What strings should I use on my classical guitar? High tension/low tension?

[@masonhamlin8239]

As a luthier, my favorite day was when I realized there is no one way to build any guitar, and there are no perfect strings. When you buy a guitar, pick the one you like the best. When you are buying strings, buy a bunch of different sizes and brands. Try them all and see what you like best. Don’t listen to people who try to tell you what to buy. Try for yourself and pick what works for you. And above all, don’t forget to have fun!

[@gutsman85_86]

I'm so glad to hear someone vocalize this. The man at the music store almost didn't let me buy the thicker strings I wanted. I was trying to gain some control I'd been losing over the last few months and he just thought I wanted to effect my tone and be a SRV copycat. I appreciated that he didn't want me fooled by any misconceptions, but, dang, don't fight me and make me explain myself for EVERY purchase. Do I look that dumb? Do you not want my money!? 😂😂

[@mikel9319]

You might want to check what strings the manufacture (or luthier) sells the guitar with. Sometimes this will be the optimized string for the guitar... the luthier has actually built the guitar around. Other times the guitar you buy has just cheap strings to get a guitar out the door. I'm talking acoustic guitars here!

[@EatMyBacon000]

​@gutsman85_86 he might have an experience strings being returned because the user thought it was good. also he might want to prevent you to buy things that you might regret because there are times when a customer regrets the product they bought, they tend to not buy it at the same store. though he should've ask you if you're sure or if you're a beginner before preventing you to buy so that he will know that you know what you're doing

[@marcohermans3207]

Finally someone who is able to explain the difference in tension in normal words based on experience. Very good. I advice students to begin with normal tension. After a year try high tension. Try different brands. Expensive doesn't mean that you get the best. Experiment and that's the only way to figure out what kind of strings you like and what sounds best with your guitar.

[@kevinemmanuel785]

Thanks for the info bro

[@Doowopsid]

Great advice

[@origamimasters5626]

5 years later and still helping people. Thanks so much!

[@ejpurkis]

Thank you for the most helpful explanation of tension choice on the net. Not opinionated, didactic or coloured by prejudice. Brilliantly explaned, easy to follow based on real experience. Invaluable.

[@DVSPress]

Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you found it informative!

[@DavidDavis-FA-photog]

Thanks dude, you have answered all my the questions I had I had about buying my first replacement of classical guitar strings.

[@johnrogers235]

ive never thought of sustain from a guitar as a first order differential equation until now. nice dude

[@BooBooJonez]

Nice splainin'. I play a lot of electric but I started on a cat~gut classical some 50 years ago. I just found a 1969 Dorado by Guild that's pretty much like the one I had at 10-12 years old. I found this beautiful guitar at Elmer's Barn, Coopers Mills, Maine. I paid $80 and it's in remarkable condition. And the serial number is #207... I think I'm going for the high tension strings. Sound's like they may feel similar to electric strings... Thanks for the insight.

[@jdpop60]

This is a truly informative and useful video. As a newer classical guitar player, it helped me understand the types of classical strings available and the key differences between acoustic and classical strings. Thanks for making it.

[@rikardsguitar]

I’ve always wondered what type of string those spanish guitarists use, when the sound is so smooth!

[@danieljohnford9939]

You saved my life bro. Thank you.

[@DVSPress]

I had no idea I could save lives by pontificating on guitar strings.

[@thomasswaffield9462]

Perfect! I ask so many people for their advice on the different tension and no one can really go in depth with their answers. You nailed it

[@richardlavine7621]

