The Problem with 9 Gauge Guitar Strings

The plain strings of this set are just... plain wrong.
===HELPFUL LINKS===
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Curt Mangan Customizer:
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[@carlosanvito]

Let's not forget that the tension on the wound strings isn't due to the overall gauge of the string, but rather it's all in the central core, so simple comparison of incremental gauge sizes isn't entirely meaningful.

[@martinsavage6838]

Not just for “beginners”. I saw a video where Billy Gibbons said that BB King had advised him to change to 9’s and it had changed his playing completely.

[@MDBenton]

And now Billy uses sevens !

[@tomsnow2872]

BB played 8s

[@opiec8871]

Actually he played 7’s and now plays his signature 8’s.

[@sirspongadoodle]

Billy gibbons is really not a good guitar player I really wouldn’t use him as an example

[@esteban1487]

​@@opiec8871in Heaven

[@wea69420]

I've played everything from 9s to 13s and this is just not a problem. There's literally no negative effects to strings being slightly different in tension. A far bigger problem with the B string in standard tuning is that it breaks the 4ths pattern and consequently is impossible to temper properly against the third G string, which makes a fairly finicky major 3rd.

[@asukalangleysoryu6695]

I understand what you mean, but it is pretty far from impossible: just use a tuner.

[@AC-ed7yr]

​@asukalangleysoryu6695 It's not a matter of tuning. It's a matter of temperament. The equal temperament of guitar is fundamentally flawed in order to make chords easier to play. There's literally no way for the G and B strings to create a perfect third everywhere on the neck without completely redesigning the fretboard (some guitars actually do this, just Google "True Temperment Guitar" to see what I mean). This is why some guitarists like EVH or John Frusciante will choose to deliberately put their B string out of tune for certain songs, that way it will sound more in tune when playing a specific interval further up the neck than if they just used their tuner.

[@kinniecas9004]

@@asukalangleysoryu6695 with the way modern tuning works, major 3rds are always going to be out of tune, and tuning them properly would lead you to play flat on everything else

[@LegendLength]

@@kinniecas9004 Wait does that mean pianos have slightly different tuning to guitars?

[@kinniecas9004]

@@LegendLength nah pianos are out of tune, it just doesn't sound as bad cos our ears are used to it after decade of modern music being tuned that way

[@plusmin09]

This feels like a research paper presentation done by a high school senior or college freshman

[@jsullivan2112]

Junior high.

[@orandachildren1051]

​@@jsullivan2112Kindergarten.

[@jsullivan2112]

@@orandachildren1051 I'm sure you wrote plenty of research papers in kindergarten too. 🙄

[@jeffweber521]

Whatever. It doesn't sound like it was written by anyone who actually PLAYS guitar.

[@timothydavidhobbs9628]

I have used 9 - 42 strings for decades, because I bend them and like to avoid the damages to my fingers and hands created by using heavier gauges!

[@TheOtteroo]

I have been using 9-42 strings for years. Humbly, I disagree, there is no problem with 9’s.

[@grenade.turtle]

If 9s are good enough for John 5, then they’re good enough for me lol

[@butthole4185]

I have too but I never liked how hard it was to bend the e compared to the b n g. I'm gonna try it out and post my results.

[@qua7771]

I'm good at breaking 9's.

[@matthewmjb6860]

@@butthole4185 I tried the 9 12 15 24 32 42 set and it's amazing! The tension is more balanced, and when I bend G and B together, they feel more natural.

[@sifka1607]

When you're used to a problematic string set, it's difficult to see the problem. Name-dropping serves no purpose here, famous people can be wrong too 😉

[@BourneAccident]

Dude, great video. You nailed the problem with the .09s. I've been playing for decades and went from 13- 56 but as I age, I switched up to .10s. I'm gonna try the .09s again but with your mods. Thanks for making this video and don't let these comments throw you off.

[@MisterRorschach90]

I haven’t had an electric guitar for a few years since my band broke up and someone offered me more than I paid for my Tom delong strat. When I had my guitar I stopped buying string packs and just chose the gauges myself at the music store by buying single strings. I experimented using light gauge acoustic strings for the low strings to get more oomf and man, as long as you didn’t care about the strain it put on the neck, it made the guitar sound like a 5000 dollar custom shop. My dad would constantly take it out of my room to play at church in the worship band. It was hilarious seeing a 40 something year old quintessential dad playing a surf green Tom delong strat next to 60 year old women playing organ and pianos.

[@bluegryp]

Are you saying us 40 something’s can’t play surf green strats? Come on now son, we’ve been rocking strats of all sorts since before you were born! I agree with you though that it would be amusing seeing it in a worship band next to a 60yo organist.

