I still watch to see how you're coming up with ways to play using one less finger. You still do the southern rock bending and repeating licks like a pro! You sound just as good if not better sometimes since the injury. You are the poster boy for when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade 😎 .

When I began playing guitar, in the 80s, I'd always buy the lightest strings I could find, usually .008. My favorite brand was Ernie Ball. When I restarted to play seriously(ish), about 17 years ago, I switched to Elixir and never looked back. Never noticed intonation problems. Gauges: .010 on Gibson scales lengths and .009 on Fender scale lengths. This gives me sort of equal string tension on all guitars.

Way back in the Pleistocene, I started on 9s from Dean Markley, and I destroyed them in huge numbers. I cannot remember a set of strings from back then that got a chance to corrode. Working my way up to 10s via Fender and D'Addadrio, I am now at 10s from Ernie Ball.

Great vid spurring good discussion - seems many players are .09ers - I think I might drop from my .10s and give them a try again! On the subject of coated strings - they were recommended to me as I was told I might have toxic or non-pH neutral sweat! Typically a set of strings would last me one or two weeks before feeling rusty (also bridge and saddles seem to erode quickly ). I’m also a bit OCD about playing guitar with clean hands, I just can’t stand playing with dirty fingers and washing / cleaning my hands is one of the last thing things I do in my ritual habits before going on stage to play gigs! Coated do cost more, but I find they last (me) longer. Never had intonation problems though (maybe my crap playing disguises it 😂). One more point! I put flat wound strings on my slide guitars, as I had hoped they would reduce any unwanted scratchy noises (and a number of KZfaq vids raved about flat wounds) - they did reduce noise but the strings sounded dead after about 2 weeks 🙁, so i switched back to normal wound strings. As with all things, many options - give as many a try and make your own mind up!

Elixir for my acoustic’s, Ernie Ball 9’s for electric’s, but the cost of both appears to have risen a huge amount over the last few years..

I am a huge fan of Richard Thompson, so when I found that he endorsed Elixir strings, I thought I'd give them a try and I've never used anything else since, with one or two exceptions. I have a Yamaha SG5A which is very old (1966 I believe) and has a custom set starting with an 8. I also have have a couple of acoustics for slide which use specialist strings. My electrics mostly have 10s, although one or two have 9s.

Although I’m not from the Boro (my wife is!), I have fond memories of Uncle Tony’s guitar shop. Bought a few lovely guitars from there in the 90s. Sadly missed 🙁

Hi John, interesting topic, I've been using 8's for a few years now after having used 9's for nearly 40 years. I play mainly strats and don't hear any down grading of tone. I tend to play/practice much longer when the guitar is very comfortable to play, light strings,low action. However we all have our personal preferences, often dictated by the type of music we like and play. Cheers, Stephen from Scotland.

Really interesting discussion John. I settled on 10s for everything many, many years ago and haven't found any reason to change. I'm not a shredder by any stretch of the imagination, in fact I'm an old blueser and I like a guitar to fight back a bit so I can dig in. If anyone's interested I've found that Pyramid strings through Thomann are reasonably good for affordable strings...

I've been on 10s until recently..when i got my se ce satin wink wink it was equipped with 9s ..they feel good so I'll try them on my tribute..

Back in the 1970's, when I started playing guitar, I used Picato strings. I have a feeling it was a choice based on price, or perhaps because I liked the name. Either by luck or advice from the music shop I ended up on 9 gauge, which felt fine (I did try a pack of Black Diamond 'medium guage' once, which didn't seem to want to bend at all). One day I saw an advert for Rotosound strings in either the NME or Melody Maker which said Wilko Johnson played them, and used 11's. As I was a big fan of his playing and sound (especially on the first two Dr Feelgood albums) I changed to that brand and gauge, and strangely had no trouble adapting to the extra tension, with the exception of bending a low A on the G string up to a B - that took a bit of effort to get used to. Over the years I've tried various other brands because 'they were there' or they were a good price, and dropped the gauge to 10 a few years ago, but I've tended to stick to my Rotosounds. That said, I tried the coated Elixir strings on one of my Gretsches and my Hofner 4575, and they're really nice.

I added 11-49 strings to my squier strat (pictured). I must say it feels amazing... Nice to have to dig in and put more strength into bends without going off pitch. I think there's a slight difference in tone but mostly I think it's in the feel. I'll be adding 11s to my vintage v100 and HB Tele once the 10s wear out.