One tip, that will save you lots of time is that the nylon bass strings wear out about 3X faster than the treble strings. So, I leave the treble strings on through two extra changes of the bass strings. There is a good visual clue on the bass strings as the winding become damaged around their fret contact points. The big advantage is that the bass strings stay in tune enough to play about 4 times faster then the trebles. When I change trebles, I don't expect to be able to play the guitar for more then a minute, until tomorrow. I've also noticed that most maker's bass strings, that aren't 'composites', sound good and similar. So, I often change basses made by a different manufacturer, I'll put low cost D’Addario pro arte basses on replacing a set of say Hannabach's, even though I don't like the sound out the D’Addario trebles. The thing is the guitar player is in the feedback loop of tone production. They are dealing with thousands of factors to make motions to produce the desired tone, including the judgement of the tone. The strings are part of the factors coupled to that feedback loop but they are far more constant than the other factors, like the constant change of nails, or a desire for a different tone, or altering dynamics. I can only feel that to be a great guitar player you have to have a great feedback loop. Not that the more fixed factors, like the particular guitar you play, or the type of strings you use, aren't important, but they don't help you with control, and control is the real name of the game, IMHO.

[@MrFlashbackn]

I believe i have just watched the best, most complete explanation of the classical guitar and string differences. Thank you so very much.

[@bernarddouthit4647]

This is great! I have played the guitar for 40+ years, but am buying my first Classical Guitar. This is super helpful David. You show an impressive amount of knowledge.

[@kanerowe]

I use D’Addario Dynacore Basses, carbon trebles and I’d recommend this set to everyone. A bit pricey but so nice

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

They do make String sets w/ Lightly Polished Basses which are basically Composite Core Flatwound Classical Guitar Strings. Jazz guys have used them & you can do it too.

[@judeman333]

Light strings are good for pieces with lots of advanced complicated bar chords. They will set to tone faster than normal or highs. Lights or medium are good for old classical guitars as well where you don't want to stress the bridge to much. Good video man, keep up the good work even though this is 5 years old. Lol

[@celticstones012957]

Thank you for the informative video. I have been playing steel string guitars for years and have only recently began studying classical. With the purchase of a nylon string guitar I was totally confused with "tension"strings, now I'm not. I will use normal strings for the time being and then I'll experiment. As you say, it's a personal preference and every guitarist attacks the strings differently. I like the way you don't commit to a certain string ... because had you started with, this is the best string, I would have went to the next video. Thanks again for a very thorough and non biased analysis.

[@MrUSSAM]

Great info David ,Thanks for schooling me some things I didn't know

[@dylaneliot3582]

Thank you for such an intelligent tutorial helping me to broaden my horizons in the physics of resonation!

[@jasielcalixto]

What a complete and excellent explanation about strings. Thank you. I like hard tension string but I bought a new guitar, a yamaha cg 142s, which has no tensor, and I am afraid to use them and damage my guitar neck. Is that posssible to happen?

[@DVSPress]

It's unlikely to damage the neck if you are using classical guitar strings. Neck construction is quite robust without a truss rod, and even high tension strings are rather low compared to a steel-string guitar.

[@jasielcalixto]

David Stewart thank you for the answer. I’ll give the normal tension string back to the shop and get a hard tension one. Thanks again.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@jasielcalixto Hard Tension Classical Guitar Strings (or even so Extra Hard) are also great for lower tunings like E Flat Standard

[@dushk0]

what are you talking about? The video answers nothing just revoices the question...

[@Shilling_guitar885]

On almost any guitar classcal or steel string... string tension has a lot more effect on the bridge and top then it does on the neck.... truss rod or not.

[@JohnWebberwww]

This is a really clear and engaging explanation of a complex subject, thank you.

[@DVSPress]

Thanks for watching!

[@1pwNz0mb13Z]

Really helpful! Have always played on high tension, might try normal tension for once

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The lower tension strings are great for playing lute pieces.

[@StopFear]

After watching dozens of videos about classical strings tension I feel that this video is one of probably 3-5 videos where someone explains the differences thoroughly and precisely.

[@DeathMetalJedi]

This is weird... I found you last week for a video on how to level efficiently in oblivion, and now I find you talking about classical guitar? Small world I guess lol

[@PainkillerDCXVI]

I play with "extra hard tension" here usually the heaviest I can find hard tension works too, and on steel string it's the other way around I go for custom lights... One of the things that I really like about high tension is that I never really had a string breaking on its own (and i'll use the same set of strings for 5-6 months straight no problem) and also as it ages it loses the snappiness and gains a softer sustain.