[@MisterRorschach90]

@@bluegryp oh trust me I understand that the surf green strat dates to the 50s but it was the Tom delong blink 182 model. That’s what made it funny. Lol

[@mkv2718]

you know they make mixed sets with heavy bottoms and light top strings right? also, using acoustic strings actually makes it harder for your pickups to, well, pickup the strings. there’s a reason electric strings are nickel wound and not bronze like acoustic strings

[@stevekirkby6570]

I'm 66 so you should really get a laugh out of me playing my Explorer with a Floyd Rose. Yikes your dad was 40 and playing a surf green guitar! How did you cope :)

[@MisterRorschach90]

@@stevekirkby6570 no you didn’t get it. There’s nothing wrong with a 40 year old playing a surf green strat. That’s one of the original colors. I’m saying it was funny that he was playing a blink 182 guitar on stage with an extremely conservative church band. The kind of church where the old folks actually get mad if it’s not just piano and organ only. I think you’re reading way too much into the age issue.

[@strungout3718]

I just want to clarify something before anyone else posts a comment about this. I never said 9's were ONLY used by beginner guitarists. I'm well aware that many professional guitarists use 9's, I even pointed this out right after. It seems a lot of people paused the video right after they heard "used by beginner guitarists" without listening to what I had to say next and went straight to the comments.

[@poseidon5003]

Welcome to KZbin. The most toxic and judgemental comments section on the popular web. LOL I began with 10's and ended up buying a guitar set up for 11's. unfortunately it doesn't stay in tune, and the floating bridge is too loose with lighter gauges. I would rather use 9's so it's a new guitar for me. LOL

[@birdie17uk]

@@poseidon5003 What guitar is is? I've locked down the bridge on my Jaguar by just wrapping electrical tape around the posts, a common trick on floating bridges. I also tried 11's because 'you're supposed to' on offsets, but they're not for me. Have you checked the nut is okay, that could also be contributing to tuning problems?

[@poseidon5003]

@@birdie17uk Hagstrom Hj-500 Tremar. The guitar came and was set up for 11's. Big hollow bodies are usually designed for 11's and won't stay in tune at all if you use the tremolo bar with anything lighter. But I tune it down half a step (E flat) to make it easier to bend the strings....and a lot of rock bands and individuals tune down half a step anyway.

[@andthoseotherguys]

Nah. People just hear what they want. They then think that their opinion actually matters to anyone other than themselves. That's around the time they start to spout off whatever nonesense they can halfway spell. ;) With that said, I would prefer 8s. I like bends and treble with my distortion. :p

[@poseidon5003]

@@andthoseotherguys LOL

[@Glicksman1]

Gee, me, Eric Clapton, and Brian May never realized that there was a problem with a .09 set. The reason for the lighter 2nd string is that that is the string we bend most. Why work harder than you have to?

[@christianfoster3806]

If only Eddie Van Halen had seen this video before he passed away, he wouldnt have been playing a too loose b string.

[@Glicksman1]

@@christianfoster3806 If only. (sigh!)

[@ssslayer]

Oh well, this comment is a perfect example of how there are always people ready to defend illogical conventions.

[@dennisfox8673]

@@ssslayer truly. And I say this as a guy who’s played 9s for decades, and will in all likelihood continue to do so, but for all the talk about tone woods, pickups, signal chains it’s nice to see someone illuminating the strings themselves.

[@jannestefanoobski3604]

1:58 wtf is that finger

[@coldragoon]

Lost my appetite

[@woeg7610]

Man is clippin the f out them nails for this video 🤣🤣🤣

[@Herfinnur]

I use 8-38. It started out as a way to lessen the pain I had from doing manual labor, but I ended up figuring out how to change my amp and effects settings do get the sounds I want, and the mental effort it took to play almost without any tension so as to not go out of tune, improved the sound and feel of my playing so much, that I can't go back to 10-52 anymore. Just give me as slack a strong as possible and I'll be happy. Are there any even thinner string sets available?

[@BuddieOLLi]

007 exists - with KZbin Videos ( Beato )

[@Marta1Buck]

7 is too thin, it might be too easy to break

[@riangarianga]

@@Marta1Buck On the contrary, for some reason it's more difficult to break .007" than .008", since it requires less tension to get to the proper pitch. You can bend .007" further without structural worries. Regardless, I regularly play .008" and I only break this gauge at the ball end, where the core is twisted to hold the ball. Because the machines most manufacturers use just put a too sharp of a kink there, right next to the ball, weakening the metal.

[@bubbles3161]

I started using 10’s they stay in tune, more tone. The chords are fuller the leads sound better in a 3 piece band live. If I’m shredding I prefer 9’s. But while playing music I prefer 10’s.

[@backaidsblythe2620]

I was using tens for the longest time and was having tuning stability issues so I went back to pink and it helps . I always wondered about this concept though thanks for the informative video

[@developmentofavoid2643]

Never even considered the off balance of 9s, good stuff man, thanks for the extra brain.

[@doyledarby9020]

When I use a set of 9s on my strat, the 1st string seems a bit stiff for whole step bending. The 2nd and third feel right for me. I change the 9 to an 8.5 and it works for me.

[@jye_24]

No offence ur all just softies. 11s or nothing… get some big boy fingers

[@brucedeleon9505]

Check your intonation and saddles if need adjusting. Is your strat a USA made or foreign made? That also can be a factor.

[@FrankyFeedler]

@@jye_24 Just because you can bend an 11 doesn't mean you should. It really depends on your playing level and style. Lightning fast bends and tremelo in high tempo solo's simply have less of a speed limit imposed on lighter gauges of strings. No matter your strength, a lighter string will allow more freedom for the same effort.

