OMG, Tomo, I'm so excited about the Reading Courses,... I have all of the William Leavitt books and so many more that I cant wait to delve into!!! You are the man!!!!
Great news right! I am gonna teach everyone how to read music using that Berklee Method Guitar Volume One Book! Hopefully this weekend... or next weekend you will see them at my Guitar Wisdom. This way you can really enjoy working on that book and can build your confidence and work-ethic with your work! So much fun! Thank you so much Earnest!!!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Tomo, I remember from school, how to read music percussion ,many years. Brass as well bass and treble clef and remember alot...However though I can still read music , my sight reading has drastically declined. I picked up guitar after near 30 years keys and drums....The guitar chords for rhythm not too hard....But trying to sight read no good. I keep stopping and need glasses. Even with glasses and knowing the notes, I am unable to read far enough ahead like in bands over the years. Over 20 years no music reading. Hahahah. I know practice is good and will help but I mainly explore ambient blues. A new thing mainly my own genre. I enjoy it. I was asked if I had tabs. No tabs. I am sorry. Hahahaha. All ear today. Thank you for all your amazing videos. Wish I lived close. Hahahah
The thing about thinner strings in the sound area is they'll be more mid-focused and have more sustain than thicker strings, at the expense of some little reduction of signal. This is counter-intuititive on an electric guitar. People would wrongly think that more mass equals more vibration, hence more sustain. Thicker strings would produce more signal for sure (more amplitude), but that doesn't equate sustain. You're not moving a sound board on an electric like you would do on an acoustic, the vibration that matters is that one parallel to the pickups. What happens with thicker strings is they need to have more tension to reach a certain pitch. Having more tension for the same frequency means they will return to a stable position faster than a string that has less tension to produce that frequency. Metal strings were thick in the past due both to avoiding breakage and low-signal pickups. As strings got better and higher output pickups were developed, players demanded thinner strings. Electric guitars needing ferromagnetic properties to excite the pickup evolved from metal-alloy strings to steel ones. This was notable among rock players in the '70s and the '80s. Imagine Brian May, he has a short-scale guitar whose zero fret is around the 1st fret on a Strat, he was using 8s for standard tuning, so he would have an equivalent tension of a Strat tuned down a semitone. His sound is immensely big and highly mid-focused, having low output pickups and relying on a treble booster. However, thinner strings require much more polished technique and a more precise touch, the main thing being you shouldn't press so hard against the frets (meaning you also need to relax your thumb). You don't need to be so aggressive on them on the right hand, they'll start and keep vibrating using much less energy. But it pays off in the end: great timbre, less tiredness for the player, more controlled bends, no problem with rhythm. You can EQ thinner strings to remove the mid frequencies, you can't put back the mids on thicker strings.
Really interesting read. I might have to try a guitar with lighter strings. I would have to work on my technique a lot however, going from being so rough and playing 12s...
All good till the last sentence. Its easy to REMOVE frequencies using EQ, its impossible to add ones that were never there. The thinner strings aren't producing as solid/smooth a low end so even by keeping the bass high on your amp settings, they never have the richness or "purr" the way thick wound strings do. They also don't sustain AS LONG when doing harmonics, or for the quiet parts, just scraping against the fret is much louder with thicker strings. Im not saying thick strings sound better, but they do sounds different, especially in their ADSR qualities. The dynamic/response is part of the instrument, use what works for you.
@@Maschine_Elf When tuned to the same note, thinner string gauges have a wider frequency response than thicker strings, including bass. Do you want more bass? Don't increase the bass! Notch the midrange instead. Thicker string gauges have less midrange frequency, thus being perceived that they have louder bass. When they're more banjo-like. Thinner gauges won't rattle, unless you apply excessive force to set them in vibration. That's what people used to thicker gauges do when first approaching thinner gauges. Not only you need to adjust that strength, you'd benefit from using more flexible picks (personally I went down to .50 mm in the last few months). Thinner gauges have longer sustain than thicker ones. They have less mass and less tension, so there's less drag to make them stop vibrating. The only downside you could measure is having less mass, this mass being made of a ferromagnetic material, they could potentially influence less the magnetic field of the pickup sensing them. But this has been long debunked, the difference is tiny, and compensated by the fact that thicker gauges will recover equilibrium way faster, having more attack and less sustain. Instead of listening to me, you can take the wiser route of searching for theory and practical cases on string mechanics, tension force on strings, and such topic that are widely covered by engineering and physics. There's one thing we both 100% agree about and is totally personal: how each string gauge feels to the player, and what each gauge gives to that player; that will be key to the performance. Use whatever feels good for you (but don't feel shy to try something else).