[@SeanRosairo]

This was very helpful! Thanks for demonstrating how the difference actually works!

[@bumschkinn]

Ive played for 25+yrs and still found this informative. I also still call my self an eccentric player though .

Very good explanation about the nylon strings fundamentals. Great content here. Thanks!

[@primoroy]

Use to have a classical guitar many years ago and never knew about string tension. I want to get a new one, but "knowledge" is going to drive me crazy(er)! Thanks for the info. Good layman language that makes sense.

[@DIEGOGONZALEZ-np9ed]

Thnx for the thorough explanation!!! the best I found on KZbin about this technical subject

[@baloubear]

Thanks for 5hat mate. Been playing nylons for a long time but never experimented much. That’ll change now. Great video. Aloha from Scotland 😊

[@mattildahubbardo]

Great great great explanation. I am long time guitarist who tends to use heavy gauge strings on my steel string guitars because i like the feel. I just got a classical and i find it very loose on my right hand so i may try high tension strings. I especially like the part of the video where you talk about envelopes, it makes complete sense to me now. Thank you.

[@timcotterill3952]

Excellent, concise, clear explanation, I make and play most styles and variety of guitars, (Classical is new.... made one, still learning to play.... flamenco is yet to happen). My knowledge of steel strings is, in my over inflated opinion of myself, pretty good, but nylons (strings that is) has alway mystified me. I think I may be getting a finger on it now. Your video has been really a really great base form which, I will explore & experiment more Thank you. By the way Rick Beato, has just posted a really good comparison of 8s, 9s, 10 & 12s for electric guitar. You have to be careful not to overpower the 8s but they sound a lot more compressed??? and a lot less muddy than my go to 10s. Absolutely fascinating video, 3 different guitarists, same amp, same pedal, same settings, same musical pieces, same guitar, only the string sizes change. I only mention it because I’ve found your video as fascinating & illuminating, & I think you will enjoy his channel. Once agin, my respect & thanks. I’ve liked. I’ve subscribed. I’m exploring.

[@IcarusSuite]

I go with low tension and tuned in D.... I just like to play as smooth as possible xD

[@fred73825]

Amazing video, also thank you for explaining it in what synthesizer users understand very well haha. Breaking it down to asdr was a very nice addition to the explanation

[@brin57]

"When you can afford to replace them if you don't like them" - is the answer I got When I asked a much more experienced player/teacher than me, when/if I should try higher tension strings . In other words - give them a go, you've only got the price of a set of strings to lose!!

[@mikeslovak5589]

I had some d'addario nylon high tension strings on my la patrie etude (its not a very expensive guitar anyways) and they sounded wonderful but since I couldn't browse my local guitar store due to covid when I replaced them they gave me friggen ernie ball strings. They actually hit the side of the headstock where my other strings didn't have this issue. So please especially right now. Make sure to tell the guitar store employee what kind of strings you want! And I'd avoid Erie balls if you don't want a miserable time.

[@MrPalmersong]

Just found this excellent guidance. This is so helpful, and well explained. I am much more informed about the string differences, and can choose my next set of strings with much more informed views.

[@bobh2185]

Very solid explanation! Thanks David!

[@pwman]

Great video covering some less known concepts for classic guitar. Great job!!!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I use High Tension Classical Guitar Strings tuned Down a half step to Eb Standard Tuning because it'll make the high notes easier to sing, plus horn players like to play in flat Keys

[@Wels1k123]

Amazing video! Helped me to choose the tension that I needed. Thank you! ❤

[@necrojoe]

Thanks for the video!! I've learned so much! I noticed that you mostly talked about the three tension levels in two ways: the high/higher tension that you usually play, and "less than high tension", usually suggesting that something a little lower than high could solve some of the potential shortcomings of high tension, suggesting new folks stick to normal/medium. Are there any things that the "low" tension strings excell at, or a reason why someone would go beyond "medium/normal" tension? Thanks in advance!

