For the longest time of playing your guitar and practicing different songs and chords that you found on the internet, there would come a time that some of the strings would snap. If not, you need to replace the guitar strings entirely. Now, when you are in that stage, you need to take into account some points to make sure that you’re buying the right strings for your guitar.
Body Style
As a rule of thumb to strings, smaller-bodied acoustic guitars that have lighter gauges, light-bodied instruments should have heavier gauges. A jumbo or big dreadnought will normally generate better sounds with strings that have medium-gauge as it takes full advantage of the bigger sound chambers. Parlor guitars and smaller grand auditorium will definitely sound better when using lighter gauges.
Playing Style
When you are playing with a guitar that uses strings with lighter gauge, fingerpicking becomes simpler. If majority of your playing is involving hard strumming, then you should go with medium-gauge strings. However, if your style is a mix of fingerpicking and strumming, then it is preferable to go for a light-medium string set.
These types of sets usually have heavier gauges on the bottom three strings while the top three have lighter gauges.
Desired Tone
As you know by now, heavy gauge strings are used in accentuating the bass of your guitar which ultimately produce strong and deep tones. Lighter gauges on the other hand can put more emphasis on treble notes and also, it can bring the subtle strumming and picking techniques you have.
Instrument’s Condition and Age
Most of the time, vintage or old guitars frail. In this case, greater tension of the heavier strings may make the neck shift and bow and the bridges to lift. If you are uncertain about the safe gauge of the string should be for your guitar, then it is recommended to consult the manufacturer. Perhaps, look for known guitar tech as they can guide you on what your next move should be.
Aside from the weight of the gauge, there are other things to be taken into account as well for the strings such as its characteristics. Well-known options are bronze, brass, aluminum bronze, phosphor bronze, silk and steel as well as polymer-coated.