Every time I try light strings it's a disaster. When I came back to playing in my late thirties I started with an acoustic running 12s...anything less than 10s I tend to fret out of tune with my ham hands. After Beato and this I may put lights on one and just force myself not to over grip and see what happens, might have benefits even if I don't adopt them wholesale.
Wow so did I. !!! But out of the 3 guitars I pur them on 1. My Strat 2. Les paul 3. SG standard the SG is the only one that still has 8's on it idk I don't think I like them all that much anymore??
I tried 9‘s and they just do not stay in tune as well as 10‘s. I can’t imagine using 8’s for that reason! The tone of the unwound strings is piercing with the 8‘s and much sweeter to my ears with the 10‘s
I actually prefer the sound of 8s for thrash metal in standard tuning! Like a mid-boost or tightening. Not sure how to describe it! Just absolutely in love with your playing too, Tomo. So sweet on the ears
I've been playing 8s for the past two years, having previously played 9s for decades. They're pure magic. You have to adjust your "attack" accordingly, but they're not only easier to play, they're more nuanced, and offer more tonal opportunities. They're probably not the best option for some genres, like metal, where dropped tunings are common, but they seem to work nicely for blues, jazz and most rock stuff. As Beato's program showed, it's actually hard to hear the difference -- given the many variables of amplification. Now, let's talk 7s. I tried them on my 1993 PRS EG-4 (essentially a Strat) out of curiosity and found them to be too thin. For me, the digital "mechanics" of bending them was awkward and became imprecise, due to their extreme thinness. But they, too, have their believers, including Billy Gibbons (so I'm told...).
I’ve put 7s on all my non-trem guitars and have never looked back. When you can play SO EASILY,it makes it a Joy and I never wanna put it down. I swear it’s making me a better player. Yeah, you gotta adjust your attack, but you learn nuance and how to let the strings do the work. Curiously, they also seem to have a brighter growl than heavier gauge strings, imo. They CUT right thru a mix. Up the gain a bit and it’s a monster sound. Love em
Multiple people told me to not use 9s and switch to 10s but something about the lighter string gauge just feels so good, you don’t have to fight the instrument. You can be more gentle, give it more love I find. I now use hybrid 9.5 and I found it was perfect for me, but 9 and lighter are always a treat to play I find. Awesome video as always!!
I've been using 8 gauge strings since the 70's. Other guitar players laugh at me, but sound guys compliment me on what great tone I've got. And my fingers don't hurt after a gig. It does take a different setup on the guitar and a different touch, but once you get used to it, there's no turning back. Use .60 Tortex picks too and rarely go out of tune. Edit to add I do use 9-42 when tuning down a 1/2 step.
I used 8's in the late 70's and early 80's. Like everyone, we were told to go 10's and 11's. Billy Gibbons plays lighter than 8's and drop tunes. As our fingers defy us as we age, the 8's are welcomed. Great video
Beato's video got me to re-think my strings as well. Picked up a set of 8s for my LP and haven't looked back. The playability is insane and it's so effortless. Much easier on the hands and the fingers.
Tomo - I think the 10’s sound fatter and more full, but my ears quickly adjusted to the sound of the 8’s and I think the tone was very BB King like. Great video!
I prefer 10-46...but this was very interesting! Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
@@ianwatkins8752 Great to hear that! Thanks for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom! I am building more detail video lessons at my Guitar Wisdom now and you can use my UA-cam videos as extra preference. Thank you!!
I'm still a beginner and like all beginners, I started with heavier gauge on my electric because I wanted to mimic the bands I liked. I didn't have the understanding and appreciation for what playability of a guitar meant and how important it is to learning. I now use a lighter set and I can clearly hear each note (both well played and noisy ones) and I feel like the distortion tones are higher resolution. I feel like I spent the first year learning how the instrument works. I can finally focus on technique because the instrument is playable and a pleasure to listen to.