[@glorioskiola]

I just got those Savarez Alliance HT classic for my new classical guitar. I really like them, so thanks.

[@roygertel4647]

Excellent explanation ! Thanks.

[@omwilsonow]

This is very helpful due to the fact that I'm using two different nylon stringed guitars and they both feel and sound totally different. One is still easier to play than the other no matter how low my action is. Still experimenting.

[@IFLAG1527]

thanks, Dave exactly what I needed to know, Think Ill try high tention.

[@vanfamily44]

You da man! Great explanation....just got back into classical/flamenco and playing on normal tension (accoustic/electric guitar)...I'm now curious to see how high tension feels & sounds. Thx again!

[@DTGuitarTech]

Very helpful, thank you. Going to try High Tension strings now.

[@DTGuitarTech]

Turned out that High Tension strings weren’t for me. But at least I know now.

[@TheRobber16]

@@DTGuitarTech Why it isn't for you? I was about to get one

[@DTGuitarTech]

@@TheRobber16 I can’t explain it. They just felt and sounded awful

[@TheRobber16]

@@DTGuitarTech Oh, okay thanks. I ordered normal tension now

[@TranceNotes]

Thanks for a helpful video. Which classical guitar strings sound least 'plasticy'? I'm looking for more high-end frequencies and brightness from all strings, without going to steel strings. Based on what you say, should I perhaps try hard-tension carbon strings? I'm learning flamenco on a classical guitar with solid spruce top and linden sides and back.

[@DVSPress]

Basically, the smaller the diameter of string (like you get with composite, rather than straight nylon), the brighter it is. I like my Savarez Alliance HT classics, as they are plenty bright, and it is always easier to darken your tone than to try to produce brilliance where none is to be found. They also hold their tone for a long time, so I recommend you give them a try. I use them for flamenco *and* classical.

[@TranceNotes]

Thank you kindly for the tip; I will give them a try.

[@lawcch]

yes, Savarez strings has many variety of tension strings, depend on the top or sound board thickness , normally the Jose Ramirez guitar recommended the high tension strings because their top is a bit thicker than other guitar top.

[@giannisagor]

Hannabach are very good

[@aaltamar83]

Excelent, excelent, excelent video, you cover all the basis, first time a video cover all the question I had a some more, thanks for the video my friend!!!

[@sergeantcrow]

Thank you David....

[@davidmolloy126]

Great video for a new 'nylon player.' Thanks very much.🎶🎸🇬🇧

[@cheapskate8656]

Excellent explanation. Thanks

[@gdshepp]

Thank you for this information. It was very helpful.

[@uraimuhammadreza]

I like hard tension string. Very good tone

[@hosseinbeyzavi6581]

Excellent info.

[@jeffmoore9487]

That was exceptionaI! I was banging through explanations of classical string choices and getting disappointing explanations. You not only covered more variables, but explained the most important variables and got me feeling ready to dive in (spend $) and face with all the remaining variables of classical strings Because there is so much variation in the composites, there's "endless" variation in string makers and no standards with which to easily compare different brands. So at some point you have to spend money to test strings yourself because most makers don't even provide tension numbers (Variable 1). Ugh! The makers also don't even provide standard chemistry elements like how much nylon vs polycarbonate or titanium vs nylon etc......., .are in their string UGH! We need a Ministry of Standards for guitarists! HaHa.

[@gregallenphoto]

Thanks. Very clear and concise. Excellent.

[@ranman58635]

I have a takamine 1977 classical and I just installed the high tension strings. I love the sound but the action is too high. I am struggling to depress the strings. I think I went too high, lol! The neck doesn't seem to have a truss rod. (If it does, I can't see it) the sound on the rosewood sides and back make it sound like a symphony!

[@johnlay3040]

Normally people use HT when they want to have crispier/brighter sound or to remove buzz if there is one. To get brigther sound you can use the Aquila Sugar Normal Tension. It is actually brighter than the HT carbon.

[@bleikrsound6127]

Maybe this is where the term 'high strung' came about.

