What string gauge do you prefer to use? Also, if you would like to support me and this channel and get TAB for my guitar lessons check out my patreon! ⬇️ www.patreon.com/join/JordanSteele
Exactly - don't punish yourself just "because." I dropped to 008-042 customs from #StringJoy 2 years ago and it was an eye opener. I've been playing since 1969 (thank you Sears, Roebuck, and Company), and I've played every gauge range that you can imagine. My jazz boxes were all strung with half-flats running 12-56 while my others were all using 009-048. Now at 65 and witnessing the early stages of OA in my hands (especially the left), I started losing stamina with my hands getting sore and tired after just 40-45 minutes. At Nashville NAMM a couple of years back, another local guitarist asked if I'd tried lower gauge strings, and while I had an old Strat that was strung up with Rev Willie's 007s, I hadn't. He pointed me at StringJoy's customs and I ordered a batch of 008s (Signature and Broadways). Two things that have come from that - all of my guitars are more fun to play again with no loss of stamina in my left hand and these strings have longevity that matches or exceeds my old standard D'Addario XLs.
Should try a Strandberg if you can. I was never into the headless guitar stuff but I started having issues and that thing was a game changer for me. I have a strat, les Paul and high end Ibanez's I still love but the Strandberg has become my main player.
SGs are great for fender guys. super light and great upper fret access. lower scale length is perfect for your fingers. Can even do coil splits on it for some nice single coil tones.
I used to use 9s but I never learn proper technique. I have set up an extra guitar with 10's to train my bends, pull offs and hammer ons. I've been using that gauge for 4 months now. It helped so much. I improved a lot really fast. I'm going back to 9's now on my main guitar. I will always go back to that "trainer" guitar if I ever feel like a challenge or to work on something specific.
Great video. Totally agree. I'm using 8.5 to 42 for standard and Eb. I've had tendonitis off and on for years and probably always will while I play guitar and workout - which I hope is forever. Stretching the arm daily and light strings are the only thing that works. Glad your bringing attention to this Jordan.
@ If you find the 7’s to be too small I can also recommend the 8’s. Either set is going to change your style of playing, and take a ton of stress off your hand and arm. You won’t lose any tone or growl either. Glad to be of assistance.
Thanks for this video that was recommended by YT. I share the same conclusion that you explained here. I've been using 8's and 9's only (8's for my Yngwie Fender strat - Eb Standard) and (9's for my LesPaul, Ibanez Superstrats and Suhr Modern - E Standard). I want the easiest playing guitar without too much tension for a more enjoyable playing. Cheers!😀 Subscribed!👌
I have similar long term issues with my left arm and hand. Mostly play Gibson's, strung with 9-42 in standard tuning. Occasionally my hand will just lock up when playing (happened again on stage just last Friday). I'm looking at it, and my brain is trying to tell it what to do, and my hand just refuses. I have to try and concentrate on playing as lightly as possible, and adapt how I play things, so that like yourself, I hopefully can keep playing, even if not to the standard I perhaps should be playing at. I'm not as young as you (a lot older, nearly 63) but my problems were already there at your age, and I've managed to keep going. But it is becoming more difficult. Hope you find the right solutions that allow you to continue doing what you love, for many more years to come. 🙏
7 to 36 for me on les paul and no more pain in fingers. As a 52 year old oplayer im all about longevity. At 7s and low low action the guitar plays itself almost. Takes a minute to get used to playing super slinky strings but sooooo worth it to me. I also cant tell a difference between 9 to 42 and 7 to 36 tonally,
Awesome! Longevity is the most important thing to me. I’m glad to hear how normal it is for guys to play 7s or 8s. I’ve been hesitant to try them for a few years now. But I’m excited to try them out soon.
For those concerned with playing injuries you should check out the Alexander Technique. Robert Fripp and Julian Lage both use it to deal with excess tension habits.
I've played with 9's for over 40yrs until a year ago when I found 10's gave me more *Kerranng! on my Strat. Yet I love how 9's sing. For several years I put James Burton guage - 9,10,12, 22, 32, 38. on my Telecaster. The 10's make my Stratocaster stay in tune better too so its a tough decision.
