Is it wrong to strum on lights and extra light strings?

LeDave · #1 09-05-2020, 06:36 PM

Is it wrong to strum on lights and extra light strings?

Or is it purely for finger picking only? I prefer light strings, especially Silk & Steels. I only strum... At least for now.

TBman · #2 09-05-2020, 06:41 PM

General guitar/music rule - if it sounds good, it isn't wrong.

Tony Burns · #3 09-05-2020, 06:46 PM

Its never wrong -however you play it -when you play it - why you play it

Brucebubs · #4 09-05-2020, 06:48 PM

LeDave I'm a strummer myself and when I first picked up my used jumbo Epiphone EJ-200 I asked the AGF for string suggestions and a great many recommended mediums to drive the big top - made perfect sense - until I tried them.
The heavier gauge just didn't work - they sounded kinda dull and lifeless - I tried round-core DR Sunbeam mediums and didn't like them but by sheer coincidence I had a set of Sunbeam lights in my stock so I put them on back-to-back - I even took a picture - the difference was staggering, the guitar came alive .... and they sound superb strummed.

Got to be honest here - none of my guitars play better or sound better with mediums.

Rockysdad · #5 09-05-2020, 06:49 PM

As has been said, if you like it, that's all that matters.

3notes · #6 09-05-2020, 07:01 PM

No, it isn't wrong to use light strings. In fact, it might be the best string for your guitar. I've used 11's for years. My Taylor Mini came new with 13's on it. IMO, ridiculous. Put 11's on and bingo..... Better tone. Better playability.

Dave, I strongly suggest you try 11's. Being a beginner, 11's will provide many benefits to you. Give them a go.... What do you have to lose, right.??

whvick · #7 09-05-2020, 09:17 PM

And I think a lot of guys who push for medium are driving for extra volume. But if you are a bedroom balladeer like me, lights may be all you need. And if your guitar is acoustic electric you can always plug in for volume. Right now I like D’Addario EXP lights cause on sale at strings and beyond. But that may change. I also am enjoying a set of Santa Cruz Parabolic light on a Taylor 414.
Reading these posts seems to lead
Me to conclude we all need to experiment some and decide what is best for each of us.

RRuskin · #8 09-05-2020, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeDave

Is it wrong to strum on lights and extra light strings?

Or is it purely for finger picking only? I prefer light strings, especially Silk & Steels. I only strum... At least for now.

There may be some that believe doing what you suggest on strings that light will land you in Purgatory for Guitarists but I'm not one of them.

RRuskin · #9 09-05-2020, 09:23 PM

posted in wrong thread

Mark Stone · #10 09-05-2020, 09:29 PM

Everybody is right. I've always believed that the only "being" that knows which strings are best on a guitar is . . . . drumroll . . . . the GUITAR!

LeDave it's perfectly fine to strum lights and medium lights. The only person you have to please is yourself. It's just you and your axe. Experiment, experiment experiment. Oh - did I mention experiment?

Mycroft · #11 09-05-2020, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeDave

Is it wrong to strum on lights and extra light strings?

Or is it purely for finger picking only? I prefer light strings, especially Silk & Steels. I only strum... At least for now.

You may have to use a lighter attack, and may give up something in volume, but nothing inherently wrong with it.

Canada310 · #12 09-05-2020, 09:41 PM

"If it feels good do it even if you shouldn't
Don't let people mess you around" - Sloan

But really, it's whatever you want. I heard Jimmy Page played slinky strings. Clapton played heavier guage. Is either one wrong? I like mediums but I also like lights and the feel and playability of lights wins out for me. But you're not doing anything objectively wrong or right either way. Use a different pick or have a bit more coffee and your changing it all up anyway, ya know?

Tico · #13 09-05-2020, 10:48 PM

This is music.
Nothing is "wrong".

There is only what you like and dislike, and what others like and dislike.

Proof: Even Yoko Ono, Ringo Starr, and Bob Dylan made money singing.

mcduffnw · #14 09-05-2020, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeDave

Is it wrong to strum on lights and extra light strings?

Or is it purely for finger picking only? I prefer light strings, especially Silk & Steels. I only strum... At least for now.

It is perfectly fine to do whatever YOU WANT TO DO with whatever guitar and whatever string type, and gauge you want to use.

If it works for you...GREAT...you are the only one for whom your choices and decisions have to matter.

Serious question...Why would you think otherwise...why are you even pondering this?

duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

3notes · #15 09-06-2020, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcduffnw

It is perfectly fine to do whatever YOU WANT TO DO with whatever guitar and whatever string type, and gauge you want to use.

If it works for you...GREAT...you are the only one for whom your choices and decisions have to matter.

Serious question...Why would you think otherwise...why are you even pondering this?

duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

He's a beginner and he is a curious guy. He simply wants to know if it is done. IMO, his threads have been fantastic. He's brought a lot to the forum as a beginner.

It's a good question because although I play 11's, I do get a little raspy tone from the 2 treble strings when I 'dig in strumming' on the Taylor mini.

Here's a suggestion..... D'Addario EJ24( I think that's the stock number) They are a custom set of light strings with a slightly heavier 2 treble strings and a slightly heavier low E string. I'm anxious to try them.