[@schubiduba1]

Of course strings affect tone. In fact for me strings are more important than the instrument. Because strings are the source of the tone. I had have cheap strings and expensive strings the difference is extreme

[@mehdighourchian7276]

Thanks David for such information . I really appreciate. But i got couple of questions . If you don't mind i ask. I have already chose two brands but i am not quite sure which one works for me. which one is better X-Box or PS4? 1) My guitar is Yamaha C40 and i want to change my strings. And i am stuck between D'ADDARIO EJ50(classical high tension) and SAVAREZ 520R(classical high tension). Which one would you prefer to get? 2) My next question is about Capo. I used to play guitar with Capo and i remember a while after my strings were pretty bad damaged and one day while i was playing "d" strings was ripped apart. Afterwards i gave up on Capo. Is something wrong with Capo or strings or.... Which type of Capo should i get? Thank you David and sorry for such a long comment.

[@DVSPress]

1) It is up to preference. I play with Savarez 540J (Alliance high tension) when I can manage it, but that suits my guitar and my playing style. Try each one for a time and stick with whichever one you thought was best. 2) Capos do not destroy the strings when used properly. I use a Shubb capo that allows me adjust the pressure on the capo, so that can help. Be aware that the "D" string usually comes apart before the others, and most often on the second fret, regardless of whether you use a capo. I use a capo frequently. Thanks for watching!

[@Waltriani]

Hey David, nice video. I think another thing you could have commented is that sometimes the use of normal, high or extra high tension on a classical guitar depends (at least here in Brazil) on the construction of the guitar itself. I mean, even when you get a instrument from a luthier, when it's not the higher end models, sometimes it's not recommended or a little bit unsafe to put, let's say, the extra high tension strings, as the instrument may not hold the tension and get damaged (the top). Of course, a quality instrument should not have this kind of problem, but...

[@DVSPress]

Paradoxically, I find that really cheap instruments hold high tension and extra high tension strings better than expensive ones because they are overbuilt and have a more robust top.

[@hargisP2]

Some nylon string companies are showing the diameter of the string such as a #1 E .79mm etc.

[@ruluca3]

Excellent! I subscribed and liked thanks David.

[@DVSPress]

Thanks for watching!

[@49rockon]

Thanks. Useful information.

[@1love666]

Well explained!. Thanks brother!

[@aaroningram8782]

He totally strung me along

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Low tension might be most appropriate cause it's easier to do trills.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UCdFhB7qkV2TRACML_kYV-Pg High Tension strings work great in Lower Tunings like Eb Standard or D Standard, which from a Singers POV makes the high notes easier on the voice.

[@marcjaffe2080]

Thank you very much for this awesome info, I just got a Yamaha NTX 900. Coming from an APX 10, I need to find that happy medium. I just ordered the Pro-Arté Dynacore Titanium Trebles in Normal, Hard Extra Hard to see what I like. I figured the Titanium may give me the brighter sound I am looking for.

[@richardkimgreene2749]

Excellent! So, David, I play a lot of John Michael Talbot songs, eg., "The Magnificat", "The Lilies of the Field". Could you please suggest what strings would be most appropriate for that type of music. My guitar is a Hill Rodriguez classical guitar. Thanks for your anticipated response. Also, would you have any idea how to acquire the tablature for a song like this one, , "Grace"...John Williams on guitar with James Taylor singer. So beautiful! I would love to play this, but I have failed for years to access a source for the guitar arrangement. Please advise.

[@DVSPress]

I had a Hill Rodriguez - great guitar. I only sold it because I had too many guitars! It's a guitar that can handle whatever you want to put on it, so it's really a matter of what feels right to your hands and has the tone you want. I used Savarez Alliance HT Classics on mine, and they did really well on it for everything I did, slow and fast, boisterous and quiet. I might suggest those, or the normal tension set if you are comfortable with a less stiff string. What's great about that particular guitar is that the brightness of the Savarez is really easy to darken up just by playing a bit more tasto (over the soundhole), and there is a very natural break on the Rodriguez right behind the soundhole, so it's very easy to dial in the right tone. If it's still too bright, try the D'addario Pro-Arte sets, but be aware they wear out more quickly.