I switched to .08s from .12s on my Les Paul copy a week ago, and it's been such a mind bending experience (it wasn't because of the Beato video. I just decided to try it), that it's made me really philosophical and dreamy, which is valuable in itself these days. One of those things I can't stop musing about, is how to accurately describe just how seismic that tiny change is to the physical act of playing guitar. It's actually possible that I've needed to change to using a whole other set of nerve endings, which basically amounts to using another part of your brain. It's sort of the change in state of mind and bodily effort that has to occur when someone has to switch from working metal with a hammer to installing gears into a wristwatch. In some ways the watch making actually requires more bodily effort, but when you really lean into that, you can do crazy new things, like for example imitating wow & flutter in your chordplaying, or doing constant, mega-slow pitch variations in long notes, instead of vibrato
You perfectly described how it is. It's radically different. The playing technique is like day and night, polar opposites. Already a 2 string gauge change is completely different, like going from 11s to 9s or viceversa. The feel ranges from very physical to delicate featherweight touch (or as you say, "from working metal with a hammer to installing gears into a wristwatch"). We have to completely adapt the technique to the gauge and not just try a different gauge and play the same. That doesn't work. And which gauge is the best for each person? Well, that's totally personal choice, there's no correct answer
I also want to add that you're also correct in that playing light gauges actually takes more mental effort, because we all have the natural tendency of playing hard and sloppy. With light gauges, we always need to precisely control the pressing strength of each finger, all the time, and the exact strength and movement of any picking/strumming. But once we have learned to control that light gauge, the reward is, as you say, that it allows for some more nuances in our playing.
Like BB King, Tommi Iommi also uses 8-38 for his guitars (on account of losing his finger tips in an accident), and Iommi's style is quite heavy, so there's alot of versatility in the light strings. Same thing with 35-90 medium light bass strings surprisingly versatile and easy to play. Great playing! Glad to see 8-38 will sound good in E standard.
I buy custom stringjoy sets for my multiscale 8 string guitar now, it's 8-80 (8,11,14,22w,30,42,56,80) and it's the most balanced playing and sounding set I've ever had. Used the tension calculator on their website to get the most even tension I can, and I'm very happy with it.
I always played 9’s all we had was Fender dealers, no Gibson dealers around, and they came with 9g fender bullets on them, so 9g was always just the standard in my area, everybody played 9g. I didn’t know 10g was a standard gauge in some areas. Until I started playing Gibsons. Then I used 10’s on Gibson and 9’s of fender for years and years. But Im 45 and Im starting to get pain so I have went down to 8’s and Cobalt, they are even more slinky, I am still using 9’s on my 335s but Im thinking about changing those too. After hearing this. I think as long as you’re comfortable, let the amp do the work. I tried 7g billy gibbons strings and hated those. But 8 cobalts are good. And the B string is the same gauge as a 9g set. Anyway thanks for this comparison. It does prove that string gauge doesn’t equal tone. Let the amp do the work and play what you like.
I love 8’s! They are so comfortable! Tomo you are one of the greatest guitarist ever! I love hearing your playing, it’s so relaxing to hear you play! You’ve become one of my guitar heroes and an inspiration to me! Thank you so much for what you do! It’s amazing!
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
I had a fairly serious fret hand injury where I couldn't even make my ring finger touch the fretboard for a year or so. Strung up with 8s and haven't looked back some six years down the road. It was a bit of adjusting, but truthfully after over a year of not playing is was like starting over anyway.
I don’t play, but I just bought my son an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro Limited Edition Koa and a couple of sets of 9’s (he’s been using 10’s on his Squire Strat) for his 16th BD. I am now ordering some 8’s for him. Start him out right. He played cello for a few years in school. Bought his own guitar - the Squier and taught himself guitar and piano. I want to help him however I can. THE EIGHTS SOUND AMAZING! I am stringing the 9’s now.
