Strings that are EASY on the fingers
Hi folks,
Just wondering what strings you find are a bit easier to fret. Thanks! |
There is a trade off with tone and volume along with being easier on the fingers.
I like the tone of medium gauge strings but for everyday playing I prefer light gauge strings. I feel it's a fair trade off. Some of the easiest playing strings I have played was on my great-nieces acoustic. She had a buzz that a small truss rod adjustment helped. While I had the guitar I put on a set of Martin Silk and Steel that she already had. Those strings are easy on the fingers and have good tonal qualities. But for my jam playing they are a bit low on volume. But that doesn't mean I will not use them in the future. |
Round core strings like DR Sunbeams or low tension strings like SCGC Parabolics.
But, try this - tune down a half step and play with a capo as needed. best, Rick |
Easy on the fingers (I prefer medium strings):
Silk and Steel 11.5 - 47.5 (Martins) SUS and Santa Cruz lights Elixir HD (13 - 53) ** edit ** Also GHS Thin Core (round core strings). |
With a good set-up and the action where you want it, I find it just as easy to play mediums as lights.
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DR Sunbeams, easy on the fingers, nice tone.
Just be sure to not clip them until they have been tightened up to tune. |
I like Silk and Bronze.
Easy on fingers and sound better than silk and steel to my ears. Ll. |
Curious, why are you asking?
One instructor I know insists that his students keep 80/20 strings on until they develop the needed callous. Others switch a new student to silk and steel right off the bat, but this does delay development of fingertip callouses. Personally, I like silk and steels, and also go with extra-light strings. That said, you will suffer a decrease in volume, so if you are playing in a band or singing along, it will change the balance. |
If you are playing alone for self-enjoyment or plugged in, lights of most any manufacturer will do.
I’m currently sporting Monel 11-52’s on my J15 which I play almost exclusively plugged in…butter. Any round core string in a medium gauge will be easy on your fingers because of the lower tension. Or… You can acquire a short scale guitar, get a good set up and your can use mediums if you wish. BTW, when playing alone, IMHO this volume thing is overblown YMMV. |
I've tried SCGC low tension strings, silk and bronze and Sunbeams and now am using Thomastik-Infeld Plectrum 111's. I tried the 112's but switched back to the 111's for the easier playing (less tension). I get wonderful tone out of these strings and think I may have found a brand I'll stay with for a while. They are not strings I'd use in a band or jam, but for me just playing at home they are working out really well.
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Easy to fret, sound great, last a long time and are inexpensive at $6.99. |
I am currently loving some John Pearse phosphor bronze and silk strings. I think I have the 510L. Which are light. Possible I have the 610LM - light/medium. Great sound and feel.
I have neuropathy and some arthritis and these strings really help. |
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wguitar (OP): Has your guitar been setup? |
The B and high E strings are the ones that are the most uncomfortable for many players. Only the gauge makes a difference. I do find that Monel's are fairly easy on the fingers as far as the wound strings go. These days I'm happy with 11's on almost all my acoustics.
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