 Don't Be Stubborn |
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 Apr 28 2012, 03:50 PM
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#1
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GMC:er  Group: Members Posts: 47 Joined: 21-January 12 Member No.: 14.941  |
Switching from .009 to .010 gauge strings on my Fender Strat has made a HUGE difference in my overall sound. I made the switch because I was having trouble getting chords to sound in tune even though my guitar was properly set up. I'm sure some of this could be the result of poor touch or perhaps too many years playing Martin guitars, I don't know, but whatever it was, it was driving me crazy. The main reason I didn't want to make the switch was because I thought it would make string bending harder. And since bending strings is one of my greatest joys in life, I said not a chance. I'd rather sit here and have my chords sound a tad out of tune than to be denied of effortless bending. But one day the sharps and flats became too great for me to endure any longer and I made the switch. Best musical decision I've made in a while. Now my guitar sounds great and my bending skills have improved dramatically! I can't believe how much easier it is to control a bend from going sharp or flat on slightly thicker strings. Hope this helps someone.
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Apr 28 2012, 08:54 PM
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#2
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 Instructor  Group: GMC Instructor Posts: 14.927 Joined: 3-March 07 From: Argentina Member No.: 1.289 |
Thanks for sharing your story here man! It always helps everybody to know different experiences. I also switched from 09 to 010 around 6 years ago to get a fuller tone and I'm happy with it. It takes some days to get used to the thicker ones off course, but it really worth.
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Apr 28 2012, 10:51 PM
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#3
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 GMC:er Group: Members Posts: 75 Joined: 5-February 12 From: Gloucestershire, UK Member No.: 15.070 |
I think thicker strings are always worth a try, especially if you feel you're lacking something in tone etc,
I'm now on 11 gauge strings just in standard tuning 
-------------------- "I don't know where I'm going until I get there" "Something that isn't a strong point, is a weak point" Subscribe to my Youtube account! :) |
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Apr 29 2012, 09:11 AM
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#4
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 Instructor Group: GMC Instructor Posts: 10.921 Joined: 11-March 10 From: England Member No.: 9.820 |
Glad to hear you found the solution to your tuning issues, maybe I should try it...
 QUOTE (FrontlineGuitar @ Apr 28 2012, 10:51 PM)  I'm now on 11 gauge strings just in standard tuning Really ? Wow, you do well on them ! -------------------- |
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Apr 29 2012, 07:56 PM
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#5
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 Experienced Rock Star Group: Members Posts: 197 Joined: 3-December 09 From: Bucuresti, Romania Member No.: 8.284 |
Strats must always go with .10 or higher. I heard Stevie Ray Vaughan used .12 or .13. Really
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Apr 29 2012, 08:11 PM
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#6
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 GMC:er Group: Members Posts: 1.066 Joined: 27-September 09 From: London, UK Member No.: 7.668 |
QUOTE (rhoads @ Apr 29 2012, 07:56 PM) Strats must always go with .10 or higher. I heard Stevie Ray Vaughan used .12 or .13. Really Yngwie uses 8s! The lesson to take away here is not to be ignorant of the other options - try them out, they may work for you. What works for one person may not work for another. -------------------- Ibanez 2550E
LTD EC-1000 VB Roland Cube 30W |
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Apr 29 2012, 08:50 PM
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#7
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Experienced Rock Star Group: Members Posts: 197 Joined: 3-December 09 From: Bucuresti, Romania Member No.: 8.284 |
QUOTE (dark dude @ Apr 29 2012, 07:11 PM) Yngwie uses 8s! The lesson to take away here is not to be ignorant of the other options - try them out, they may work for you. What works for one person may not work for another. Yep, you are right there. Forgot about him because I was all into the blues lately and there you must use thicker ones. Jimmy Page also uses .08 although he is not playing Strats. -------------------- |
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Apr 29 2012, 09:00 PM
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#8
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 GMC:er Group: Members Posts: 974 Joined: 1-September 11 From: Chino Hills, California Member No.: 13.756 |
It is nice that you have used that as a solution, but you might still consider playing with a softer touch. It will do wonders for your speed, articulation, and tone.
-------------------- All the elders have fallen down...
Heal her now... All the elders have fallen down... Heal her now... Grandfather elk Turned to me And spoke: Light the fire deep inside. Light the fires!  |
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