Originally Posted by: JohnGC

Hi guys, I would like a bit of advice regarding string gauges. Since I started learning I have been using .009 -.042 guage strings. Just recently even though my guitar is in tune I have noticed it sounded a bit off. Just as an experiment I left my tuner on while using the guitar and when I struck the open B string it was in tune but I noticed as soon as I went down to the next fret on C it was well out. Obviously this occuring on all strings. By releasing the tension on my fretting finger by a fair amount the note C was spot on. I am now wondering if I require thicker strings as I am having difficulty trying not to press too hard. As an ex mechanic I have fairly strong fingers. I know I can experiment with trying thicker guage strings but would welcome suggestions of a good compromise or should I persevere until I adjust my touch. Is this a common problem. I did not realise by pressing too hard the note could sound off.

Cheers JohnC.

I will side on not needing new strings. Billy Gibbons uses 8's! I would not run to change to a new guage. I used 9's for years. For most of my guitars, I now use 10's but for whatever reason, my Strat wants 9's. Who am I to argule with a guitar?

The string guage should not change too radically from an open note (B) to the first fretted note (C) unless either you are pressing really hard or your need your guitar adjusted and set up. It's possible even both.

Firstly, you should realize, unless you already do, that fretting a note does not need much pressure. The truth is, you're not actually trying to press the string in to the wood. You're actually trying to give just enough pressure so that the string sits firmly on the fret. You're note ringing is not from the wood but from the pressure you place to seat the string down on the fret. That doesn't take much. Granted, if you start talking fretless, like a violin, I'm out..I know nothing! ;)

So, consider your finger pressure. The string guage should not impact that. Particularly on a very, very common set of 9's.

Getting your guitar set up properly. Be sure that your get a good setup. Make sure that the action is low enough (not too low so as to buzz) and that the neck is properly adjusted to ensure that your string is reasonably even all the way down the length of the fretboard. I say 'reasonably' since there will be a little bit of variance/difference.

By getting a good tech to do your guitar set up, you'll also have the intonation set properly too. What's intonation? In short, it's ensuring that your as you fret a note, that it is true to the note. For instance, if you fret the 6 string (E) at the 12th fret, it should be an E as well. If intonation is off, it might be sharp or flat. The bridge saddles have adjustments to fine tune intonation. Just to note, intonation is probably not you issue as much if you're fretting the first fret (like the B string C note).

No matter the guage of string, these are things that you should understand going forward. Strings are rarely the culprit but other things that could be causing the note to go 'out'.

Your guitar is always living in 'balance' as it is by its nature, always in tension. That's why there's neck adjustments, saddle intonation and your headstock tuners.

Still, I'd say it's not the strings just yet.