[@sirspongadoodle]

@@FrankyFeedler wrong absolutely untrue

[@FrankyFeedler]

@@sirspongadoodle Thanks for your well-founded argument.

[@catmando4914]

I think for beginners like me, a balanced set would be best. Having trouble with bar chords, is a typical hurdle for beginners. I think many beginners might get disillusioned and/or quit the guitar. I did when I was 10, now I am restarting at 65.

[@ReturnTheSanity]

Playing chords with 9’s is quite easy, even for children. There is no issue with 9’s, but there is with balanced sets. If there was no trade off, all sets would come balanced. In order to get the best and balanced sounding tones, you can’t have balanced tension strings.

[@FrankyFeedler]

@@ReturnTheSanity Can you explain how an imbalance in string tension results in a balance in 'tone'? Because 9 and 11 sound pretty much similar while a 16 sounds like a thicker string. A more even distribution would to my ear result in a more even progression of treble to bass going from high to low strings. Also, with your logic, would a regular 10-13-17 (more balanced than 9) sound unbalanced compared to 9?

[@Lee-Buskar]

Interesting. As a guitar nerd, I think you should post more. Now, I feel more comfortable putting together a custom set. Thank you.

[@radman1136]

Hendrix, Billy Gibbons, Van Halen, Jimmy Page .... 8's (Those are just the ones I know for certain without looking; in fact Gibbons is 7.5's). Light gauge is not for beginners. Play what feels good for you, get your tone with your pickups and rig set up, and if you are worried about what anyone else says or thinks you're screwing up.

[@ninjajackdv]

www.jeffperrinmusic.com/blog/string-gauges-of-50-legendary-guitar-players/

[@seric4546]

Brian May uses 8's as well.

[@generalawareness101]

Just purchased two sets of 8s to arrive within a month. I have a hereditary problem as my body destroys calluses, and by that I mean we (my family) don't get them. They start to form then go to bed to wake up with them 90-100% gone. It gets so bad that when I try to practise it feels like I am playing on razor blades, and immediately have to stop. So much pain that I am seven months in, and you wouldn't know that I wasn't in my first week. I play 10s, and I wonder if 8s would help at all? Going to find out soon enough, and for my first month I was on Balanced 9s.

[@bilkywaygalaxy]

@@seric4546 May uses 9s now and had his own signature set which I use. Love them

[@chrisking6695]

Lighter gauge strings are definitely better for beginners because they have waaaaay less tension.

[@3rdtonefromthesun]

Balanced tension is the way forward, I use 9-12-15-24-32-48 Progressive tension on the wound strings helps with flubbiness and my Low E is intentionally heavier not due to drop tuning but rather again relating to avoiding over-oscillation and providing more meat on the string to grab as I fret with my thumb a lot and have the action of that string high.

[@diimuziku]

Is that less G Heavy ? I mean a 17 on the G probably makes the guitar more g heavy sounding

[@3rdtonefromthesun]

@ Yes, as far as the plain strings are concerned it’s a more balanced both tension and tone-wise. In the context of a standard set of 10’s though I don’t think the G string is out of place - you will see the B string bumped up half a gauge from a 13 to 13.5. Fun fact - tuning down half a step is roughly the same as dropping a half gauge rather than a full gauge as is often said.

[@diimuziku]

@@3rdtonefromthesun ok but with a 10-46 set the B is a 13 not a 13.5 unless you replace it or use a 10.5- 46/48 set. I was wondering replacing the 17 G with a 16 or a 15 but maybe that's ok with a 17 ? I don't like my 42 when playing with the thumb as you said the low E bends and moves too easily. I want to change for 10-46 or 48 set but the plain G always sounds a bit sharp, the plain g string are more to that maybe the nut slot is not low enough

[@bitdevice]

After playing regular 9-42 for years and never liked it I switched to the Fender 8-46 set. So much better in every way. Better string tension on the low E string and easier to bend the high E string. Give it a try!

[@aarxv_s1042]

I switched to 10s and then again 9s 9s felt so better but 8s are too light imo

[@sleboeu]

I always used 9's but tried 8's and I love them.

[@dickowner900]

I used 8-38 but da G just sounds weird

[@TelipatiEvolustions]

That is malmsteen secret ..

[@221b-l3t]

​@@TelipatiEvolustions He has an even heavier bottom, I think Yngwie set is 8-46 or so.

[@siekerstudios9207]

I find this very helpful. I'm going to need new string someday and I think I'll try a balanced set.

[@philchapman1463]

Thanks for posting this, nice to have options in regarding strings and there tension and in relation to each other. Well described. Players have often moved to a lighter gauge set for ease of bending notes and as one can see the difference in the high strings is often 10 down to 9 or 9 down to 8 or 8 down to 7 for the high E string, yes this does make a difference in tension for bending. Using a 12 gauge for the b string in a string set of a "9 gauge set" sounds like good advice. Note: when using an "8 gauge set" I wrap the low E under the tailpiece of a tune-o-matic bridge to increase tension of the low E string. Sometimes I will do the same for the A string.

