The String Job---Axe String Tips and Using The Right Strings

Guitar String Tips

By Mark Grove

Most players who gig regularly spend a lot of money on a top notch axe and a new set of strings. There's a problem there unfortunately. You either use strings not right for the type of music you play, or you use the same set of strings at the Blues jam session every week, and aren't playing with the right tone and attack.



Playing with the same strings is even worse than not using the strings for the right music. Your Guitar is still great to play, but you either need different strings or a new set. Makes sense doesn't it?


You may even want to invest in a pro at a local guitar shop who you value and can set you up with the right strings as well as maybe looking at the way you're tuning you're tuning your axe. The right combo of strings and tuning for the type of music you play, will have a positive effect on how you play your music.



The Rule Of Guitar Stringing: At Least My Rule:


Think about the number of days you play a week whether practicing, jams or gigs and add up the number of days. Maybe your band plays twice a week,and you practice twice and a jam once a week at a local club. That's five times a week. Then string your axe with fresh strings five times a year, and naturally when you break a string replace it.



If you don't break your strings and only jam twice a week at a local blues club, at least re-string once a year so your strings are fresh or if you're playing different genres. Also, you should use thinner strings anyway if you're a sometimes player.

That will give a better feel on the strings and for the music.

Don't use strings that are thick. You may get more control of play but its harder to control tone through the pickups and the amp, and you end up getting a muddy tone that drives you and your audience bonkers!


Ask a veteran blues man about what kind of strings you should use for the music you play. Your tuning and your pickups also have an effect on your music as well and how tough even light strings can be, if you don't set up your axe properly.


New strings and the tips above will help you big time!


So get to the next Jam at your Blues club.

Here's some tips from Mike from the band Naked Underneath on how to string your electric axe. Very informative little video.





Mark