Acoustic Vs. Electric Technique

When I first read this question, I thought about my dear wife sometimes asking why I need different guitars. "They're for different music." I'll say, and the subject gets dropped ... for a few months.

I'm inclined to think the same as CG about electric and acoustic guitars. They're different instruments that can be used play - not always different music - but to play the music differently. I prefer 10's on an electric, but 12's on an acoustic. I can imagine trying to bend 12's would indeed be a chore requiring substantial hand strength.

And I really like the comment about "economy of motion". As age-related arthritis progresses, both speed and grip strength have decreased. Being efficient with motion is soooo important. I've watched Steve Howe of Yes over the years (now in his early seventies), and even though he's slowed down, he still manages to play most of his classic riffs & licks with a more efficient playing style.

Great topic, BGD!

Joe, look for a heavy/light set.  EB and GHS have one.
GHS Custom Boomers Electric Guitar Strings Features at a Glance:
Custom gauge    .010, .013, .017, .DY36, .DY52, .DY60
Roundwound  Nickel-plated steel wrap
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Ernie Ball M-steel Electric Guitar Strings Features:
Set of 6 strings
For electric solidbody, hollowbody, and semi-hollowbody guitars
Gauges .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, and .052 for a skinny top and heavy bottom tone
Round wound Super Cobalt Alloy around Maraging Steel hex core wire

I think you will like that.

I love heavy bottoms. I play 11 heavy bottoms now.     

TIG ... I expect you're asking vicariously ... good on ya!

The Numbers
The numbers used to describe guitar strings are fractions of millimeters. So when a set is referred to as 0.012 - 0.053, that simply means that the strings in the group of six go from the thinnest (0.012) to the thickest (0.053). The larger the numbers, the heavier a set of strings is considered to be.

The Names
The terms light / medium / heavy (and the in between variations) are used differently for electric and acoustic. For example, a 0.010 - 0.047 set would be considered Light on an electric, but considered Extra Light for an acoustic.

The Sound
Generally speaking, a thinner gauge set is easier to play, but have a thinner / brighter tone. This is great for an electric, because the sound is produced by the string vibrating in the magnetic field on the pickups. In an acoustic however, thin strings produce a thin or tinny sound. A thicker string will require a bit more grip strength, but the guitar will produce a fuller, richer sound.

The Composition
Various metal alloys produce different sound characteristics. And when we come to classical guitar strings (usually nylon or nylon core) the tension is a bigger factor in sound than the actual gauge is. With nylons, the lower - medium tension strings produce a warmer sound, while higher tension strings are brighter.

I hope these brief comments (and this chart for acoustic strings) are helpful:

On classical strings it depends some of the brand of strings. In general low tension strings buzz to much, so I use medium tension.  I tired high tension and it took much more pressure on the strings. So when i use Pro Arte strings I used  normal tension as I do now with LaBella 2001 stings.They are much brighter and more mellow than other brands.