[@stevepelham9010]

I have noticed an unbalance G-B-E especialy G will go stiff, on a Strat a easy fix by lowering the string but on a tunomatic system it is what it is so I avoid slinky 9 on my Lp as E will feel way to sloppy and G stiff or the other way around depending on my setup.

[@keithlamontdavis8047]

I play Billy Gibbons' 7's on a Les Paul, which already has a short scale (!!!). It feels weird unitl you get used to it and it feels like they're fragile unitl you realize they aren't. The feel, responsiveness and tone are all amazing. Not great for modern metal but awesome for most everything else.

[@acutemadness]

I’ve noticed that there’s a balance of control and efficiency with 10s; I didn’t have as much stamina with those in standard on a 25.5” scale, but 9s of the same material and tuning on a 24.75” scale are more prone to the edge strings jumping off the fretboard like in part of Kirk’s Master of Puppets solo before the whammy.

[@perrythomasmusic3709]

how difficult is it, if you are playing a song where you have to play some chords? Is it difficult keeping the chord shape without pullling it out of tune?

[@CocoKoi321]

😳

[@stevekirkby6570]

@@perrythomasmusic3709 7's here on an Explorer, and it is fine... I mean really fine... lots of power and grunt, just lighten your touch a bit and chords ring true.... plus you have the option technique of bending them as desired :) Rick Beato has an interesting video on light strings vs heavy and the concensus definately was more definition without a loss of heft. Scientifically done too comparing waveforms and levels etc. I would reccomend checking out lighter guages - we do not need to strain to do bends with todays materials.

[@bkmeahan]

@@perrythomasmusic3709 it can be. it took me a year or so to learn to ease up enough to not pull it out of tune.

[@strungout3718]

Thanks everyone for your comments! Didn't expect this video to get this much attention this quickly!

[@NestofWeasels]

@@strungout3718 No, …absolutely a good topic and I’m going to get around to try your tension balancing ideas.

[@tangobayus]

I have an Elixir 11 set on my acoustic, but I changed the top string to 12. It still seems a little thin compared to the 2 string, so maybe I could go to 13.

[@stevelaferney3579]

I’ve heard and seen Billie Gibbons and Rick Beato talk and play different string sets with the idea of getting better tone and also better bending results and I’m using StringJoy 8-40 set after trying a 15 G on a 9-42 set of EB’s for a while on my Strat and it’s a game changer for my old fingers. I think I’d still be using 8’s if I were younger. Much more comfortable and fun.

[@EmperorKamikaze]

* the reason for the offset from 4th string to 5th string is because G is four notes below the B string above it, while all other strings are five notes above or below their neighboring string

[@rogersilcox524]

I play a short scale (24”) guitar. I compromise with a set 9.5/44.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

There are Wound Strings thinner than 17w like 16w, etc from Octave4Plus & the wound strings have less tension than the plain strings to minimize brekage.

[@omegacanon]

Stringjoy help me with my Agile 7 string multiscale acoustic because nobody makes 7 acoustic sets, I keep the lowest string at a "Drop A" and usually use a 0.070

[@doughannah4051]

I really appreciate you doing this video on strings. I do play 9s but had thought about trying balanced strings. You convinced me to try them. I do play string joy strings. I will order a set of balanced 9s. Thanks Doug,

[@bradleyshuppert3393]

I have played every brand, .009-.042. I settled on the Dean Markley Blue Steels. They are cryogenically treated and I actually have a set on a strat that has been there for 2.5 years and still play like they are brand new. I wish others would cryo-treat but I believe DM has the market on that. It took me 3.5 years to play every brand over the same guitar. I wrote down everything in a log book with the labels glued to each page and took extensive notes. I have played DM Blue Steels for 30 years. Never felt a balanced set… will be trying them or getting DM to make me a set of I can even find out how to get ahold of them. Keep Playing!!

[@ericbitzer5247]

I've been using Blue Steels for years. I prefer the custom light 9-46 with a slightly heavier bottom. They certainly do last much longer. I used to change strings often but since the first time I've tried the Blue Steels, I was sold. A bit more expensive, but definitely worth it!

[@kennethdismukes1942]

I’ve never tried Blue Steels, but I think steel strings last longer in general. Have you ever tried Pyramid strings? Their plain steel strings are silver plated.

[@ericbitzer5247]

@@kennethdismukes1942 I never even heard of Pyramid strings. The Blue Steels are cryogenically treated and really do last a lot longer. I used to change my strings very often, as soon as the sound started getting a little dull. The Blue Steels are a bit more expensive, but not having to change them so often makes it so worth it. I keep em clean too and the sound stays bright.

[@ericbitzer5247]

@@kennethdismukes1942 Silver plated sounds interesting though. Are they expensive?

[@ericbitzer5247]

@@kennethdismukes1942 I just noticed my original reply and I didn't realize I was being redundant. Sorry about that.