I use Ernie ball 7 gauge on a les Paul, top wound, half a step down. Lowest action I can get before the buzzing is too bad. A bit extreme maybe but works for me🤟 need to be very precise but helps for playing rapid.
i’ve been using Daddario 9-42 gauge strings for almost my entire guitar playing life, especially when I hit 40 it made it a lot easier on my hands and wrist, just like BB King said to Billy Gibbons why are you working so hard? i even use super light gauge acoustic strings on my Taylor guitars Daddario 10-47 bronze Best thing I ever did now I can play my acoustic almost like my electric guitars. I suggest you try a set on your acoustics as well.
I lost two fingertips in a pwr saw accident in 80's I have switched to rev Willy 7-38 and my hands are much happier..I used super slinky for over30 yrs 9-42's awkward at first with wobbly cords ...but all good now...👍
Dunlop Reverend Wille's 7-38 on my Les Paul, which is already shorter scale than most guitars. I love them. They're crazy durable (somehow) and they sound great, but most of all, the guitar just plays itself. Any articulation I think of just happens with ease. They take some getting used to, but everyone I've told about them has said they'd never go back.
Im planning a video on my unique loadout Elixir, Optiweb 9-42 EXCEPT I always replace the individual 42G with a single Optiweb 46G & most recently, replacing the 11G B-string with an individual 12G B-string. Though im curious to try leaving the 11G alone and replacing the 16G G-string with a 14G G-string. Two things were game changers: 1) Tension Calculator 2) Purchasing individual Elixir strings in my preferred coating I use E to D mostly A lot of Drop D
Good decision. Even PG said, we should be careful. I play 8s for years now on my Ibanez/Aristides and can't imagine to go back to heavier strings. Ok, I think they are getting out of tune a little bit faster but that is ok for me. Multiscale guitars should help as well, but I never played one.
@@JordanSteele Rick Beato plays 8s on his Gibson as well. I would try it out. Health is the most important thing. And bending is much more fun with 8s but a bit more difficult at the beginning.
@@JordanSteele Good for you! Have you watched the video about strings from Rick? Highly recommended! And Kikos video "The Minimal Effort Exercise You Should Know About" is perfect. If you have problems with your picking hand as well, Anton Oparins wrist dance exercise is great. I can give you some information about that.
I am seeing this video right after ordering a couple sets of 9’s to try after playing 10’s as long as I can remember. I quess turnin. 66 yo today had something to with it. Guess I’ll see how they work soon.
I’m 68 so I can relate. For me I did enjoy the tactile thickness under my fingers but didn’t really like the tension. Right now I’m enjoying the calm balance of 9.5s. I admit that my preferences meander over the years. I think you’ll enjoy the 9s though.
I’m sorry. I forgot one thing. Don’t rule out FLAT wound strings. I have a Strat and a Les Paul strung up with FLATS. 13’s and 12’s respectively. Personally, I love it but we all have different tastes. It is worth a try. FLATS are more expensive but they last for YEARS. Take care.
I’ve been playing for 55 years. I started with flats and there’s no exotic mystery there 🙄 It’s not my thing and never will be. I enjoy the flexibility of being able to manipulate my strings to get whatever my creativity conjures without putting my strings in a muffled straight jacket.
It might give volume on acoustic,personally once U tried 7-38,never went back...and nothing happened with my Strat and SG sound, 7s,dude,what a relief,honestly Right-make guitar easy on yourself 👍❤🥂
@JordanSteele trustme no need to go 8s once you got used to 7s,but trying is ok...forgot to say,really good video,you nailed a problem most have just dont want to speak about All the best
Yeah, I used to think the thicker the better (especially on a Strat) when I was younger, but try playing *_"Sultans of Swing"_* with 11s, or the bends on *_"Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2"_* solo.
Try using rubber bands to exercise your fingers and do reverse curls for the back of your forearms (just 5 or 10 lb. weights). Often, with instruments, typing, and similar jobs, we overwork and overdevelop our flexor muscles and need to work the extensors to pull things back into alignment.