Yesterday, I got a "blem" Schecter C-1 FR-S "Evil Twin" and the strings felt lighter than factory listed spec 10s. They are so easy to play, the tone is amazing. I thought maybe someone had installed 9s on it. I pulled out my precision calipers, and measured 8-11-14-22-30-38. I never thought I would love playing 8s, but I do now. By the way, I still have your Berklee Press/Hal Leonard - Accelerate Your Guitar Playing DVD from like 15+ years ago or so. It's such a great resource. It's awesome to see you here on UA-cam. I've always enjoyed your playing, and now I can enjoy it more. Subscribed, Liked, and Shared!
I'm having a string guage dilemma right now. I always played Telecasters (since 1966) and I used .010 most of the time. Fifteen yrs ago, I went to 9 gauge. Now, I'm 73 yrs old and my hands, and especially my thumbs, are extremely painful due to arthritis. So, I've been experimenting with 8 gauge and 9 gauge strings on my Telecasters . I can hear a difference in the tone. The 8's are thin sounding but, I have to use them now. I'm even contemplating moving to a (perish the thought) Gibson SG because of the easier fret access and shorter scale. A shorter scale means that the strings require less tension to bring them pitch. Maybe with the Gibson scale, I can use a heavier string. thanks for posting..
i went from 9s to 11s back to 9s and now considering 8s for some of my guitars. i don't really see any advantage in bigger strings, you get more volume from them but it just gets so much harder to play. even going from 9s to 10s is noticeable.
Thank you Tomo for another great video always a pleasure to hear you play and talk. I perked up when I saw you had a take on this. I am not sure I understand all the fuss and buzz with this topic lbeyond the popular Beato video and the fact that in many places 8's are not on the shelf, so many players think 9 is light, 10 is medium/standard, 11 with plain g is heavy and 12/13 is for SRV or jazz players that rarely bend. It is pretty obvious here and in other comparisons that the 8s are very clear and articulate and the 10s have a rounder thicker note. There are trade offs either way. The 8s require more finesse not to overbend or bend by pressing down too hard or to pick too roughly. The bigger strings require more strength to bend and more stamina to play for a long time. As far as tone the current production 8s don't sound toy like and can offer clarity that you lose as the string and sound gets thicker. The bigger strings give you some thickness and warmth you might have to use pickup selection, tone control or eq to get from the 8s. It all seems pretty straightforward to me. Bigger gauge string at same pitch has more tension so harder to bend. Bigger gauge string has more metal to interact with magnetic field. I think dumping any macho posturing as part of string choice (or really any part of music making) is a great so maybe this whole scene is about that and players can play what their hands can actually handle or what their ears respond to without feeling like they are somehow " less than". I am a tech by trade and since that Beato video I have had a bunch of guitars come in for 8s or even players used to 11s moving to 9s so I have experienced a lot of before and after and seen reactions of clients. The players that have gone back to bigger strings have mostly talked about wanting to "fight"the guitar more or feel the energy in the body of the guitar more or just flat out like to hit the guitar harder than the 8s will allow. Not as much related to the tone as to the feel and experience of playing. Those that have lit up on the 8s have mostly been drawn to the low end clarity and distinct voice in mid range of neck or to less fatigue after playing for awhile.
I've had a couple 335's (including a beautiful wine 335 very much like yours bought in '72, dear Tomo, LOVE IT!), an old 330 and too many Strats to count over the decades. I'll share with viewers that whether it's 8's, 9's or 10s, go even higher/lower if YOU think so. Why do they make and sell different gauges? For different people, different styles, different preferences, different guitars. Simple, yes? Your guitar(s), your hands, your nuance/strength/agility/thought/flow/imagination, in your own ability unique to yourself. There's plenty of room for you. Though we may all play, we each sound unique because of these things among others. What feels or sounds to you like dried out rubber bands, or like Brooklyn bridge support cables in your hands, could well be the key to someone else's 'signature' style. MOST importantly: and....vice...versa. Try different gauges, and see what suits you for which guitar. You hear Billy Gibbons on light strings and Stevie Ray with heavier strings and all in between. Both sound great. You decide, for you....and you'll find that YOU, inspired or not by whomever and whichever gauge string set they've used, will sound best AS YOU with the gauge and style which suits you and your particular guitar. Yes...simple. None of what someone else does in this regard creates 'the rule'. It was their rule...for themselves. Be inspired. And above all, be you about it.