When i started ( 1972 ) it was Fender rock and roll strings. Then picato ( in the round green plastic box ,) Fender bullet strings , acoustics were rotosound bronze, bass was rotosound swingbass ( black nylon tapewound.) these days its De'adarrio or Ernie Ball . Due to Arthritis ive gone to 9s on electric and 10s on acoustics, extra light on banjos, bass strings dont get changed, the ones on my p bass copy are 40 years old at least? I have a Glarry J bass ( white £ 72.. perfect player ) roto's 95 - 106 i think?? .

Like many I have had a string journey over the decades. In my gigging days of the late 70s and 80s I dumped D'addario 10's strings after breaking too many and switched to Dean Markley 10s and barely ever broke a string. Fast forward 40 years and I find 10s a little hard to bend these days but like you John, I want the guitar to push back particularly playing riffs and power chords on the lower strings so I tried Ernie Ball Hybrids which are a 9 set on the thin strings and 10s on the lower strings. Never looked back since I tried these. PS. Its Elixirs for my acoustics though as I want that ''new fresh'' tone to last as long as it can.

This was very interesting. I've actually had a set of Daddario coated strings on my guitar since December. It is possibel for a string to be out of tune with itself.

Geo Ballentine here, John. Great discussion!!!! Nice that the same strings work on all your electrics. I use different strings for regular acoustic, National steel, and dobro/lap steel. I used coated strings to reduce finger noise on acoustics that had internal mic or pickup. I never did well w thin strings.

9-46 & 10-52 depending on tuning for me, tend to stick with d'addario xt strings now (the coating keeps them nice for ages since not playin as often as i should) but absolutely love newtone strings out of derbyshire, small but nice firm who make great feeling and long lasting strings for a decent price, well worth a look at :) Great vid as always sir :)

Really interesting observations this one and thanks for broaching what (for some) can be a bit of a hot issue (although I can't think why!) The 'String Thing' came up a while back elsewhere on YT with some very earnest discussion and back to back comparisons that more or less ended up with 'switching from 10s to 09s = no loss of bottom end and def easier to play so EVERYONE should do it' - or words to that effect. Frankly I found it ridiculous, not so much that you should try switching but the inherent, implied 'this is it boys and girls, here endeth the lesson!' attitude. It pissed me off a bit. Re: what strings? I have been using Nickel Plated Elixirs for quite a while now - my local does budget packs of 3 or 10 or whatever when the mood takes them, so that's handy! String Gauges? I have been mainly a studio player for the last 40 odd years, the '70s it was all live with just my Gibson Custom, so over time I've hit the point where to a large extent I let the guitar tell me (sometimes after a bit of experimenting) depending on what style I'm using it for. On my '68 Custom, Sadowsky NYC HSH, Gretsch, Casino & FGN Strat 10 - 46 all the way (chordal stuff and some soloing). On my PRS 24-08, Fender Strat 09 - 42 (more bendy solo work). On my Duesenberg Starplayer 10 - 52 (their factory setting and perfect for more 'riffy' stuff. On my '57 Hofner Club 10 - 46 Flatwounds and my very, very big Broadway Jazz 12s Flatwound. I have tried 008s on occasion on the Strats and just find the top end a bit thin for me 'tinny, not woody' as Michael Palin et al might say. On my acoustics I have Nickel 10 - 46 and Bronze 11s or 12s depending on the guitar - parlour to jumbo etc. So, not that anybody might be even remotely interested in my preferences what I would say is simply (a) experiment and see what feels right and (b) let the guitar tell you - scale length, fretboard, single coil / P90 / Humbucker / Filtertron, pickup height etc. might all respond differently to the gauge . . . keep an open mind 🙂Cheers and thanks again!

I've mostly used Ernie Ball strings on my electrics and D'addario coated string on my acoustic but though the acoustic strings last me literally a year or more I heard that plasticky type sound coming through more and more and contemplate regular uncoated strings.

If you're breaking strings more times than none you probably need a good fret polishing, at least from what I've found over time. I use the Broadway Stringjoy strings with the 9 gauge on the high E, B, G string and a heavier bottom on the D, A and low E. This lets me hit the bass strings harder without them making odd sounds in open positions. These strings last quite a while too so I'm not changing them nearly as often either which sorta warrants the added price of them.... at least to me :)

When I started playing back in the Stone Age I couldn’t afford a real Stratocaster like Eric Clapton. Or, for that matter a real Marshall or Fender amp. However I could afford Ernie Ball strings just like Clapton’s. So I switched to those as a way of capturing a little bit of that bluesy magic ( as if!) I’ve stuck with them ever since. Changed down from 10s to 9s last year as the old muscles are feeling the strain!

I always assumed the intonation suffers because the strings wear unevenly due to fretting i.e. they are no longer uniform from nut to bridge. I recently experimented with a set of 10s with a wound 3rd. It was ok for a while, harder to bend but doable. Then the G started sounding horrible and I realised I had worn through the windings and you see the naked string underneath at each fret position. Lesson learnt: wound strings do not stand a lot of bending.

