Let’s Talk About Guitar Strings

ByBob Bakert, Editor December 10, 2018December 11, 2018

There seems to be a lot of talk on the internet about ‘guitar strings’ these days…

…gauges, alloys, feel, tone, manufacturers, etc. For example, I’ve read a lot about heavier gauges being better for producing more tone. OK… How do you explain Billy Gibbons using 7’s? (of course, referring to the gauge of the high E string) My own opinion – you need to experiment with the strings until you find the set that allows you to express yourself with your technique, as well as the way you want to communicate your sound as you hear it in your head.

If you have average strength in your fingers and you want to do double stop bends on a Tele or the ever popular minor third bends, you are probably going to find it tough if you are using 13’s. I know there are a lot of players who can – but most of us are going to find that to be difficult. If you are playing bebop at quiet levels, 9’s might not give you the “ballistics” you need. At any rate, to help us get a better understanding on the subject, we have asked our friends at the D’addario to help us with an upcoming article addressing strings, alloys, gauges, feel, and other factors. I know I would like to know more.

If you have any comments or questions, drop me a line using the form below. And if you know people who would find this interesting, please suggest they subscribe to jazzguitartoday.com.

Thanks!

Bob Bakert
Editor

CONTACT BOB

Bob Bakert, Editor

Bob Bakert’s love of all things guitar started when he was twelve years old. While starting with folk tunes and top 40 music of the day, his interest developed over the years to R&B, rock and of course, jazz. Bob has studied many styles of guitar but improvisation has always been at the heart of his style. He has studied with many prestigious teachers including NY studio legend Andy Roemer and GSU’s Dave Frackenpohl.

In addition to co-founding the Frank Hamilton School of Folk music in Atlanta, Bob has mentored several venues and concert series. He is currently on the board of directors for one of Billboard Magazines “Best Jazz Clubs”, The Velvet Note in Alpharetta, GA.

More recently, Bob was the “Rudder” at Eastman Stringed Instruments – providing guidance on a variety of sales, product development and artist relations projects. As with many in the Jazz Guitar Today audience, Bob has an insatiable appetite for guitar and a desire to share his love of the instrument.