I just switched from .11s to .9s

[blueman335]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

Every once in a while a get a cramp in my left forearm but that's usually from being dehydrated.

Alcohol will do that. :cool2:

 

[blueman335]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

Some of us not only like a bit of pushback from our strings, but actually need it to keep things from sounding out of tune.

And then some of us have a more civilized right-hand technique, and adjust volume levels and dynamics with how we pick. Not to say there's anything wrong with the ham-fisted technique (originally perfected by blacksmiths)...:cool2:

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

And then some of us have a more civilized right-hand technique, and adjust volume levels and dynamics with how we pick. Not to say there's anything wrong with the ham-fisted technique (originally perfected by blacksmiths)...:cool2:

You know, I've never had a problem with my picking hand. For anything at all. Everything has been fretting hand related (hard to bend, nice vibrato, etc).

That being said, I never really thought about how my picking hand feels when strumming or picking because I never adapt my technique, I am a fairly light player who uses medium picks, the pick gives no matter what the gauge is.

 

[LReese]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

Actually, light strings break less often, because they don't have to be tuned so tight to reach the correct pitch. I use 9's and almost never break a string (like one a year) in spite of all the bending I do; I've read posts by guys here with 11's (who bend much less than I do) that break strings regularly. The thicker the string, the tighter it'll be. String tension is a big culprit.

Its probably a wash - in the most simple setup thinner strings have less cross-sectional area, which means it takes less tension to get to to the stress level it takes to break the string.

Its probably the effect of a number of things - a burr, the players style, etc - And more the average person wouldn't think about. Just saying its not a one size fits all situation.

 

[TheTranslator]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

I use different gauges based on genre of music and type of guitar, but I gravitate towards lighter strings :

ALL solidbody guitars (Rock) = 9's
GB10 - mid-size hollowbody archtop (Jazz) = Extra-light Flatround 10's
GB200 - Full hollowbody archtop (Jazz) = Flatwound 12's

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

I think If I am playing in D standard for example, I should use 10s.

 

[blueman335]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

I think If I am playing in D standard for example, I should use 10s.

Probably.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

And then some of us have a more civilized right-hand technique, and adjust volume levels and dynamics with how we pick. Not to say there's anything wrong with the ham-fisted technique (originally perfected by blacksmiths)...:cool2:

Well, it's mainly in my fretting hand...I just like the feel of 11s. I'm not really a ham-fisted basher, but i ain't delicate and pretty with my playing either. I have good control of dynamics with my picking hand, but I just like the feel of the diameter and tension of the 11s set for my fret hand.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

I ran .10s with everything for a long time. I had read so much about .009s sounding thin and blah blah. Every time I played my Kramer that came to me with .009s and I never changed them, it was always so easy to play and sounded just a good/big as everything else.. So now I run .10s on my short scale guits and .009s on my 25.5s...

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

I ran .10s with everything for a long time. I had read so much about .009s sounding thin and blah blah. Every time I played my Kramer that came to me with .009s and I never changed them, it was always so easy to play and sounded just a good/big as everything else.. So now I run .10s on my short scale guits and .009s on my 25.5s...

You can use .9s on the short ones too. I do. My rig hasn't exploded or anything. I haven't gotten bad luck for 7 years.

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

On shredder guitars with locking trems, where I might want to do fast runs, or God forbid maybe tapping licks, .009-.042 feels best.
But I love the feel and tone of .011 - .052 strings on a Les Paul style guitar for playing classic rock riffs.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

You can use .9s on the short ones too. I do. My rig hasn't exploded or anything. I haven't gotten bad luck for 7 years.

LOL!! I know Bro.. Just like to feel. They feel about equal to me with .10s on short scale and 009s on 25.5.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

On shredder guitars with locking trems, where I might want to do fast runs, or God forbid maybe tapping licks, .009-.042 feels best.
But I love the feel and tone of .011 - .052 strings on a Les Paul style guitar for playing classic rock riffs.

Thats one of the reasons why I decided to lower in gauge, to play faster. the guitar IS much easier to play.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I just switched from .11s to .9s

LOL!! I know Bro.. Just like to feel. They feel about equal to me with .10s on short scale and 009s on 25.5.

When I bought my jaguar the employee at Sam Ash said "You can't go any lower than 10s on this"

If it were to happen know I'd laugh and say "Dont tell me what to do!.. just kidding!!"