10-46 is my regular everyday go-to gauge, with Fender scale and standard tuning ; and I love bending like crazy (lots of Clarence White’s style pedal steel licks). Everything thinner feels like rubber to me. For Eb tuning, I usually like 13-53 (same gauge I use for jazz in standard tuning).
It's harder to keep chords in tune with super light strings for sure, and I'm not saying I'm an amazing player but 45 years of fairly serious playing has produced a fine touch yet chords still go out of tune a bit at times with the jumbo frets I use. Conundrum to some degree...
Been using 8-38 for 35yrs. 9-42 on my strat. I think the thinner strings give it more mid punch on rhythm, especially '80s style metal. My cabs THUMP cuz the air is getting punched. Not tinny or brash. Put on headphones and crank T.V. dinners, THAT is what I'm talking about. The guitar and bass sound without needing a bass.
Yes, 009s on Fender 10s on Gibsons but I put 009s on my Gibson V. Stays in tune. I played 12s on my Strats years ago but like you developed painful tendinitis in both arms. No issue now.
I have listened to several sound comparisons with thick and light gauges on RUclips. The light 8 and 9 gauges sounded as good or better than 12G strings with same guitars, amps ... for a variety of styles. I am using 10-46 on short Gibson scale length and will try 9-42 next. I use medium low action around 1.7 mm at 12 fret for the bass E string and a smidge lower for the treble E string. I don't like fret buzz so probably couldn't go much lower without getting some buzz.
The ketogenic diet has done wonders for my guitar playing, believe or not. I had a problem with inflammation in my hands and wasn't able to play the guitar without severe pain. Switching to the keto diet has greatly improved that, and now i play without the pain.
I use 10s because they feel right to me, even though they can feel a tough on some days. 9s feel like toys and 11s feel like cables. I may try 9.5s one day to see if they work for me.
Using 9s on a Fender scale length. Tried 8s and 7s but had intonation issues, especially playing chords. You need a very light hand and a very well set up guitar for those
I used 8s for awhile and liked them but did find myself pushing them out of tune. Went to 9s and love them. I think it’s personal preference you have to find what works for you. String gauge doesn’t affect tone, how you play the gauge does.
JORDAN STEELE, make a lesson on which hendrix songs he used fender amplifiers on and using the sabbadius mr white special II pedal is suppose to get those fender amp hendrix tones.
ok lets talk string gauge i found the Jimmi Hendrix approach that once your advanced try using custom string configurations dont conform to the stringsets they give you there is a way to use different gauges to make yourself play differenty to stop bending certain string and increase the bend on another check out Jimi Hendrix Voodoo chile strings by fender play them and look at the custon setup youll see what i mean!
Great Video Jordan. I'm 70 and still playing. I am down to 9's and 8s on my guitars as well. As you mention guitar is supposed to be fun and tendonitis is no fun. Question, does your Les Paul have jumbo frets or is it the regular Gibson medium jumbo? Reason I ask is that I've found the combination of Jumbo frets and very light gauge strings to be easiest for me to play. Thanks!
I use 10 to 52 strings. I find I have more control and don't overbend or bend out of tune. To thin a string just feels to sloppy to me. Especially when using drop tunings. They just sound to sloppy and to easy to bend means without perfect finger placement, it sounds out of tune. I play quite aggresivley so lighter strings just don't work for me. Especially in drop C when tuned half step down. Lighter strings just don't snap back fast enough to my ear. I use to play 9's super slinkys for a long time but had to move to 10 to 52 for that more controlled feeling. But like I always say, there is no right and no wrong. To each their own. What works for some may not work for others.
I use Billy Gibbons 7 gauge strings. Best ever. Never break, easy bends, and no finger calluses or arm aches. No detectable change in sound as I used to use 10"s.
I don't think these thin strings will cut it if u play modern metal/djent/prog stuff that is percussive or requires you pick hard and dig into the strings. 9-42 tends to go slightly out of tune when u dig in esp on the bottom strings.
