Question about doing a custom string gauge

[357mag]

I always have trouble speed picking through a .046. I like to use .010's but the low E string is simply too thick to speed pick through. So I thought about some options:

1. Just change the low E to a .042

2. Use a .010 - .013 - .017 from a .010 set and pair it with the bass strings from a .009 set which would be .024 - .032 - .042.

The reason I thought of that option was I thought maybe better balance on the neck.

Any thoughts?

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

You could do that. There's no rule that your gauges have to balance tension wise although that's what I prefer. You can use stringtensionpro.com to get a sense of the tensions of your custom set.

 

[dave74]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

https://www.daddario.com/products/g.../exl120-nickel-wound-super-light-plus-9.5-44/

 

[Discharged]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

Any thoughts?

Yes. It isn't going to solve your problem, it might even make it worse.

But what do I know? I've only player guitar for thirty years, after graduating from the conservatory.

/Peter

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

Yes. It isn't going to solve your problem, it might even make it worse.

I suspect that this is true. Raising, not lowering string gauge has always made fast picking easier for me. With higher tension the string flops around less and is easier to strike consistently. The only time thin strings become easier to use is when you're digging the pick too far into the string, rather than just using the tip. In that case having a floppy string is necessary.

 

[orpheo]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

I agree with GuitarStv and Discharged. If you have a thicker string and keep the same pick attack, you will give the string the same amount of energy but it can't vibrate with an amplitude as large as with a thinner string tuned to the same pitch (because the tension is higher) so that energy is being translated into a longer sustain.

To keep it simply (not fully accurate but it is the gist of it).

I'd go with 010-052 strings to see if that improves your situation.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

It may just be a angle/technique issue. If you haven't seen any 'Cracking the Code' videos, I'd recommend it. It is the most comprehensive study of picking mechanics I've ever seen.

 

[chadd]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

I always have trouble speed picking through a .046. I like to use .010's but the low E string is simply too thick to speed pick through. So I thought about some options:

1. Just change the low E to a .042

2. Use a .010 - .013 - .017 from a .010 set and pair it with the bass strings from a .009 set which would be .024 - .032 - .042.

The reason I thought of that option was I thought maybe better balance on the neck.

Any thoughts?

https://www.curtmangan.com/10-42-nickel-wound-set/

 

[dave74]

Re: Question about doing a custom string gauge

You want really balanced tension?

https://www.juststrings.com/dad-exl110bt.html



Personally I'd go with the first set I linked instead of the balanced set. That 9.5-44 set at E is just perfect IMO.