Fingerstyle: putting .10s on a grand auditorium, yeah or nay?

[Dracorex0]

Obviously I won’t be needing alot of volume. I mostly play 12s right now. I heard 10’s are alot easier on the fingers. Should I give it a go or is it a waste of time?

[Mandobart]

IMO its a waste of just a little time and money. So you should do it, and then you'll know.

[llew]

12's are as low as I go!

[Nymuso]

Find a set with a wound G.

[Dracorex0]

It’s funny, I don’t feel like I actually need to go there right now but I’m a little scared I’ll reach a stage where my fingers will need an easier time and then I’ll have to change stuff around later on which sounds worse. I’d rather get my shizz together now so I don’t have to worry about it [emoji18]

[lowrider]

First I would make sure that your guitar is set up properly. If it is, then try 11's. You won't find as much of a tone loss as with 10's.

I started playing as PT for my surgically repaired left hand. I started with 10's because I didn't care how it sounded, I just wanted to strengthen my hand. As I got stronger and got some chops, I moved to 11's and it was a huge improvement in sound but not much harder to play.

Then I moved to 12's and got a much fuller tone than the 10's I had started with, and again, it took more strength but by now I had the strength I needed.

[jpd]

10's will most likely flap in the breeze!

[s2y]

Agree with checking setup first. Second, technique and ergonomics. Barring previous hand injuries, 12s and 13s shouldn't be too hard to play with good technique and setup.

[rmoretti49]

Try GHS Thin core strings. They are low tension strings that sound good. Try 11's.

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I would make sure that your guitar is set up properly. If it is, then try 11's. You won't find as much of a tone loss as with 10's.

That would be my first solution too.

[jp2558]

If you intend to only play with/for yourself go for it. If otherwise, unless you are plugged into an amp or PA, it will be noticeably more quiet. I use 11's which is a nice compromise, and I can play plugged in if I need more volume.

[boneuphtoner]

Originally Posted by Dracorex0

Obviously I won’t be needing alot of volume. I mostly play 12s right now. I heard 10’s are alot easier on the fingers. Should I give it a go or is it a waste of time?

Last year I discovered the trick discussed here about improving playing comfort and keep the heavier strings you already have by just dropping the pitch to Eb (D#). It will definitely feel lighter yet retain the benefits of the light strings. For me I use medium gauge strings pitched in Eb - same feel as lights but you get the benefit of the fatter tone with the mediums. A number of artists like Zac Brown to Guns N Roses use Eb tuning also so this isn’t a novel concept.

Oh and if you are worried about matching pitch while playing with others all you have to do is capo the 1st fret.

[KarenB]

If you do go the 11 route, note that some guitar sets go from 11-52, some 11-48 or 11-47.
These are all called extra light guage by the various manufacturers. Though some manufactures call 10 - 47. 10-48 10-50 extra light.

As others suggested check the set up, or just dive in and buy some new strings and see if you like them.

[alnico5]

I play "rock style" acoustic, lots of bends, barre chords, up at the 12-15 fret, but not a lot of finger style. I have a Taylor 412. Due to my "style" I put on a set of D'Addario 10-46 strings. I heard a friend of mine using them at a gig and he sounded fine.

At home by myself it makes no difference. At my gigs I am plugged into my amp so it makes no difference. For me they are a plus. Any way, give 'em a try.

[mawmow]

I understand you somehow know this : You will lose much sound volume.

You will also probably produce some string 'bending'.

I had some problem fretting chords on my beloved Taylor 510 (2006)
with 0,013" strings : I just made a "neck reset" (three bolts to unscrew)
yesterday and Geee ! fretting issue gone !