Elixir uncoated 10s on the Tele and Epiphone LP; D'Addario flatwound 11s on the Casino and Jaguar. I think many buy coated because they think they will last longer and reduce the amount of string changes - a bit like why many people gravitated to locking tuners. But I'm quite happy changing strings every three months (moderate use across four electrics). I also use 10s on my 000 Martin acoustic. My problem with gauges below 10, as you mentioned, is string breakages. Having subsequently tried mates' guitars with, for example, 9s, I find there isn't enough weight on the string so they feel flimsy. Each to their own, and an excellent topic for discussion.

I got a second hand Taylor just over a year ago and put elixir string on as they are recommended by the manufacture and have been very impressed [in fact they still on], I haven't noticed any intonation problems but I suppose I don't play a lot on the higher frets on an acoustic.

I have never found a significant difference between different strings on electrics, it does make a difference on acoustic. I use Legacy 9's on electric and until recently Legacy phosphor bronze 12's on acoustic. I had been getting a little jaded with the sound of my acoustic (Freshman FA350) which I have had for years and was thinking about treating myself to a high end acoustic. I bought a set of Martin phosphor bronze Tommy Emanuel signature strings and was surprised at the improvement in sound. It sounds like a different guitar. Does it sound as good as the Martin Eric Clapton model I tried recently, no it doesn't, but the new purchase has been shelved and I am well happy with my guitar.

Great observations. Always something to learn on your channel. In total agreement with the comments on Fender guitar strings (although I love Fender flats on my bass-these strings both cheap and smoooth). Years ago I used to play with Ernie Ball Slinky 10s but hand and arm injuries made playing uncomfortable. On the mend now and have settled on Rotosound 9s except for on my Strat (which always plays nice with the Slinky's). I feel the Rotos feel 'balanced' on the other guitars. I just need to relearn how to play!

If anything, I think your leads have more of a stinging sound to them with the .009s, especially on your Les Paul.

Alas I have never been lucky with Ernie Balls, usually rust spots, recently I bought D'Addario chrome's as I am a 60's sound fan and love them, sadly they are more expensive than the normal XL's, they do though have "that" sound! Meanwhile I will stick to my XL epns, but look up those Legacies you mentioned 😊🎸🎸

I’ve used a variety of gauges and brands, and what I use varies by guitar. But I think I’m switching from 10s back to 9s on one guitar due to finger pain. Brandwise I have mostly used GHS Boomers, but they seem to be harder to find. So I have bought SIT and Rotosounds There aren’t many brands I don’t like, just roundwound nickel, uncoated.

I favour 9's on Fender type scale guitars and 10's on Gibson type scale necked guitars, that way both scale length feel roughly the same as regard to bending strings. ps Im using Ernie Ball Hybrid strings at present light to heavy although Im not a fan boy and will look to other brands often bulk buying whatever is cheapest as I change strings pretty regularly.

D'Addario 9-42 every time. After a few excursions into other gauges (Sorry SRV fans) that is the optimum string gauge. Less chance of brekage, less chance of sore fingers!

I don't play the electric much any more, but it is still strung 10 to 46 (not sure if that upper number is right, but I think it is close.) Acoustic is and always shall be 12 to 54. The electric still gets fed D'Addario's because they seem to last a while. The acoustics are always Martin, because I have a couple of those and am a snob.

Used Ernie Ball 9s for 30 years but recently had a new Kramer set up with 10s and it's been a game changer.

Astonished to hear what you said about Fender strings as I've switched over to them completely now. Used to use Ernie Ball 9s on my old Strat copy but found they tended to lose tone quickly and often went rusty. When I bought my real Strat it obviously came with Fenders and that first set lasted ages, stayed shiny and didn't lose top-end. When I bought my Sire H7 it came with 10s that were rusty and had a dodgy G, and all I had to replace them were a set of Ernie Ball that I'd bought for comparison, but I ordered a batch of Fender 9s online and have switched to them for it too. Intonation is rock solid and tuning very stable on both guitars, even at the change of season when truss rods need a tweak.

Never tried Fender but I’ll be happy when I’ve finally got through the Tiger brand strings I bought recently.

Elixir all the way. Tried coated daddarios xs and they are ok but elixirs are the best

I haven’t noticed a dropoff or change in your tone whether playing with 9’s or 10’s. I am presuming you switched to 9’s on your acoustic. As I’ve begun to get arthritis in my hands, I too have dropped from 10’s to 9’s. Also I just bought a Yamaha Revstar (the cheapest one) and have played it almost a month now. I like the Elixirs on it and will keep an eye out for the upper frets tuning. Appreciate the heads up on that. Regardless, I am and will continue to stay an Ernie Ball Slinky fan.