Im with ya! I F ed up my tendon in my left pinky finger and into my knuckle and hand. It's actually childish and moronic fighting with heavy gauge strings. Look, I'm a tough guy. haha Ya playing guitar, ya not boxer. ha
Purists will kill me, but I play jazz on a strat w/single coils and 9s !!! When I was younger everybody would tell me that you must use an archtop with flatwound 13s, it's the only way to get a decent jazz sound. Not for my fingers...
D'Addario 9 - 42 on my strats and tele's. 10 - 46 on my LP's and double cutaway. I like the chunkier sound of the 10's on the double humbuckers and for leads on the type of music I play. Everyone has their own sound and tone when they write and perform their own music, and it depends on their influences also.
According to Google you are 21 Years old. If Tendonitis started already...............................just think 30+ years ahead! It doesn't get any better. I am 55 years now playing for nearly 40 years. Actually i have severe Tendonitis from the Thumb my whole Arm through to my Shoulder and Neck. Stay aware! One day you will have reached the thinnest strings and lowest action. And than?
“The tone is beefier/thicker with heavy strings!” Lmfao. So much of this stuff is completely in people’s heads. Sensation and perception are influenced by many factors and the overwhelming majority of people have zero understanding of the field whatsoever
What string gauge do you prefer to use?
Also, if you would like to support me and this channel and get TAB for my guitar lessons check out my patreon! ⬇️
www.patreon.com/join/JordanSteele
les paul top-wrapped - 9 in 440, 9.5 1/2 down (Eb), 10 full step down (D standard)
8 through 42.
10s on my strat and tele. 11s on my Jazzmaster. I keep breaking 9s for some reason.
@@Real_Epic🤘
@@FransJCMartins🤘
75 year old player here. I'm down to 8s. Thumb arthritis and/or tendon issues. I'm a fender guy but I tried an SG last week. It felt good.
Exactly - don't punish yourself just "because."
I dropped to 008-042 customs from #StringJoy 2 years ago and it was an eye opener. I've been playing since 1969 (thank you Sears, Roebuck, and Company), and I've played every gauge range that you can imagine. My jazz boxes were all strung with half-flats running 12-56 while my others were all using 009-048. Now at 65 and witnessing the early stages of OA in my hands (especially the left), I started losing stamina with my hands getting sore and tired after just 40-45 minutes. At Nashville NAMM a couple of years back, another local guitarist asked if I'd tried lower gauge strings, and while I had an old Strat that was strung up with Rev Willie's 007s, I hadn't. He pointed me at StringJoy's customs and I ordered a batch of 008s (Signature and Broadways). Two things that have come from that - all of my guitars are more fun to play again with no loss of stamina in my left hand and these strings have longevity that matches or exceeds my old standard D'Addario XLs.
Should try a Strandberg if you can. I was never into the headless guitar stuff but I started having issues and that thing was a game changer for me. I have a strat, les Paul and high end Ibanez's I still love but the Strandberg has become my main player.
SGs are great for fender guys. super light and great upper fret access. lower scale length is perfect for your fingers. Can even do coil splits on it for some nice single coil tones.
I used to use 9s but I never learn proper technique. I have set up an extra guitar with 10's to train my bends, pull offs and hammer ons.
I've been using that gauge for 4 months now. It helped so much. I improved a lot really fast. I'm going back to 9's now on my main guitar.
I will always go back to that "trainer" guitar if I ever feel like a challenge or to work on something specific.
Great video. Totally agree. I'm using 8.5 to 42 for standard and Eb. I've had tendonitis off and on for years and probably always will while I play guitar and workout - which I hope is forever. Stretching the arm daily and light strings are the only thing that works. Glad your bringing attention to this Jordan.
Thanks for sharing! Thin strings and like you said stretching has been a massive help. I definitely may even try thinner strings now soon.
I'm a Reverand Willie's Mexican Lottery man myself. 7-38 and the guitar practically plays itself.
I gotta try those🤘
@ If you find the 7’s to be too small I can also recommend the 8’s. Either set is going to change your style of playing, and take a ton of stress off your hand and arm. You won’t lose any tone or growl either. Glad to be of assistance.
