Fuzing

by Phil Zertisky

Guitar music can be some of the best sounding music anywhere. Choosing the correct guitar strings, to help you accomplish this, is a little more complicated. New technology has made this decision a little more involved, but in most cases the type of string that you should use becomes a personal choice, once you determine what sounds you wish to create.

If you play an acoustic guitar, you will use different strings than if you play an electric one. Some strings that are used on acoustics are only designed for this instrument and will not give a pleasant sound at all, if used on any other kind. What you will find is the variety and cost of strings will vary, dramatically, depending on the quality of your guitar.

With nylon strings you will get a more mellow, deep sound such as James Taylor, John Mayer and Jimmy Buffet. Some of the sounds generated from steel strings on an electric acoustic guitar, will sound like a Brian Setzer, George Benson and Les Paul. With an electric guitar that is a solid body, you will hear similar sounds to early Eric Clapton, Richie Sambora and Pete Townsend.

With each of these consummate professionals, they create their sounds based on how the strings tie into the song that they are performing. You should do the same. Some of the newer companies on the market are adding a liquid nitrogen to their strings and have added a new sound. These are designed to add more tone and have an additional life expectancy. They are also more expensive.

Whereas nylon strings are almost exclusively used on acoustic guitars, you can get a great sound using bronze strings on them as well. Because of the echo that is created in the body of the guitar, you get a very rich and full sound, but if you are not playing the notes perfectly, you will likely hear some vibration and incomplete notes or chords. Using these on electric guitars, you do not have quite the same challenge.

One of the biggest concerns for the casual player is comfort. Using nylon strings is easier of your fingers, especially if you are just starting out. To get the best sounds from your chords, you need to develop callouses on your finger tips and you will not engage in quite as much discomfort learning with nylon stings. With all other types, just be prepared to experience some learning curve pain, as you develop your finger tips. This will go away, the more you play, but in the early stages, if you are really determined to play a lot, there will definitely be some discomfort.

As with most everything, your guitar strings need care. Your perspiration and body oils will get on the strings and change the sound and make it more difficult to perform your chords and note playing. So, clean them often and maintain the quality. If you are planning to perform, always have an extra set of the same strings, in case of breakage.

All in all, depending on the type of music you wish to play, the amount of time you spend playing and volume that you will need, are all important in choosing the correct strings. Some of the electric acoustical guitars offer brilliant sound, but you would not be likely to use them in rock band. Whereas a solid body electric will not carry the resonance that you want, with a non steel or coated string. So, shop well once you determined where you will spend most of time playing and the types of sounds you wish to generate.

Do you have to get some electric guitar strings? Why not look online for some fantastic deals on guitar strings now. Find those deals and save money now!