What Is Guitar String Gauge?
The gauge of the strings can make a huge difference in the tone, volume, sustain, tension and overall playability of your guitar. String gauge is measured in thousandths of an inch, which is why you’ll see listings like .009 and .054 — although sometimes packaging from different brands will omit the decimal and list them as numerals (e.g. 8, 12, 46).
Strings are usually categorized along a spectrum of light, medium or heavy, with lighter gauges being easier to play and bend and heavier strings requiring more force and producing a punchier tone. That being said, there are outliers like ultra light strings or sets that mix it up, with options like heavier bottom strings combined with lighter top string gauges.
Why String Gauge Matters for Electric Guitar Players
While your string gauge isn’t the only thing that can affect how you play, the thickness of your strings can play a big role in key areas of your playing. Tone, for instance, can change based on the gauge of your strings — thicker strings tend to provide warmer tones while thinner strings tend to be brighter. Similarly, thicker strings usually (but not always) offer more sustain than their lighter gauge counterparts.
In addition to tone and sustain, the way you play will be impacted by string gauge. Thicker strings are harder to bend and can be uncomfortable and difficult for newcomers that don’t have the strength or callouses of more experienced guitar players. Lighter strings are easier to play and bend, which makes them much easier for those who are learning to play or are picking up the instrument again after a long time.
Which Gauge Guitar Strings Should I Use?
The short answer: whatever strings you prefer. There is no definitive rule that will dictate what kind of strings you should play on. That being said, it can be hard to narrow down your preferences without knowing the basics of each string gauge type. For example, if you’re playing lead guitar and want your soloing to stand out, lighter strings make for easier solos and brighter tone that can cut through the rest of the music. On the other hand, if you are playing more rhythm parts and want extra warmth and sustain while you play, medium or heavy strings are probably the way to go.
The scale length of your guitar can make a difference in your string needs too. Common scale setups are relatively similar — usually 25.5” or 24.75” long — but for longer scales like baritone, the tension of heavy strings can be extreme so lighter gauges are often preferred.
If you want more insight into what strings are best suited for how you play, especially if you play in non-standard tunings, we’ve put together this guide to give you an idea of what you might want to try out.
Guitar String Gauge Guide
Standard Tuning (EADGBE) Gauge Recommendations
Standard tuning goes great with standard strings, those being the strings that came stock on your guitar (if you bought a new one). Most of these string sets are in the light range, with the most common gauges being .009 - .042 and .010 - .046. Options like Power Wound nickel sets are great for all kinds of music and great for experienced and new players who want versatile and reliable strings.
Drop D and D Standard Tuning Gauge Recommendations
Heavier gauge strings, at least for the bottom strings, are common for Drop D and standard D tunings. For drop D, both Fender and Gibson scales can reliably use sets of heavy bottom .010 - .052 strings. The thicker bottom strings provide great low-end clarity when in drop tunings, while still giving you plenty of easy playability on the higher strings. There are some string sets that are designed specifically for dropped tunings, including the D standard tuning. These sets are even thicker on the low end, with gauges of .011 - .054 or .056.
C Standard, B Standard, and Drop B Tuning Gauge Recommendations
For even lower tunings, you’ll need strings with heavier gauges just to keep viable string tension. Gauges like .013 - .056 and .013 - .062 will allow you to tune C standard, B standard and drop B and keep the clear, warm sound you’re looking for.
Baritone Guitar and Extended Range Guitar Gauge Recommendations
To account for the longer scales of baritone guitars, the strings are lighter gauge than you might expect. This keeps the strings playable while still delivering the high-quality sound you need. Baritone-specific sets can be found in gauges like .013 - .058, but if you really want heavy-duty gauges, you can find heavy baritone strings that can range from .012 - .068.
For extended range guitars, the same basics apply as with standard guitars — you just need to account for seven or eight strings when experimenting with the right gauge options.
Final Tips for Selecting the Right Gauge
The real trick to the perfect string gauge is finding the strings that give you the sound you’re looking for and what feels the best to play. While some technical problems can crop up — trying to tune down too low with standard strings, for example — experimenting with different gauges and combinations is important to find what works for you.
One note: don’t ignore your setup when you change out string gauges. You may have to adjust truss rods, your bridge or other components to get the best sound out of differently sized strings.
Once you’re ready to start experimenting with your string gauge, check out the selection at S.I.T. Strings. Whether you are tuning up or down, we have strings in all kinds of gauges and materials so you can find your best fit.