I want to use lighter strings, but transitioning away from heavy strings is difficult. I started using 11-48 when I was a teenager, and now I use 12-60 for Eb. At home they feel pretty heavy, but as soon as I’m playing a show they feel just right.
That's an interesting point you make about strings 'loosening up' when playing out live. I've found this too, once I warm up after a few numbers. It's strange, because it doesn't happen at home or in my studio!
In the mid-60s, when Ernie Ball still had his guitar store in Tarzana, Ca, he also had a small teaching studio in Thousand Oaks not far away. He introduced Slinky strings with a plain (non-wound) G string and those were popular. Many of us playing guitar in the weekly Battle of the Bands at the local high schools took lessons at the EB teaching studio and were introduced to Slinkys (10-46) and a little later, Super Slinkys (9-42) and after that Extra Slinkys (8-38). We all used them and the EB sets that followed like the Light Top/ Heavy Bottom set.
I’m a regular watcher of your channel and I’m listening to this through Klipsch floorstanding studio monitors. If you didn’t mention it, I wouldn’t have suspected that you changed the strings.
The trouble I have when I try 8s is the high e breaks just tuning up, I have to make sure my saddles aren't sharp just to try it, I did get an LP that came with 8s but I put 10s on, just use to them, I really don't want to pick softer so I stick with 10s.
There's something delicate and jangly about the 8's that I really like. I played a set of them once when I was just a few months into guitar playing and I really didn't like them (I thought it sounded and felt too slinky, no "body" especially on the wound strings), but I was into a lot of distortion then. That was almost 20 years ago. I have been pretty much using only 10's ever since. I do like 9's though and have used them on and off every few years. I plan on trying them out again soon.
Just purchased a new Paul Reed Smith Tremonti. It's back in the store today to replace the factory strings and lower the action. Trying something at the advice of the owner who happens to be the best gigging musician here in town. He suggested trying 9 1/2s. Honestly, I have to admit, I didn't know there were 9 1/2s! Anxious to get the guitar back tomorrow. I'll post an update when I get it back. Bottom line I think given the ability to model your sound now with a decent amp, you should play whatever gives you the best feedback and the most confidence. Still old school on the 175 though, gotta' have flat wound 12s!
.09 are my favorite for blues guitar because they break less than the .08 and allow smoother bends than .10's cheers. Don't get me wrong I love .08's but I don't want to break all my strings everynight. If I had a guitar roadie I would definitely go with .08's however. Haha By the way Tomo I love your reverse Rasgueados with the pick when your vibing a groove, great technique.
No matter what steel strings from one company I hear in E standard, I can't notice a difference and I have a good ear after learning to mix music well. This makes me think people should use what is comfortable in E standard, but 11s are good for Eb, and then heavier for lower tunings for better feel and intonation. I have tried many different string brands's strings and that is where I noticed more of a difference is tone, feel, and durability. I now prefer D'addario strings from all my guitars.
I started with 8s in the '90s because my guitar teacher made me, and I've been using them for decades. For a few years I used 10s with drop tuning because of, you know...Nu Metal...but then I came back to 8s and I still use them today. I just can't choose between nickel wound or pure nickel. Anyway, 8s are better in many ways. For clean sustain, for low ends in overdrive...just amazing gauge.
You're welcome! Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
If we were recording, and I was producing, I would listen to both string sets in the context of a mix. By itself the 10 gauge set sounds better for the specific genre, with the specific amp, and the specific settings you were playing earlier in the video (clean soloing). In a sparse mix, that would likely win. Keep in mind the Rick Beato video that started all of this “8 gauge sounds better” is tied to a specific genre of music, with heavily distorted guitars, and in that context that can be true but outside of that specific context... there’s so many variables. You might also accomplish something similar with an EQ pedal (in the signal chain before the input, not in the effects loop) and maybe end up with an even better tone on the top end. There’s a TON of other tricks you could do as well if you’re reamping. That would be an interesting experiment to try (with heavily distorted guitar, in the context of a full mix). If you’re playing gigs every day... I’d go to 8s if it meant reducing strain on my joints and lowering the probability of a repetitive stress injury. Such injuries can be the culmination of years of wear and tear on your body. If a lighter gauge reduces the chances for an injury that would be a no-brainer. Take it from someone who got a life-changing repetitive stress injury his first semester at Berklee. I didn’t know it when it first started in October of ‘92, but that was the end of my ability to play piano for more than 30 minutes at a time. I completed my major (and half of a second) but couldn’t graduate since I couldn’t play. I eventually walked 27 years later after redeclaring my principal instrument to electric bass. Save yourself the heartache though. Do everything you can to maintain your physical health as it pertains to performance. I was devastated.
