certain I could push even an .011 off the fretboard (in standard tuning) if I wanted but that doesn't mean it's too thin. Control is being able to bend to the desired pitch only, if you're constantly missing that pitch (going too sharp) that's because of lack of control, not lack of string tension as Lane proves.
I was talking about Lane mainly, I'm sure no-one who knows anything about guitar playing would call him a pyrotechnic speed player. (I'd hope not anyways).
I've never really rated Vai & his vibrato leaves a LOT to be desired, but Yngwie can bend any string to pitch regardless if he uses .008's or .013's because he has IMMENSE control.
I'm certain I could push even an .011 off the fretboard (in standard tuning) if I wanted but that doesn't mean it's too thin. Control is being able to bend to the desired pitch only, if you're constantly missing that pitch (going too sharp) that's because of lack of control, not lack of string tension as Lane proves.
rivera213
Guest
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
Actually I have (completely made-up) proof that SRV was born in Lewisham. South East London.
Actually I have (completely made-up) proof that SRV was born in Lewisham. South East London.
Hot _Grits
Buttery Toneologist
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
I use 10-46 and 10-52.
I like 10-52 on my 335-style gibson-scale guitar for my rock band because I can whack at the low strings without them doing that slow out-of-tune bend you get when you attack lighter strings, and they hold tune better under battle conditions. They sound better too. The 10-52 set gives me the fatness on the lower strings, but still has fairly bendable high strings.
On my tele and Reverend I use 10-46, as the longer scale keeps them under control a bit better, and I tend to use those guitars for work where I'm less inclined to use an aggressive attack. I'd play 11s as they sound better to me, but I find them to be hard work on a fender scale at standard tuning.
It's been a long time since I've played 9s. I'm not the most heavy-handed player, but I like to have the option, and 9s just give too much for me.
I use 10-46 and 10-52.
I like 10-52 on my 335-style gibson-scale guitar for my rock band because I can whack at the low strings without them doing that slow out-of-tune bend you get when you attack lighter strings, and they hold tune better under battle conditions. They sound better too. The 10-52 set gives me the fatness on the lower strings, but still has fairly bendable high strings.
On my tele and Reverend I use 10-46, as the longer scale keeps them under control a bit better, and I tend to use those guitars for work where I'm less inclined to use an aggressive attack. I'd play 11s as they sound better to me, but I find them to be hard work on a fender scale at standard tuning.
It's been a long time since I've played 9s. I'm not the most heavy-handed player, but I like to have the option, and 9s just give too much for me.
wanmei1
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
If you can't hear a difference then that's that.
My wife can't hear a difference between my Strat and my 335.
So that's that.
I hear a huge difference in tone and sustain.
You don't have to take my word for it or anyone elses on this forum,
just do a search on the net....."guitar string gauge" etc. and see what the general consenus of opinion is.
Here's some old guy's take on string gauge.........
http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/choosing+your+guitars+string+gauge
If you can't hear a difference then that's that.
My wife can't hear a difference between my Strat and my 335.
So that's that.
I hear a huge difference in tone and sustain.
You don't have to take my word for it or anyone elses on this forum,
just do a search on the net....."guitar string gauge" etc. and see what the general consenus of opinion is.
Here's some old guy's take on string gauge.........
http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/choosing+your+guitars+string+gauge
Fikealox
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
I'm not sure if you meant that post to sound as condescending as it does, so I'll try not to take offence. I never said I don't notice a difference in tone and sustain between gauges. I just don't believe that the tonal difference of thicker gauge strings is unambiguously positive, and I certainly don't think the benefits necessarily outweigh the drawbacks for every application and for every user's needs. My tone with 9s is great, and doesn't need to be any fatter or "fuller", and I certainly don't need more sustain.
And as for there being a consensus of opinion ruling thicker strings somehow objectively better than thin strings, or thin strings being for "noobs" (like that video you link to implies), all I have to say is: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Paul Gilbert.
To reiterate, and to use your analogy, I think that any statement that one gauge string is objectively "better" than another is as divorced from sense as a statement that your strat is better than your 335 (or vice versa).