Interesting…I remember going through a stage of using 7’s 😂. I think I settled on 10’s tuned down a semitone but then bought another Strat a couple of weeks ago with 9’s on it…it felt lovely and sounded lovely! I reckon when I change them, I’ll put Ernie Balls on…10-46 and tune down a semitone again. Good video. Well done 😊

Has anyone used the Legacy strings John mentioned? My gauges are 9-42 and Legacy are a few quid cheaper per pack than the Ernie Ball Super Slinkies I've used since the dawn of time.

With my hands getting older, I went to 9s. I was looking for slippery and smooth strings. I found what I was looking for in the Ernie Ball Cobalt. They are quite expensive but they feel great and feel new for ages. And (this may be the gitarist's superstition) for string bends they feel even lighter than your average 9s.

I've settled on the D'Addario XS coated strings hybrid set of 9 to 46's. I tried the NYXL's, but like the feel of the coated strings better. I like the 9's for bending and as I occasionally tune to Drop D the 46's help maintain a good tension. I've not noticed any issues with intonation over time and my strings tend to last at least 3 months, but I'm not playing as much every day as you.

I put Ernie Ball 8s on my Telecaster due to the scale length. Bends are easy, but yeah, strings break quite often if you bend a lot. I recently bought Ernie Balls 8s RPS. I haven't tried them yet, but they are supposed to be reinforced.

I bought a set of fender strings - they will all different lengths (I’m guessing for strat and & tele 6 in line headstock… didn’t fit on my 335 😂 the seller did give me a refund though! 👍🏻

How about Gibson strings? Thanks for the vid.

Legacy strings seem to be Rotosounds, without the spare top E. For a long time, they were significantly cheaper than Rotosounds but when I last bought strings, three pack Rotosounds were lower priced than three individual Legacy sets. I've used Rotosound for many years - Mostly because they are British. It's not a nationalist thing, I just can't see the logic of importing a near identical product from America. Ultimately, I suspect we will all end up using Chinese strings but right now, I've not enjoyed the ones I've tried.

I use 10-46 ( from which ever dealer is offering the best deal )in Eb because I'm the singer. 😂

Martin Phosphor Bronze or Rotosound on my acoustics and Ernie Ball Slinky or Rotosound on my electrics. Never replaced strings on my bass (only used for recording). But as long as the gauge is right, I’m not that bothered.

Hi John, what do you think about putting flat wound strings on guitars and I don't mean for playing slide guitar. I have a squire telecaster with flat wound strings on it and I don't know whether I like it or not. It seems OK for rhythm but feels odd when playing solos.

Its Elixirs for me,,, I like to pick up a guitar and jam out, and then possibly not play it again for a couple of weeks.. its nice to be able to pick it back up to reasonably tidy strings because my body chemistry will turn an uncoated string into rusty cheese wire after a few days. In terms of gauge,, that's up to the guitar 😁

Due to nickel allergy I have to have steel strings these days, Daddario 10s, tried the coated but didnt get along with them at all.

I use Elixir on my acoustics and Ernie Ball 10's on electrics. I definitely like the warm tone of 11's but prefer the easier playability of 10's. I tried 9's and 9.5's but I tend to loose the string on bends and I can't always feel the string like I'd like. I can't have that on stage so 10's it is.

Whatever is the cheapest, and/or whatever that is UK made. For that I use Rotosound a lot, but if I see a bargain I'm snagging them! 😅

I use coated elixir nanoweb strings on my acoustics, as I play a lot of acoustic gigs and I can sweaty, so they last more than one gig and sound great. I did try the Daddarrio XS and I had so many tuning/intonation problems that I went back to Elixirs. On my electric I'm usually using Ernie Slinkys but I have Tomastik flatwound 11s on my Grestch semi hollow, and they feel lovely.

I don't really think there is much of a difference in tone or sound between 8's 9's or 10's i think Billy Gibbons uses 8's and he don't sound to shabby to me, also i think Hendrix used 8's as well.

Rotosound all the way for me!

Why not include Fender?

I'm back on 9's (same set you showed) after a good while on 10's. I just prefer them. That's having come from 7's back in the 70's. For a while I went to 8's (Fender Bullets, remember them?). I've noticed no difference in your tone at all, and even more impressively no difference in your playing since one of your troops decided to take permanent shore leave.

👍

Not sure it's reasonable to draw conclusions about all coated strings from one brand. I use Elixirs, they last much longer than uncoated strings, and I have no intonation issues.

Rubber bands for all of them. Just keep them cute enough.