@@Snarkyone1965thanks! I’m excited to try them out
Thanks for this video that was recommended by YT. I share the same conclusion that you explained here. I've been using 8's and 9's only (8's for my Yngwie Fender strat - Eb Standard) and (9's for my LesPaul, Ibanez Superstrats and Suhr Modern - E Standard). I want the easiest playing guitar without too much tension for a more enjoyable playing. Cheers!😀 Subscribed!👌
Absolutely! Thanks for subscribing 🤘
I have similar long term issues with my left arm and hand. Mostly play Gibson's, strung with 9-42 in standard tuning. Occasionally my hand will just lock up when playing (happened again on stage just last Friday). I'm looking at it, and my brain is trying to tell it what to do, and my hand just refuses. I have to try and concentrate on playing as lightly as possible, and adapt how I play things, so that like yourself, I hopefully can keep playing, even if not to the standard I perhaps should be playing at. I'm not as young as you (a lot older, nearly 63) but my problems were already there at your age, and I've managed to keep going. But it is becoming more difficult. Hope you find the right solutions that allow you to continue doing what you love, for many more years to come. 🙏
I use 8's now because of Rick Beato's string gauge video. My bends feel smooth as butter. More control.
That’s great!
Nothing lighter than 12’s on my Gibsons with a wound G. 13’s on Strats tuned down a full step - D Standard. EXCELLENT video.
Dang. That’s impressive.
I guess I’m just used to it. We are ALL unique players and that’s a good thing. AWESOME channel man. Liked and Subscribed. Take care.
7 to 36 for me on les paul and no more pain in fingers. As a 52 year old oplayer im all about longevity. At 7s and low low action the guitar plays itself almost. Takes a minute to get used to playing super slinky strings but sooooo worth it to me. I also cant tell a difference between 9 to 42 and 7 to 36 tonally,
Awesome! Longevity is the most important thing to me. I’m glad to hear how normal it is for guys to play 7s or 8s. I’ve been hesitant to try them for a few years now. But I’m excited to try them out soon.
For those concerned with playing injuries you should check out the Alexander Technique. Robert Fripp and Julian Lage both use it to deal with excess tension habits.
10-52. Light top heavy bottom. Going on foty years.
Best decision ever. 🤘
Hi. Minor correction: Gibson is 24-3/4” scale. I believe you said 24-1/4. Dig the content and thank you! Your chops are so fluid and fantastic.
Thanks dude!
I've played with 9's for over 40yrs until a year ago when I found 10's gave me more *Kerranng! on my Strat. Yet I love how 9's sing. For several years I put James Burton guage - 9,10,12, 22, 32, 38. on my Telecaster. The 10's make my Stratocaster stay in tune better too so its a tough decision.
🤘🤘
I use Ernie ball 7 gauge on a les Paul, top wound, half a step down. Lowest action I can get before the buzzing is too bad. A bit extreme maybe but works for me🤟 need to be very precise but helps for playing rapid.
Sweet! I’ll probably be trying something like that in the future
i’ve been using Daddario 9-42 gauge strings for almost my entire guitar playing life, especially when I hit 40 it made it a lot easier on my hands and wrist, just like BB King said to Billy Gibbons why are you working so hard? i even use super light gauge acoustic strings on my Taylor guitars Daddario 10-47 bronze Best thing I ever did now I can play my acoustic almost like my electric guitars. I suggest you try a set on your acoustics as well.
I lost two fingertips in a pwr saw accident in 80's I have switched to rev Willy 7-38 and my hands are much happier..I used super slinky for over30 yrs 9-42's awkward at first with wobbly cords ...but all good now...👍
Very cool! Glad to hear your still playing! I’m hearing a lot of good things about those strings 🤘
Dunlop Reverend Wille's 7-38 on my Les Paul, which is already shorter scale than most guitars. I love them. They're crazy durable (somehow) and they sound great, but most of all, the guitar just plays itself. Any articulation I think of just happens with ease. They take some getting used to, but everyone I've told about them has said they'd never go back.
Im planning a video on my unique loadout
Elixir, Optiweb 9-42
EXCEPT
I always replace the individual 42G with a single Optiweb 46G
& most recently, replacing the 11G B-string with an individual 12G B-string.