I'm not sure if you meant that post to sound as condescending as it does, so I'll try not to take offence. I never said I don't notice a difference in tone and sustain between gauges. I just don't believe that the tonal difference of thicker gauge strings is unambiguously positive, and I certainly don't think the benefits necessarily outweigh the drawbacks for every application and for every user's needs. My tone with 9s is great, and doesn't need to be any fatter or "fuller", and I certainly don't need more sustain.
And as for there being a consensus of opinion ruling thicker strings somehow objectively better than thin strings, or thin strings being for "noobs" (like that video you link to implies), all I have to say is: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Paul Gilbert.
To reiterate, and to use your analogy, I think that any statement that one gauge string is objectively "better" than another is as divorced from sense as a statement that your strat is better than your 335 (or vice versa).
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bryvincent
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
it all comes to personal preference both in feel and tone. i can hear the difference myself. but a bigger gauge doesn't necessarily means better tone. some guitars sound better with lighter gauge some better with heavier. also if you have good ears and depending on how you play or set-up, you'll notice that there are some overtones that you can get from a lighter gauge that you can't on heavier ones.
BTW, i use 9-42s on my Fenders and Gibsons.
it all comes to personal preference both in feel and tone. i can hear the difference myself. but a bigger gauge doesn't necessarily means better tone. some guitars sound better with lighter gauge some better with heavier. also if you have good ears and depending on how you play or set-up, you'll notice that there are some overtones that you can get from a lighter gauge that you can't on heavier ones.
BTW, i use 9-42s on my Fenders and Gibsons.
wanmei1
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
If you don't feel the tonal difference is worth it or is better in any way......
Then that's that !
If you feel your tone is great and you "certainly don't need any more sustain".....
Then that's that !
Steve Vai and Satriani are ostensibly about speed, known for there pyrotechnics rather than their tone.
I didn't say heavier gauge are better for tone or sustain, I said:.........
"I hear a huge difference in tone and sustain" (also better tuning stability.)
If you don't wan't, or need, or like those things......
Then that's that !
Still not convinced.... Do some Google research and then argue with the authors.
If you don't feel the tonal difference is worth it or is better in any way......
Then that's that !
If you feel your tone is great and you "certainly don't need any more sustain".....
Then that's that !
Steve Vai and Satriani are ostensibly about speed, known for there pyrotechnics rather than their tone.
I didn't say heavier gauge are better for tone or sustain, I said:.........
"I hear a huge difference in tone and sustain" (also better tuning stability.)
If you don't wan't, or need, or like those things......
Then that's that !
Still not convinced.... Do some Google research and then argue with the authors.
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Hot _Grits
Buttery Toneologist
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
It's true, if you want to get the same BAAAAAOOOWWW that EVH gets when you dip your open G string with the wang bar you have to use 9s.
Re: Vai and Gilbert, I was under the impression that Vai often goes up a gauge when he's feeling strong on tour, and that Gilbert used a hybrid set with a heavy bottom...
It's true, if you want to get the same BAAAAAOOOWWW that EVH gets when you dip your open G string with the wang bar you have to use 9s.
Re: Vai and Gilbert, I was under the impression that Vai often goes up a gauge when he's feeling strong on tour, and that Gilbert used a hybrid set with a heavy bottom...
Fikealox
New member
Re: How do people play with 9 gauge strings?
Yeah apparently Vai uses 9s at home or in the studio and 10s towards the end of a tour (for reasons of finger strength rather than tone), and I read an interview of Gilbert in a mag last month where he said he uses 9s, but he quite possibly might have meant (or specified) 9-46 as opposed to 9-42. I don't really think it matters, though, I just meant that light strings aren't for silly "newbs", and that those guys obviously don't think the benefits of thick gauges are worth the drawbacks
Yeah apparently Vai uses 9s at home or in the studio and 10s towards the end of a tour (for reasons of finger strength rather than tone), and I read an interview of Gilbert in a mag last month where he said he uses 9s, but he quite possibly might have meant (or specified) 9-46 as opposed to 9-42. I don't really think it matters, though, I just meant that light strings aren't for silly "newbs", and that those guys obviously don't think the benefits of thick gauges are worth the drawbacks
