• Registered: 2007-10-23
  • Posts: 2

Topic: new strings

I am just learning to play and am using a borrowed guitar (acoustic) which hasn't been used in many, many years. I'd like to get it restrung and tuned. My question is, how do I decide which stings I want? It's all so confusing - gauge, tension, etc. I think I want to go with nylon but haven't decided anything past that. Thanks

  • From: Cincinnati, OH
  • Registered: 2007-07-16
  • Posts: 282

Re: new strings

If it's a classical guitar, you'll use nylon strings, otherwise, use steel strings.
It will take a while before you find the brand & gage of strings that fit you the best.  I suggest you stay to the "Extra Light" or "Light" gage...maybe a "10" or "11" which is the gauge of the e string.  I'd stay away from the expensive coated strings to begin with--if you don't like them, you've made a $14 mistake instead of a $6 mistake.  You'll get a lot of different answers here, but I'm a fan of "DR" strings. 
Oh, and wipe the strings down after you're done playing--it will really help extending the life by getting the dirt & oil from your fingertips off.