[@Rockamps78]

There is an advantage to the loose B string. When doing a double stop bend on the G and B strings with a single finger, the looser B will of course displace less distance than the G, but will reach up to the next half step pitch in sync with the G string reaching up a whole step. For example, bend up on the 9th fret. The G# note on the B will reach A and the E note on the G will reach F#. This is more difficult to do in tune on a balanced tension 9 set. If your playing has a lot of double stop bends from the major interval up to the next minor third, on the G and B strings, then the standard gauges work best.

[@murasame3508]

I currently play regular 9s but the bottom e string is to lose for me. So I'm debating trying 9-52. Currently using 9-46.

[@slamspam]

nice video, it looks like a lot of the comments are hung up on you calling them beginner strings or whatever, but your analysis of tension spread between the strings was thought provoking and makes me want to try this stuff myself instead of accepting the preset because "there's no way i could know better than the manufacturer"

[@ricktheexplorer]

This is very good advice, and Stringjoy can send you a set with every string to specs. I use 10's on the LP with 52 as the bottom string. On the stunt guitar I have 9-42's. Basically, string gauge is something to experiment with; the differences can wildly improve your creativity and playing.

[@IshredGuitar]

Most electric guitars are engineered for 9-42, my vintage Yamaha Pacifica manual from 1989 for my 921's,521, 712, 721, 912 recommends 9-42 electric guitar stings, the whole guitar was designed by Rich Lasner. I think I'll trust Rich Lasner and my 40 years playing and working on electric guitars.

[@CentralHubEmporium]

I've tried out many different sets over the years and I always come back to a set of 11s with an 21w third string. It's perfect for me as far as tone, rythym, lead,

[@alvaroimizcozgarcia118]

Have you checked if there is a perfectly linear relation between gauge and tension?

[@FrankyFeedler]

You wouldn't expect it to be linear since the gauge of a string is the diameter, meaning you'd expect 4 times the material if you double the gauge. There are string tension calculators for this, which the poster displays in the video.

[@tball5677]

That's funny, you call 9 gauge a "beginner" gauge. 😂🤣

[@markcampbell7554]

Beginner's like Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen all preferred 9-42 set's. So do I. I have a couple guitar's set up with 9-46 and 10-46, but they just work well because of the neck sizes and set up. But I prefer 9-42 on most of my guitar's because they are more comfortable and i don't have any tuning issue's because I have a master Luthier who also plays 9-42 setting them up.

[@AngeloLuis22]

What is the action of your guitar?

[@oldplucker1]

@@markcampbell7554 Jimi Hendrix actually used Thin Banjo strings for his top B and E strings and the string technology was way better then. Swedish steel was used and other methods to create superior strings to those we have today. He would not have got those bends without strings thinner than 9s. He used a custom made set not off the peg. Most guitarists had their own guitar man who set the guitar up for them so they could be playing with 8’s and not know it. I can hear what gauge strings people are using anyway just by listening and all the best classic breaks were done with thin strings and low action.

[@oldplucker1]

@@markcampbell7554 Hank Marvin is the only one I know of who plays thicker than 9s and is really famous. This is because his sound relies on slower melodic playing with a clean sound requiring a rich tone. He has played 9’s 10’s 11’s 12’s 13’s but he uses the vibrato bar to get vibrato and more than single tone bends. When he started 13s were standard but finger vibrato was impossible and only single tone finger bends. To go fast and really bend the strings and use finger vibrato you need thin strings. This is why finger vibrato emerged in the late 1960s because thinner strings became available. Virtually all lead guitarists use the Hank Marvin formula of Single note lead with some Double Stops and Vibrato on held notes or at ends of phrases. Hank Marvin also pioneered the on stage echo unit. And he also used and created echo timings which led the way for guitarists like David Gilmour and Jimi Hendrix, and Mark Knopfler and most of the others too. A good example of a clean instrumental based on the Hank Marvin Formula is ‘Albatross’ by Fleetwood Mac. Thicker strings and the use of the Vibrato Bar plus Echo is ideal for this slow clean melodic instrumental. And Hank plays it too. Listen to the Fleetwood Mac version and the Hank Marvin version to compare. Up to the mid 1960s all lead guitarists were expected to be able to play like Hank Marvin.

[@ileutur6863]

@@oldplucker1 I feel really bad for the guitarists out there that believe all this snake oil. Yeah you need swedish steel and a custom set to sound good cause Hendrix supposedly did it. Ffs...

[@JimboLodisC]

BUNN SENT ME. But this video is actually super relevant as I recently switched over all my guitars to .009's

[@butthole4185]

I never actually payed any attention to the intervals before but this video just convinced me that I need a custom set.

[@z_855turboR]

Don't you just love it, when casualy and relaxed click on a random video, and ending up with a problem, that you didn't have before that:p

[@butthole4185]

@@z_855turboR I did notice they werent all the same tension though. The e being substantially harder to bend than the b and g kinda drove me apeshit. String gauge intervals just didnt click for some reason. If I can fix it by adjusting em I'll be pretty stoked really. I'll let you know how it works out.