Though im curious to try leaving the 11G alone and replacing the 16G G-string with a 14G G-string.
Two things were game changers:
1) Tension Calculator
2) Purchasing individual Elixir strings in my preferred coating
I use E to D mostly
A lot of Drop D
That’s very interesting
Keep breaking high E strings if I go under 10’s. I use 11’s on my Strat and it’s less ice picky on the high strings
Phew. Some beautiful lines at the beginning
Good decision. Even PG said, we should be careful. I play 8s for years now on my Ibanez/Aristides and can't imagine to go back to heavier strings. Ok, I think they are getting out of tune a little bit faster but that is ok for me. Multiscale guitars should help as well, but I never played one.
Absolutely! Health is most important. I’m glad to hear so many players using 8s. I’m definitely gonna have to give them a spin.
@@JordanSteele Rick Beato plays 8s on his Gibson as well. I would try it out. Health is the most important thing. And bending is much more fun with 8s but a bit more difficult at the beginning.
Definitely. I think ima order some 8s right now. I need to restring my guitar anyways
@@JordanSteele Good for you! Have you watched the video about strings from Rick? Highly recommended! And Kikos video "The Minimal Effort Exercise You Should Know About" is perfect. If you have problems with your picking hand as well, Anton Oparins wrist dance exercise is great. I can give you some information about that.
I am seeing this video right after ordering a couple sets of 9’s to try after playing 10’s as long as I can remember. I quess turnin. 66 yo today had something to with it. Guess I’ll see how they work soon.
I hope you enjoy them🤘
I’m 68 so I can relate. For me I did enjoy the tactile thickness under my fingers but didn’t really like the tension. Right now I’m enjoying the calm balance of 9.5s. I admit that my preferences meander over the years. I think you’ll enjoy the 9s though.
I’m sorry. I forgot one thing. Don’t rule out FLAT wound strings. I have a Strat and a Les Paul strung up with FLATS. 13’s and 12’s respectively. Personally, I love it but we all have different tastes. It is worth a try. FLATS are more expensive but they last for YEARS. Take care.
🤘
I’ve been playing for 55 years. I started with flats and there’s no exotic mystery there 🙄 It’s not my thing and never will be. I enjoy the flexibility of being able to manipulate my strings to get whatever my creativity conjures without putting my strings in a muffled straight jacket.
It might give volume on acoustic,personally once U tried 7-38,never went back...and nothing happened with my Strat and SG sound,
7s,dude,what a relief,honestly
Right-make guitar easy on yourself
👍❤🥂
I’m going to try 8s out soon but I’m definitely considering dropping to 7s
@JordanSteele trustme no need to go 8s once you got used to 7s,but trying is ok...forgot to say,really good video,you nailed a problem most have just dont want to speak about
All the best
Yeah, I used to think the thicker the better (especially on a Strat) when I was younger, but try playing *_"Sultans of Swing"_* with 11s, or the bends on *_"Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2"_* solo.
Try using rubber bands to exercise your fingers and do reverse curls for the back of your forearms (just 5 or 10 lb. weights). Often, with instruments, typing, and similar jobs, we overwork and overdevelop our flexor muscles and need to work the extensors to pull things back into alignment.
Thanks for the recommendation 🤘
11-52 on everything except strats where I use 10-46. Thin strings freak me out.
Oh wow
@ I play so out of tune on light strings since I play quite hard with my picking hand 😂
10-46 is my regular everyday go-to gauge, with Fender scale and standard tuning ; and I love bending like crazy (lots of Clarence White’s style pedal steel licks). Everything thinner feels like rubber to me. For Eb tuning, I usually like 13-53 (same gauge I use for jazz in standard tuning).
Holy guacamole
I play slide now because of arthritis in my hands, but I don’t use light gauge to keep the tension.
For sure that makes sense. I’m glad to hear your still playing 🤘
I like light strings on low frets and heavier strings on tall ones so they don't get bent out of tune. I understand it is probably a matter of skill.
It's harder to keep chords in tune with super light strings for sure, and I'm not saying I'm an amazing player but 45 years of fairly serious playing has produced a fine touch yet chords still go out of tune a bit at times with the jumbo frets I use. Conundrum to some degree...
