Getting Started Playing Guitar - How to Choose the Right Guitar Strings For You

When you are making a decision to take up a hobbycommonly heard from an acoustic guitar.
like playing the guitar, the last thing you need is aThere are also mutliple choices for the electric guitar
complicated process on how to decide what types ofplayer as well. Flat-wound guitar strings are easier to
equipment to buy, and how to create the differentplay and produce a tone that is common in jazz styles.
sounds that a guitar can make.Nickel wound strings, commonly found in brands like
If you are just beginning to play, you are likely to wantErnie Ball, they are made from pure nickel wire
to go with a nylon guitar string, as they are easier onwrapped around tin plated hex. Nickel strings produce
your fingers and will allow you to learn how to applya warm, rich toneThese are the types of strings that
the correct amount of pressure with minimalare commonly heard in rock-n-roll style guitar playing.
discomfort to your fingertips. Nylon guitar stringsRound wound strings, popular in manufacturers like
produce a mellow, soothing tone. If you are going toGHS, are made of nickel plated steel, and they
play the classical guitar, you are likely to want to stayproduce a bright, long-lasting tone, commonly used in
with these guitar strings, as they are very common inheavy metal, rock, country, blues, and pop styles.
the classical style of guitar playing.There are also multiple gauges (or thickness) of guitar
Ball-end nylon strings are popular for the folk-stylestrings to consider when making your choice. Heavier
guitar player. These strings can handle the strumminggauges are better for rhythm style playing and lighter
associated with folk style playing.gauges are better for bending and playing solos. It is
Silk and steel guitar strings are what you want forimportant to determine which thickness is best for your
finger style playing, because they are gentler on yourneeds, and remember that they may change as your
fingers.ability improves. I would suggest a medium light to
Bronze guitar strings provide a brilliant, bright tone andmedium gauge if you are just beginning, as these can
are often used on acoustic guitars. They are wrappedbe a little more versatile than heavier gauged strings.
in a bronze coating to provide the "brightness"