[@z_855turboR]

@@butthole4185 Haha Well I played 10 gauge for a long time but I noticed my bends getting worse and worse, so tried 9 and was happy with it. I started with D.Markley blue steel and over the years did a full circle back to them. They are fairy light to begin with, but still..then with 9 I was happy with the feel, but sound changed a bit, so I spent alot of time to compensate, as you can imagine. Now I don't wanna be interested in this because I don't wanna try another strings in my life..but then again I'm interested:) I remember once tried Rotosound 10 gauge, best feeling ever, so soft and light, but unfortunately the sound lost it's life and sparkle a bit..

[@Addahasan]

Interesting, never noticed that. But did felt it while playing that there is off balance in b/t strings

[@El_Rebelde_]

I have 10 on mine but I don't like the thickness of the lower strings. I'm thinking about tying 10 on top but 9 on bottoms.

[@aligamermod3677]

I started using tony iommi strings witch is 8 to 35 a week ago and it was amazing

[@ThatSockmonkey]

I've been playing custom fats for years and that just feels right to me. But i chucked on summer 9s at a show and they weren't that different.

[@bobowrathsovine.]

I use D Standard tuning. I use light top heavy bottom gauge 10-52. But my ideal guage of strings would be 10.5-55 but haven't actually found this

[@seanabbottband]

Yes, I’ve always noticed the b string being more slinky, i’m going to try a balance set, thanks for posting

[@douglasbyrd6338]

How about hybrid slinkys. Been using them for a few yrs and I personally like them

[@KennyHenrick]

i'd like to here your opinion of my 9.5s from daddario. that's my electric gage. i have 12s on my acoustic . also, i think billy gibbons used 8s

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

Try the billy gibbons mexican lottery 7s. Its a lot of fun.

[@unhumano5838]

I have 25 years playing with 9 and 10. 9 for 25.5 and 10 for 24.75 / 25 scales . To be blunt, it depends much of the guitar and their manufacturing, especialy the neck. The problem that you talk about, I found it with the 10 sets on many epiphones. Personal i feel that the 9 its a little too thin for me, so in many cases i been use some mixed or hybrid sets. There are too many variables on the table when it comes the issue of the hand-feel of the player.

[@JethroBoDean]

I've played 9's for years I learned of this balanced set recently I tried it it took some getting use to I do like it better but bending the g string was something that took me a little while to not over bend it

[@Fastlane05]

I use EB 9s Slinky's and love them. I would be interested in trying out the balanced set. Sounds interesting.

[@JBD0909]

I got tiny hands and use Medium Bottom Heavy top 11 gauge strings on my strat. Love how they feel and the aggresive tone along with my metal pick.

[@yrulooknatme]

I have acquired an old yamaha fg260. (12) It came to me with a pretty good belly. The previous owner had some heavy string on her. I installed a bridge dr. and want to run the lightest strings I can on it, even if I have make a set up. I installed a set of ernie ball earthwood 9 46 2010 on her and they are ok but I would go lighter if I could. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[@frantisca]

Hi! I used 9’s for years but I like to feel some resistance as I tend to bend a lot. I now use 3 main sets: 10-48 on Teles and 335 like, where the 3 wound strings give a bit more flesh to the tone, 10-46 on guitars with humbuckers - LP, SG, and Gilmour’s blue on Strats, that particularly fit these guitars well: 10-12-16-28-38-48. On special occasions, I use Duesenberg 10-50’s for PRS and Thinline that require more powerful bass. My 2c$…😉 P.S: my experience with manufacturers’ balanced sets wasn’t convincing…

[@dannoecho]

Thank you for the information. I will try out your suggestion.

[@OzzieWozzieOriginal]

Sir, I have two big problems with strings... 1. when I am using the finer set, the 3rd string always break fast followed by the 1st.... 2. Even though I always change the strings in one set, the sound always not fully balanced, eg the 2nd string not as loud as the rest... Is this a problem with the string or pickup?? thanks

[@afrocat4592]

If you're breaking strings a lot, you might have a problem with your bridge saddles or your nut. Make sure that all of the slots are smooth and free of any sharp burrs that your strings could be getting caught on. Take an old string and slide it through the nut and saddle grooves and see if they're all smooth. If there is any resistance they can be filed or sanded smooth. That could also fix the sound differences between strings.

[@OzzieWozzieOriginal]

@@afrocat4592 Thanks for the TIp

[@Robert96902]

This is definitely interesting but will it really be that much different to have that custom set? I barely notice a difference between 9s and 10s 😂 I can play just fine on either

[@meytecc8601]

During the 90s, there were balanced 9s and 10s sets by DiMarzio (yes, DiMarzio). They stopped making strings after just a few years. I loved their sets. I don't remember the exact gauges, but they felt just wonderful.

[@GuitarQuackery]

Just discovered this channel. Love it.