Prolly gonna have to try the 9 - 42s on my 1979 Ibanez PF100 thanks Jordan!
Give it a shot🤘
Been using 8-38 for 35yrs. 9-42 on my strat. I think the thinner strings give it more mid punch on rhythm, especially '80s style metal. My cabs THUMP cuz the air is getting punched. Not tinny or brash. Put on headphones and crank T.V. dinners, THAT is what I'm talking about. The guitar and bass sound without needing a bass.
Yes, 009s on Fender 10s on Gibsons but I put 009s on my Gibson V. Stays in tune. I played 12s on my Strats years ago but like you developed painful tendinitis in both arms. No issue now.
That’s great! Glad you’re doing well🤘
I have listened to several sound comparisons with thick and light gauges on RUclips. The light 8 and 9 gauges sounded as good or better than 12G strings with same guitars, amps ... for a variety of styles. I am using 10-46 on short Gibson scale length and will try 9-42 next. I use medium low action around 1.7 mm at 12 fret for the bass E string and a smidge lower for the treble E string. I don't like fret buzz so probably couldn't go much lower without getting some buzz.
Went back to 9s and it's been really nice and easy and tone for days. Kudos to Ernie Ball Slinky strings are the bomb!
Another thing to consider: Why not try a Jaguar or Mustang. Even less tension with the 24inch scale. I run 9 to 42s on one of mine. So easy to play!
I use the malmsteen signature strings 08-46. best string choice ever
🤘
The ketogenic diet has done wonders for my guitar playing, believe or not. I had a problem with inflammation in my hands and wasn't able to play the guitar without severe pain. Switching to the keto diet has greatly improved that, and now i play without the pain.
I believe it. I did the carnivore for a few months and it did wonders. All my hand and arm pain went away
I use 10s because they feel right to me, even though they can feel a tough on some days. 9s feel like toys and 11s feel like cables. I may try 9.5s one day to see if they work for me.
I’ve been going lighter. Currently using a 9 bottom / 8 top. Gonna try straight 8 set next.
Using 9s on a Fender scale length. Tried 8s and 7s but had intonation issues, especially playing chords. You need a very light hand and a very well set up guitar for those
I used 8s for awhile and liked them but did find myself pushing them out of tune. Went to 9s and love them. I think it’s personal preference you have to find what works for you. String gauge doesn’t affect tone, how you play the gauge does.
JORDAN STEELE, make a lesson on which hendrix songs he used fender amplifiers on and using the sabbadius mr white special II pedal is suppose to get those fender amp hendrix tones.
🤘
I recently switched to 8s and love 'em.
That’s great! I’m excited to try them out🤘
ok lets talk string gauge i found the Jimmi Hendrix approach that once your advanced try using custom string configurations dont conform to the stringsets they give you there is a way to use different gauges to make yourself play differenty to stop bending certain string and increase the bend on another check out Jimi Hendrix Voodoo chile strings by fender play them and look at the custon setup youll see what i mean!
I always love thin. 🎸
Awesome! Gotta make it easy 🤘
Great Video Jordan. I'm 70 and still playing. I am down to 9's and 8s on my guitars as well. As you mention guitar is supposed to be fun and tendonitis is no fun.
Question, does your Les Paul have jumbo frets or is it the regular Gibson medium jumbo? Reason I ask is that I've found the combination of Jumbo frets and very light gauge strings to be easiest for me to play. Thanks!
I use 8 to 38 and it is easier to play and easier to adjust the intonation. Also it sounds better to me than thicker strings.
Very cool🤘
I use 10 to 52 strings. I find I have more control and don't overbend or bend out of tune. To thin a string just feels to sloppy to me. Especially when using drop tunings. They just sound to sloppy and to easy to bend means without perfect finger placement, it sounds out of tune. I play quite aggresivley so lighter strings just don't work for me. Especially in drop C when tuned half step down. Lighter strings just don't snap back fast enough to my ear. I use to play 9's super slinkys for a long time but had to move to 10 to 52 for that more controlled feeling. But like I always say, there is no right and no wrong. To each their own. What works for some may not work for others.