@@TomoFujitaMusic This is somewhat of a tangent... but instead of a Porsche for a mid-life crisis I decided on an orange Subaru and more education. I've never been a coffee-drinker in my life. I quickly discovered that getting through grad-school is going to require coffee (turns out caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties... but stick with filtered so the Japanese Hario V60 pour-over or the Aeropress are good options). After drinking just a cup in the morning I noticed that it significantly attenuated my desire to snack later in the day. I'm guessing tea would have the same effect (need to experiment with that). By any chance did you ever go to the Wednesday night blues jams that Alizon Lissance used to host at Smoken' Joe's BBQ in Brighton?
I’m thinking of using 8s on my ES 135. Tried flat wounds 10s & 9s. It has a stiff action and sounds like a banjo. It’s been modified from a trapeze to a Bigsby. I put on a roller bridge. It has P 100 pickups. We just don’t get along.
I've been playing guitar since I was 7 and I'm 20 now and I play live gigs as well and I've never broken a single string I play using black diamond strings 8s and sometimes Dunlop 7s and I shred and do bends it's just crazy how people break em
I've been using 9 gauge strings Ernie Ball slinky from back in the 60s I guess or at least the 70s and I just preordered a Gibson Les Paul classic honeyburst which I will receive in October due to back ordering and I'm having the technician at Sweetwater set it up for me with 8 gauge strings because it comes with tens. I would categorize my playing as blues rock and I do a lot of bending and I thought this would probably be interesting to try by using a gauge strings. I was reading that Jimmy Page uses the same so maybe I'm just going to a late-stage midlife crisis LOL I like the video and thank you for your time
Yes BB King used 8s (I have a version of that set w/ a Flexible Wound G because it's an Octagonal Core, they're Mapes Copies). Billy Gibbons went down a gauge to the lightest which is 7s. Lighter gauge strings (which are easier to play obviously) work better on a longer scale length cause each string needs a certain amount of tension to make a good sound. There's a reason why 8 String Electric Guitars use very light gauge strings (9s or thinner) cause they use a Baritone Guitar Scale Length (at 27 inches) to help those lower strings intonate better this way they don't have to be really thick.
@@TomoFujitaMusic Why not put 7 Gauge Strings on a Baritone Acoustic Guitar so you can tune it up to E Standard? Lighter Gauge Strings work better on a longer scale length cause I find it pulls them a little tighter to get a more solid tone, & also you're not overbending them.
I thought 9ns are my match until I tryed 8's through Bro Rick Beato's Video. I'm not going back. Less effort/power needed doing playing. Everything is way easier and the sound is very good too. Thanks bro. All the best.
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
It appears obvious I just need to make a switch to .08’s lol even with calluses, lowering my strings and regular play time my fingers STILL get annihilated and the tone is so “unoriginal” with the heavy chunky basic strings I have on now. I tried to give myself time and try variants of solutions before just switching. But idk why I was ready to die on the hill over the idea I HAVE to play the strings I been playing, which also hurt and make it just a tad irritating at times. It shouldn’t hurt, or be frustrating in a sense that I can’t play bc of discomfort. it should be fun and enjoyable, and if anything “easy” or “effortless” if the skill is there. Often time I find myself hurting bc I’m fighting the urge to play all bc my fingers hurt. Thanks for this video Tomo!
One thing to note with lighter gauge strings: tension. Some guitars are built for heavier gauge strings and therefore can only drop in tension so much before risking debowing of the neck. Sometimes some neck NEED heavier strings to maintain proper neck bowing.
I used to use 8 gauge strings for standard tuning cuz I have hiperhidrosis. I also used to use 10 gauge for half step tuning, but man that hurt so bad. Now I'm using 9 gauge for half step tuning and it feels really great and responsive.