[@rustyaxelrod]

I played 10’s for years and switched to 9’s a couple years ago. I wasn’t aware of this tension issue but I recently have been doing some recording and realized I do bend a little sharp sometimes, I don’t notice it when I’m playing but I can see it in the DAW and now I can hear it on playback. Maybe this is the reason. Guess I’ll get a balanced set and see if it makes any difference. Worth a shot 👍

[@zanderday4466]

question for you (and everyone) . . . I'm working on a song that has a tuning of the low E down to a low C (CGDGBE) using daddario NYXL's 10 - 13 - 17 - 26 - 36 - 46 is there a better string set that would help me with that low tuning? axe is old (ha) '59 gibson acoustic electric. hate to set up a guitar for just one song - but if i have to I have to :-) thanks for any thoughts

[@ChickenMcFuggets]

10s will work if you play gently but with the shorter scale of a Gibson I'd say 11s or maybe even12s if you're having intonation problems with 10s Edit: I see you're only dropping the lowest 2 strings? You could get just the 6th string 48 gauge from a set of 11s

[@zanderday4466]

@@ChickenMcFuggets thanks . . . will try the 48 gauge for the low C- its that super low C thats banging around and bugging me - heres what I'm chasing fwiw: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJTbfqCNisxgjMk play gentle, ha I kinda dig in - maybe I should try that finesse thing :-)

[@zanderday4466]

@@ChickenMcFuggets thanks will try that

[@russdesaulniers3112]

Headstock design also comes into play. Put a set of 9's on a Strat. Now put them on a Strat with a reverse headstock. Different feel . Everyone talks scale length, but it's tailpiece to tuner that should be considered. High E on a Les Paul, 29 inches. High E on a Strat or Tele, 32 inches.

[@Kleyguy7]

Which is easier to bend?

[@russdesaulniers3112]

@@Kleyguy7 Standard headstock will have looser bass strings, and tighter treble strings. Reverse headstock will have tighter bass strings, and looser treble strings.

[@Kleyguy7]

@@russdesaulniers3112 makes sense, thank s

[@aaronmaiden3606]

@@russdesaulniers3112 maybe it's the opposite kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGWZeXqsZcqbq7M

[@search895]

@@russdesaulniers3112 And what about locking nuts like in floyd rose bridged guitars? Does it matter?

[@NightOwlGames]

im just using 9s to keep it as close to factory default as possible im not sure about other sizes i dont know if they better or worse

[@Lewcifer0]

I’ve been using the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky strings for years now and I love them. You basically get the best of both worlds.

[@mightyjb5261]

There's a little bit of magic in each pack! I've been using them for years too and they can't be beaten.

[@billshiff2060]

I want to switch down to .008-.038, Whats that like?

[@adnap]

I play a Taylor T5 which not only has the stacked humbucker, body sensor, and two pickups under the neck, it also has an LR Baggs Anthem system installed, which I installed myself. I have been toying around with different gauges over the years. I use a total Frankenstein set of strings: 10-12-16-32-42-54 (I previously switched the 13 out for a 12) I have decided to switch to a new custom set which will be 9-11-15-30-38-50 With the exception of the light top heavy bottom factor, this is pretty close to what you’re recommending. Im using GHS White Bronze for the wound, and random single 9’s and 11’s. Looks like with these, I may be on the right track. FYI, being that this guitar plays mostly like an electric, but doesn’t quite have the frets, the action, or the scale to play like a true electric, I’m thinking that the little bit of extra tension will make it play/feel more 10’s. Thanks. I may follow up here with my findings, but hopefully either way, this set works out.

[@garyt3hsna1l82]

I Use the Fender YJM set its got .08 on the top and .48 on the bottom, (not sure about the b) most of my favorite shredders use lighter strings for the boost in dexterity light strings provide when compared with heavier gauges.

[@Nankech]

I use 9s on my Fender-type guitars and 10s on my Gibson-types. I also use 13s flatwounds with the 3rd being a wound one on my Teisco. I must say, I don’t think I ever noticed having a hard time with bar chords (I must say, I don’t use them that much, prefering alternatives with as much open strings as I can).

[@northernbrother1258]

Interesting! I recently changed to 9s and really liked the lower tension and didn't notice any tone difference.

[@jstnxprsn]

I've used 9s for 50 years and I'm fine with them. The B (11) string doesn't feel too loose but the G string might be better if it's a slightly smaller gauge, as I bend TF out of it also. I might inquire into doing a customized set jst to see how much difference it makes, but I doubt it's worth the likely cost increase doing it that way. We shall see. Thanks for the thought.

[@geroffmilan3328]

Need to consider impact on intonation here I think. I'd be curious about what a luthier thought. But at face value, a more consistent spread of tension on the neck, across all strings, seems likely to have a positive impact on changing intonation over time. If so, then this suggested change might be most suitable for newer guitarists who aren't comfortable with adjusting guitar set-up.

[@djb3545]

I love 9’s but feel they might be to thin on jumbo frets. Anyone feel the same way?

[@chipdice]

where is your band playing, when does your album come out?

[@JohnnyAllan-vj7sj]

I started using 11s and 12s for tone reasons and I'll never go back. Thicker strings are not hard to play when you get used to them. In fact they make playing much easier and more controllable

[@turbomike71]

I switched from 8 to 9. Didn't really like it, plus the heavier the guage wear the frets more.

[@Sweedurbex]

Its the opposite for me I started out playing acoustic with 13s and I like to play metal and rock music mostly on electric so I use 11 or 12s

[@turbomike71]

@@Sweedurbex Wow, those are pretty thick. I found alot of the Blues guitar players use 8's. Maybe it has more to do with the type of music, and guitar.