[@joeysantiago8858]

Excellent technical and practical explanation 👍🏽

[@reineh3477]

Thanks for the explanation. Think I'm going to choose hard tension next time. I usually play a steel string and my problem with nylon strings is that they roll around under my fingers.

[@revolver330]

Thanks for this excellent explanation.

[@EddieJarnowski]

So, the best strings for bending the notes are high tension strings? I bought my first classical and i bend the strings alot.

[@DVSPress]

You'll get wider range on the bends and they will roll less under your fingers, so I would say hard tension is better.

[@EddieJarnowski]

@@DVSPress ok tyvm

[@cameronchurch4639]

Great video. I am an experienced electric guitar player who also plays acoustic guitar and ukulele. Can you make a recommendation? I also have a Yamaha NTX700 that I play primarily through an amp and want to use a flat wound set of strings. What would you recommend for a string set? Maybe 2 or 3 recommendations.

[@Flaeren]

i like people that know what they're talking about.

[@DougHinVA]

'light tension' strings are 'snappier or 'crisper' tone and can be better on a cheaper guitar. Some very good classicals are used ones and even new ones in the $300 range are very nice sometimes. The pro level classicals start in at $4000 new, but very few can play at that level... so I say buy a quality USED guitar and if it has a spruce top, so much the better.

[@mikevs8326]

Interesting and useful information, and well presented. Liked and subscribed. Did I understand correctly.... it should be easier to play legato with normal tension than with high tension? If yes I will bin my extra-high tension strings tomorrow!

[@DVSPress]

With a classical guitar I find legato to me much easier with *hard* tension strings. The low tension strings roll around under the fingers quite a bit more.

[@mcraul]

Great video! I have a question about something you said at the beginning. Does Savarez always make their strings thinner? Im changing from earniball to savarez and I usually used midtension. Im worried the savarez feels different and maybe thats why, are all of them thinner?

[@benzonex]

D'addario also has a very good tension/diameter chart... Thank you for the video :-)

[@DVSPress]

So does LaBella. All very useful for setting up my 8 string.

[@benzonex]

great chart!

[@wibismo]

This really help me. Thankyou

[@artavagyan864]

OMG really Thank You for explaining :D I could't understand what I needed. Thanks again ;)

[@rodneyworthington2972]

The New Saverez cantiga Creation Strings are excellent,gives the choice to have a carbon string on the 3rd string,I find these saverez are Superb,a new inovation.

[@MrMongo321]

Great vid David! Thank you!

[@spitsoutfeathers9990]

Willies guitar is a '12th fret' gu itar, which means it is like a older 3\4size Martin steelstring acoustic but he uses two nylon strings if I'm not mistaken on the 4thD&5tfthA strings for tone he is intoxicated with .like ii said u need to further resrarch which of the strings he has modified to nylon •12th fret means that the root or octave fret (12) is where the neck makes its plunging end into the body of the guitar where-as 99% or more of steelstring acoustics always make that plunge at the 14th fret thats all i got to say about that

[@GonzaloHelguera]

Thank you very much for your help. Great information

[@pinkyhandle]

Cool looking guitar

[@tj240550]

Well put.

[@mpeltz1534]

I prefer a very low action neck. It sounds like the lower the action the more need for higher tension strings to avoid serious buzzing and other issues?

[@oneyellowpeacock]

I think most mistake decay to be sustain which is why hard tension strings might sound like less sustain.

[@drothberg3]

Do higher tension strings raise the action in comparison to mediums by pulling the neck harder?

[@EshockT]

Yes

[@sisgaia]

It would have been more helpful to have the same model guitar strung with high tension so that we could hear the comparison. Better would have been to use the same exact guitar and change strings, but that would have required some extra editing.

[@namkyukimpark]

Wow really good video

[@MrBarrytommy]

Went on a bit :-)

[@stnwrd]

Thanks for the help!!!

[@MadNut321]

Really nice video