Tech Tips:
Strings
D'Addario, Elixir, Ernie Ball, Martin, DR, Dean Markley
The Basics : Strings
Guitar strings come in a variety of materials, sizes and winding finishes (flat wound, round wound).
String Materials
Phosphor Bronze, Bronze, Nickel, Stainless Steel, Silk and Steel, Nylon Strings...
The material a string is made from effects the tone of your instrument.
While experimenting with different materials will help determine what suits your taste, changing string gauge should be done with caution.
String Gauge
Heavier gauge strings not only make an instrument louder (and a little more painful to play), they also place more tension on the neck and top.
If your instrument has been set up properly, changing the string gauge may effect string height (action) and intonation.
Changing string gauges on an electric guitar equipped with a floating tremolo often requires re-adjustment of the tremolo.
More on Choosing the right strings
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Accessories
Did You Know?
When it comes to tuning problems there are several issues that can cause frustration.
Intonation: A guitar with poor intonation may play out of tune even after tuning the open strings properly. Chords often sound out of tune with themselves when certain notes play flat or sharp. Read more about correcting intonation on electric guitars.
String Slippage: Keeping a guitar in tune can be difficult if the strings are slipping or binding. Slippage will cause the string to slack and the tuning to go flat. Read more about anchoring strings properly.
Worn Or Poor Quality Strings: Some players will wait until a string breaks before changing strings. Wear effects not only the tone but our ability to easily tune an instrument as well.
You can make string changes easier and quicker by using a string winder / cutter.
