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Question: What are gauges for acoustic guitars!?
I'm buying new strings for my acoustic guitar (I'm a beginning guitarist), but I don't know what gauges are!.

How do different gauges affect the sound of your guitar!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
To begin at the end, I use and recommend Elixir Nanoweb light gauge strings!.

Gauge refers to string thickness and you will almost always see the individual gauges for each of the six strings listed somewhere on the outside of the pack!. Additionally, each pack will describe itself as extra-light, light, light-medium, medium, or heavy gauge!. Confusing the issue is that not every pack of light gauge strings from two different makers (or even from the same maker) will have the exact same six gauges!.

The heavier the gauge, the more tone and volume the strings wil produce!. At the same time, the heavier the gauge, the more difficulty you will have in fretting the strings since the tension of heavy gauge strings is substantially higher then lighter gauge strings!. As a result, heavy gauge strings are rarely used and many manufacturers advise against using them at all since the additional cumulative tension may damage your guitar!.

Since you're a beginner, I strongly recommend you stick with light gauge strings!. They will provide ample tone and volume while being as easy as possible to play!.

There is no best string, just lots of good ones from 30 or so different manufacturers!. I happen to like Elixir Nanoweb lights because although they're expensive they last a long time and eliminate finger squeak!. Good luck!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Guitar string gauges are usually described by their thickness in thou' (thousands of an inch)!. When guitarists talk about 'nines' or 'eights' etc they are referring to a standard set of guitar strings, with the first string being nine thou' or eight thou' thick!.

For acoustic guitar, 12 gauge is pretty standard, but 11 will be easier on your fingers!

Heavier gauges generally give a stronger sound and better sustain (ringing), but are more difficult to play - especially for a beginner!.Www@QuestionHome@Com