I heard Billy Gibbons went to check out BB King's gear when they played the same venue. He was surprised to find he used 8 guage and from then on that's what Billy used (I think he's had finer guage strings made for him more recently).
@@bigflanks294 You can google these: ‘Back in the early days of ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons played heavier gauge strings. That was until he had a backstage conversation with BB King after picking up Lucille and discovering BB strung her up with light gauge strings. BB King asked Billy Gibbons why he felt the need to play such heavy strings and said; “Why you workin’ so hard?”’ www.stringsdirect.co.uk/blog/i-like-light-strings-and-i-cannot-lie/ ‘Mr. Billy F. Gibbons actually used to put on heavier gauge strings back in the day. But after one simple advice from none other than B.B. King himself, ZZ Top frontman began using light strings. Very light, as in .007. So those thick and fuzzy tones that you hear coming out of his guitars are all from .007s’. www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/top_13_guitarists_known_for_using_light_gauge_strings-91872 Billy Gibbons: “BB King strummed my guitar, looked at me rather quizzically and said, ‘Why you working so hard?’” www.musicradar.com/news/billy-gibbons-bb-king-strummed-my-guitar-looked-at-me-rather-quizzically-and-said-why-you-working-so-hard
I put an 8-38 D'Addario set on my SG a couple months ago. I have to say I love the tone, balance, and feel of the strings much more than I thought I would. It brought my tone much closer to the one I've been chasing in my head. Maybe I'm imagining it, but that's ok too. :) Having heard the story about BB King telling ZZ top not to work so hard...I knew I had to try it. Then Rick Beato did his video, so I finally took the pack of 8s I bought of from the box, and strung them up. I won't be going back anytime soon. It takes some adjusting, but they play beautifully. The only downside: anyone else notice that D'addario doesn't sell 8s in bulk packs? Only singles. I can't find them in 3 packs or 10 packs. :(
Man, I’ve used 8 all my life! I got my made in Japan Ibanez blazer back in 81 or 82 with fixed bridge and I’ve always used 8. I only use 9 on my guitars with the whammy bar just to be on safe side but I prefer the feel, touch and sound of the 8.
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
I dabbled with 8s for a little while but now I'm using 9-46 hybrid sets for E standard and Eb and enjoy them. I think for rock and metal, thicker wound strings do give a better tone or maybe it's placebo because I heard Yngwie say this. Thinner unwound strings are easier to play and have a higher treble response IMO but you need light control.
Yngwie is an unbelievably arrogant clown. Musicians who play with him are told ‘don’t look him in the eyes’, nothing that shit stain says should be taken seriously.
I have not watched the video yet but I want to say this has got excited . I think you are going to love them . Now l well see if you do . Thank you for doing this and all of you videos I really get a lot out of them ..
So nice to hear that! You're welcome! Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
There’s definitely some magic in light gauge and higher action. I myself tried out the new EB .0085/.040 and loved them so much that I restrung all my guitars with them. Smooth, slinky feel, great tone and clarity and no breakage.
Some amazing playing here. And the general wisdom you’ve dropped here is not to be overlooked. I recently tried 9-42 on my Les Paul and they are incredibly comfortable.
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
I always liked heavier strings until I started recording and realized light guage strings just sit way better in a mix. Tighter bottom end, better midrange. Less muddy
Thank you Tomo, great video and very informative. I think that the fact it has to make you think a little bit more about how you hit the string is a great variable to have. I happen to be very heavy handed and have realized that it’s not the greatest thing, as I rely too much on impulse power as opposed to thinking about the strength of hitting the note. I’ve always thought it was too easy to play, but I think the aspect of having to think more about the string dynamics is very important. Inspiring me to give 9’s a try again, thank you!
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!! tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
OMG, Tomo, I'm so excited about the Reading Courses,... I have all of the William Leavitt books and so many more that I cant wait to delve into!!! You are the man!!!!
Great news right! I am gonna teach everyone how to read music using that Berklee Method Guitar Volume One Book! Hopefully this weekend... or next weekend you will see them at my Guitar Wisdom. This way you can really enjoy working on that book and can build your confidence and work-ethic with your work! So much fun! Thank you so much Earnest!!!