[@stephencooper7459]

@@turbomike71 for years I switched a 12 string to six strings on the 22. I used 13 acoustics. I bought a new guitar and I'm moving to lighter strings . The 12 string I'll still play as a 6 string. The guitar is fucked sound wise old ovation that's got big crack in side but I'll still play it sometimes . Then go back to my new one. It good for training purposes ☺️

[@matthewaguirre9517]

does any company make 9-52s? (for a six string) 10-52s is just a bit much

[@musicman0423]

What if you have a multi scale guitar? I can adjust string tension and scale length on my guitar

[@Shadowman-1960]

I think this was good video and makes sense to me enough to try ist.Thank you! Subscribed. : )

[@RJW14]

I personally play 9.5's because they're next to as bendable as 9's but the bit of extra thickness gives it a bit of extra presence in the mids that's very pleasant to me.

[@austinfailz]

I swap the 11 and 16 for a 12 and 15. The 16 is used with 10-46 sets I use. 9-12-15 and 10-13-16 feels great to my fingers. Between the two sets (9-42 is tuned to E standard, while 10-46 is tuned to Eb standard), the strings are pretty even between themselves of a certain type (plain, wound), and the other set. I can't remember off the top of my head, but I think the plain strings are around 13 pounds, while the wound strings are around 16.

[@humanbeing3777]

I make a more balanced tension set out of a 9-42 by switching out the 9 and 11 for 10 and 13.

[@asherasator]

That's what Steve Morse used to do.

[@hallucinatedovens8414]

I used to play a set of: 12, 15, 18, 28, 36, 44. I like higher tension on the higher strings and less on the bottom

[@visualkeirockstar]

I used to play 9 until 8 started become more available. I use 8-38 for standard, and that made playing so much easier.

[@PaulTaylor-k9w]

At what hz dose the guitar bottom E break please

[@kaindog1007]

I play Fender 10-38 Hendrix inspired set. I’m locked in for life.

[@alvaroneira4241]

I'm glad that finally someone mention this! I always change the second string to .012 but the G string seems fine to me at .016. If I use D'Addario's .008's, I also have to change the second string to .011.

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

Currently using 8, 11, 14, 24, 32, 42 and I am liking it better than regular 9s.

[@Jamman610]

I use 8s on my Fernandes Revolver Pro because of its stiffness feel with other gauges. I use 10s flat wounds on my ES 135, 9s even tension on my Strat & Hamer. And you’re if so inclined GHS has Santana 9 1/2 gauge I use those on my 58 Junior that my brother gave me back in 65. If it feels good do it.

[@CrownedWarriorBand]

Years ago I used 9's and always found that the 16 seemed out of balance. Then I found Fender 150XL 9's with a 15 G string and played those for years. That changed when I started using guitars with Floyd Rose bridges. I found that I needed more tension on the wound strings. I've been using the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky 9-11-16-26-36-46 since then. I'm not saying they are perfect. I have also experimented with different sets from String Joy. I may change again...who knows. ;-)

[@eddieht8996]

Great video! I thought nobody ever noticed that! There is a bit of an issue with the G string: I have tried both regular 9-42 set and balanced 9-40 and honestly that 15 gauge feels a bit too loose in comparison to the 12 gauge string I also tried sets like 11-54 that have a 15 gauge string as the second string and it feels weird to have more tension on your 2nd string compared to the first string. Also a 22p as the third string next to a 15 gauge string feels really weird to my taste. It took me a while to realize that no matter the gauge of strings you use, the first string always has to have a little bit more tension than the 2nd string, the 3rd string has to have a bit more tension than the 2nd string, the 4th string has to have a bit less tension than the 5th string and the 6th string needs to have a bit less tension than the 5th string So in conclusion: 9-12-16-24w-32-42 would feel a little bit better for most players

[@rockandrollmd541]

The low E is looser than the A and D on standard sets. One way to tighten the tension without going up a gauge is to put a piece of foam under the string behind the headstock and or tune-o-matic bridge. It's like a fret-wrap, but for a specific string. It dampens the resonance and makes the string feel stiffer.

[@hellomynameisscen]

What if I use 10's? Would a balanced set, by your calculations, be 10-13-16 (+3 interval) - 26-34-44 (+8 and +10 respectively)?

[@reno145]

The notion that 9s are exclusively for beginners is just insane. Some of the greatest songs ever recorded were done with 8s back in the 70s.

[@RaymondLandis]

Nice information that I've never heard before... Thank you! I have been using Hybrid Slinky that are 9-11-16-26-36-46. Do you know the tensions of these?

[@josuastangl7140]

I play those as well. A 42 just doesn’t work for me, 46 is great, but when playing really long gigs with like 5h of playing, 9s on top simply don’t make my hands fatigue.

[@MrMojabo]

Using your idea. What would the difference be? I'm not sure the point. I'm bending them to the note I want or not. I played with 11's and 10's for many years. When I went 9's it was just easier. I use to use a wound G for while also. I've tried mixing em up changing bottom strings for bigger sound ,, but when it's all said and done for ease and sound ernie ball 9's are working.