Yeah it’s definitely difficult to make thin string sound good in lower tunings. 10-52 seems like a good balance for lower tuning especially riffing
I use Billy Gibbons 7 gauge strings. Best ever. Never break, easy bends, and no finger calluses or arm aches. No detectable change in sound as I used to use 10"s.
Ima give those a shot in the future 🤘
8.5 - 44 on a les paul works for me. Half step down also.
Oh cool. I might wanna check those out. What brand makes those?
Ernie ball is what i use.
I had some arm injuries also. Thats why i swapped gauges.@@JordanSteele
My bad . Its 8.5 - 40
Gotcha! Thanks for sharing 🤘
8s on my Fernandes Revolver Pro. The sustainer works better. Had to put lighter vibrato springs on. Sounds a feels great.
I use 9-38 .the old 150 rock n roll strings ..used back in the day by Rory Gallagher etch..
I like the Ernie Ball Turbo Slinky (9.5-46) mixed gauge.
Nice. That’s an interesting string gauge. Do you use a fender or a Gibson style guitar?
@ A Strat, PRS and ESP Singlecut, all at standard tuning. I found 9’s were too loose but these are Goldilocks strings.
I have been using 9 guage for years.
🤘
yep,, over 40, using 8's now. feels better, no way i can use 10s again
I just ordered some 8s to try out. I’m a fan of whatever makes things easier 🤘
Billy Gibbens 07 ?? 👍👍😊
Heck yeah 🤘
I don't think these thin strings will cut it if u play modern metal/djent/prog stuff that is percussive or requires you pick hard and dig into the strings. 9-42 tends to go slightly out of tune when u dig in esp on the bottom strings.
Girls who can shred do fine with 8s, should be fine for dudes as well if 9s are too much.
😂
Just went down to 9’s… I’ll never go back up.
Im with ya! I F ed up my tendon in my left pinky finger and into my knuckle and hand. It's actually childish and moronic fighting with heavy gauge strings. Look, I'm a tough guy. haha Ya playing guitar, ya not boxer. ha
Absolutely 🤘
Purists will kill me, but I play jazz on a strat w/single coils and 9s !!! When I was younger everybody would tell me that you must use an archtop with flatwound 13s, it's the only way to get a decent jazz sound. Not for my fingers...
Not sure how great a Les Paul is for your back. I've switched to Air guitar primarily for my health and bank account. It's great!
D'Addario 9 - 42 on my strats and tele's. 10 - 46 on my LP's and double cutaway. I like the chunkier sound of the 10's on the double humbuckers and for leads on the type of music I play. Everyone has their own sound and tone when they write and perform their own music, and it depends on their influences also.
That sounds like a good balance. I used to use that exact approach. But it definitely goes back to what inspires you the most 🤘
According to Google you are 21 Years old. If Tendonitis started already...............................just think 30+ years ahead! It doesn't get any better. I am 55 years now playing for nearly 40 years. Actually i have severe Tendonitis from the Thumb my whole Arm through to my Shoulder and Neck. Stay aware! One day you will have reached the thinnest strings and lowest action. And than?
You start playing slide guitar....
I’ll figure it out when I get there
@@JordanSteele You still have some time 😊
I prefer the sound of thinner strings. I think all of my guitars sound better with and without an amp
10.5 to 49. Lighter strings makes my playing too sloppy. I have more control on 10´s.
Ernie Ball super slinky 9-42.
No particular reason. I'm not a virtuoso like everyone else, so it's a non-issue for me. Been playing since 1970
🤘
We all been down that road, SRV had to super glue his fingers (staying up on drugs and booze probably didn’t help too lol)
SRV was crazy
Fender guitars play better on 11 and 9or 10 sound thinner.
“The tone is beefier/thicker with heavy strings!”
Lmfao. So much of this stuff is completely in people’s heads.
Sensation and perception are influenced by many factors and the overwhelming majority of people have zero understanding of the field whatsoever
8 - 38 - eb 👍👍
Rick Beato - > BB King