cheap acoustic guitars with low action image
Charlie W
I have a quite cheap acoustic guitar with quite high action and thick old rusty steel strings so naturally my fingers hurt quite a bit when playing (i have been playing for a while now and built up calluses already), if i replace these strings with ones of a lighter gauge will it be a little easier on my fingers and what are the other differences - costs/benefits of doing so? thanks!
Answer
You could use lighter gauge strings but remember this:
- Lighter gauge = easy to bend, thinner tone (twangy)
- Heavier gauge = fuller tone, requires more muscle to finger
It's up to you what you prefer. I know that James Hetfield from Metallica uses heavy gauge for his 3 low strings and a lighter gauge for his higher 3 strings. It makes sense with his style of playing. If I'm not mistaken, I think some companies offer some string packaging options like this.
As far as your action, it might be that your neck is bowing forward (from the tension of the strings). This is especially true for older guitars or guitars that have been strung for way too long (by reading about your rusty strings, it's probably the case. You can check this by playing between 2 notes: play an open string, then play the 12th fret of the same string. If the notes don't sound an octave apart (in TUNE) then you got a bowed neck. It is fixable but it's hardly a big deal if you're just playing for fun. Consider getting a new guitar if you plan on playing for pay or recording though.
You could use lighter gauge strings but remember this:
- Lighter gauge = easy to bend, thinner tone (twangy)
- Heavier gauge = fuller tone, requires more muscle to finger
It's up to you what you prefer. I know that James Hetfield from Metallica uses heavy gauge for his 3 low strings and a lighter gauge for his higher 3 strings. It makes sense with his style of playing. If I'm not mistaken, I think some companies offer some string packaging options like this.
As far as your action, it might be that your neck is bowing forward (from the tension of the strings). This is especially true for older guitars or guitars that have been strung for way too long (by reading about your rusty strings, it's probably the case. You can check this by playing between 2 notes: play an open string, then play the 12th fret of the same string. If the notes don't sound an octave apart (in TUNE) then you got a bowed neck. It is fixable but it's hardly a big deal if you're just playing for fun. Consider getting a new guitar if you plan on playing for pay or recording though.
What is the best type of acoustic guitar to buy?
Kait
I want to teach myself to play the guitar. I don't exactly know how to read music but I can teach myself. What is the best brand of acoustic guitar to buy? (Low cost is a plus) Thanks.
Answer
Well I wouldn't worry so much about brand in the beginning. A good second hand guitar is probably best. There are a lot of good inexpensive brands out there. Keep in mind you may not stick with it and it may not be your thing. Don't invest a lot of money. You want something that you can play. How big are you hands? That's the first question. If you have little hands I really recommend Daisy Rock guitars. They are designed for women (and guys with small hands). If the neck is too thick you'll have trouble with things like barre chords later. Next is a good set up. Here you will need someone that knows a little bit about guitars to help you. Is the neck straight? If it is bowed anywhere its not going to be playable. Are there any dead spots (frets that don't produce a note. Some guitars do have places for whatever reason where you sound the note and you literally get a "thunk"). How is the action set up? Are the strings too high or low on the neck for you? Finally, does the guitar hold tune further up the neck. This is called intonation. It is usually adjustable. Many times a lot of the problems I'm talking about are correctable by a reputable guitar shop. Just beware of dead spots in the neck. If there is a fret where a note won't sound that usually indicates a life-long defect and may not be correctable. If you have someone familiar with guitars that can go with you and knows what to ask you might try looking for a good used one at a pawn shop or off of craigslist.org. If not, buy from a reputable dealer like Guitar Center or a local music store where someone can help you pick out the right instrument for you. Keep in mind, it may not be to your advantage to buy the cheapest thing you can find. At the same time, you don't want to buy an expensive pro-level instrument when you are only beginning. Good luck to you!
Well I wouldn't worry so much about brand in the beginning. A good second hand guitar is probably best. There are a lot of good inexpensive brands out there. Keep in mind you may not stick with it and it may not be your thing. Don't invest a lot of money. You want something that you can play. How big are you hands? That's the first question. If you have little hands I really recommend Daisy Rock guitars. They are designed for women (and guys with small hands). If the neck is too thick you'll have trouble with things like barre chords later. Next is a good set up. Here you will need someone that knows a little bit about guitars to help you. Is the neck straight? If it is bowed anywhere its not going to be playable. Are there any dead spots (frets that don't produce a note. Some guitars do have places for whatever reason where you sound the note and you literally get a "thunk"). How is the action set up? Are the strings too high or low on the neck for you? Finally, does the guitar hold tune further up the neck. This is called intonation. It is usually adjustable. Many times a lot of the problems I'm talking about are correctable by a reputable guitar shop. Just beware of dead spots in the neck. If there is a fret where a note won't sound that usually indicates a life-long defect and may not be correctable. If you have someone familiar with guitars that can go with you and knows what to ask you might try looking for a good used one at a pawn shop or off of craigslist.org. If not, buy from a reputable dealer like Guitar Center or a local music store where someone can help you pick out the right instrument for you. Keep in mind, it may not be to your advantage to buy the cheapest thing you can find. At the same time, you don't want to buy an expensive pro-level instrument when you are only beginning. Good luck to you!
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Title Post: If i put a lighter gauge of string on my acoustic guitar will it be easier to play?
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