Acoustic String gauges

[gtaxe25]

 I usually play extra light gauge strings (10's) thinking that they might be easier on the hands, but now i'm wondering if that's true since a lot of players use 13's. Are 10's or 13's easier on the hands?

[Skeba]

They are easier on the hands. The reason people play 13's is that they sound better and have better sustain than a 10 set.

[gtaxe25]

Which ones are easier on the hands though?

[Skeba]

Well, that would be the 10's since you don't have to press them so hard... But your hands will get used to it with the 13's. And for a beginner I'd recommend using the 13's, or atleast 11's to get some strength to your fingers. It's harder at first, but it'll pay back (at least it did for me). Of course, if the acoustic guitar is not very good, and the strings are really far from the fretboard, the 13's might be too hard to play.

But to answer simply. The 10's are easier on the hands.

[Neemo]

the lighter the guage the easier it is on the fingers

i actually use 9 as my high e string. 13 are really cool sounding if your hands can take it. of course once you get the callouses you are clear. i used to play 13Ga and it was a bitch at first but i got used to it. (a week or so) (i personally prefer the lighter guage though)

[Genesis]

And for a beginner I'd recommend using the 13's, or atleast 11's to get some strength to your fingers. It's harder at first, but it'll pay back (at least it did for me).

Exactly. It'll help a lot when u move from acoustic to electric. Then u can use lighter gauge strings for fast hammer-ons and pull-offs.

[MR W,AXL ROSE]

i have an acoustic and the action is pretty high .would putting a lighter gauge on make easier on the fingers.im not bothered about the sound as i only use it at home to practise.

[Genesis]

i have an acoustic and the action is pretty high .would putting a lighter gauge on make easier on the fingers.im not bothered about the sound as i only use it at home to practise.

Get somebody to fix the bridge. A lighter gauge will help, but that's not the problem. Never play a guitar with a high action, it'll just hamper your speed.

[MR W,AXL ROSE]

when you say fix the bridge,i take it you mean sand it down and replace it so the strings are closer to the fretboard.but would i suffer fret buzz then.

[AdZ]

Not if you got the frets dressed..

[Genesis]

when you say fix the bridge,i take it you mean sand it down and replace it so the strings are closer to the fretboard.but would i suffer fret buzz then.

Yeah. Lower the bridge to a decent height, not so low as to cause fret buzz. If u do i suppose u could have ur frets redone.