Indeed!!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Tomo, I remember from school, how to read music percussion ,many years. Brass as well bass and treble clef and remember alot...However though I can still read music , my sight reading has drastically declined. I picked up guitar after near 30 years keys and drums....The guitar chords for rhythm not too hard....But trying to sight read no good. I keep stopping and need glasses. Even with glasses and knowing the notes, I am unable to read far enough ahead like in bands over the years. Over 20 years no music reading. Hahahah. I know practice is good and will help but I mainly explore ambient blues. A new thing mainly my own genre. I enjoy it. I was asked if I had tabs. No tabs. I am sorry. Hahahaha. All ear today. Thank you for all your amazing videos. Wish I lived close. Hahahah
@@robertclarkguitar So awesome!! Thank you!!
The thing about thinner strings in the sound area is they'll be more mid-focused and have more sustain than thicker strings, at the expense of some little reduction of signal.
This is counter-intuititive on an electric guitar. People would wrongly think that more mass equals more vibration, hence more sustain. Thicker strings would produce more signal for sure (more amplitude), but that doesn't equate sustain. You're not moving a sound board on an electric like you would do on an acoustic, the vibration that matters is that one parallel to the pickups.
What happens with thicker strings is they need to have more tension to reach a certain pitch. Having more tension for the same frequency means they will return to a stable position faster than a string that has less tension to produce that frequency.
Metal strings were thick in the past due both to avoiding breakage and low-signal pickups. As strings got better and higher output pickups were developed, players demanded thinner strings. Electric guitars needing ferromagnetic properties to excite the pickup evolved from metal-alloy strings to steel ones. This was notable among rock players in the '70s and the '80s. Imagine Brian May, he has a short-scale guitar whose zero fret is around the 1st fret on a Strat, he was using 8s for standard tuning, so he would have an equivalent tension of a Strat tuned down a semitone. His sound is immensely big and highly mid-focused, having low output pickups and relying on a treble booster.
However, thinner strings require much more polished technique and a more precise touch, the main thing being you shouldn't press so hard against the frets (meaning you also need to relax your thumb). You don't need to be so aggressive on them on the right hand, they'll start and keep vibrating using much less energy. But it pays off in the end: great timbre, less tiredness for the player, more controlled bends, no problem with rhythm. You can EQ thinner strings to remove the mid frequencies, you can't put back the mids on thicker strings.
Really interesting read. I might have to try a guitar with lighter strings. I would have to work on my technique a lot however, going from being so rough and playing 12s...
Thank you!!
Makes sense.
All good till the last sentence. Its easy to REMOVE frequencies using EQ, its impossible to add ones that were never there. The thinner strings aren't producing as solid/smooth a low end so even by keeping the bass high on your amp settings, they never have the richness or "purr" the way thick wound strings do. They also don't sustain AS LONG when doing harmonics, or for the quiet parts, just scraping against the fret is much louder with thicker strings. Im not saying thick strings sound better, but they do sounds different, especially in their ADSR qualities. The dynamic/response is part of the instrument, use what works for you.
@@Maschine_Elf When tuned to the same note, thinner string gauges have a wider frequency response than thicker strings, including bass. Do you want more bass? Don't increase the bass! Notch the midrange instead.
Thicker string gauges have less midrange frequency, thus being perceived that they have louder bass. When they're more banjo-like.
Thinner gauges won't rattle, unless you apply excessive force to set them in vibration. That's what people used to thicker gauges do when first approaching thinner gauges. Not only you need to adjust that strength, you'd benefit from using more flexible picks (personally I went down to .50 mm in the last few months).
Thinner gauges have longer sustain than thicker ones. They have less mass and less tension, so there's less drag to make them stop vibrating.
The only downside you could measure is having less mass, this mass being made of a ferromagnetic material, they could potentially influence less the magnetic field of the pickup sensing them. But this has been long debunked, the difference is tiny, and compensated by the fact that thicker gauges will recover equilibrium way faster, having more attack and less sustain.
Instead of listening to me, you can take the wiser route of searching for theory and practical cases on string mechanics, tension force on strings, and such topic that are widely covered by engineering and physics.
There's one thing we both 100% agree about and is totally personal: how each string gauge feels to the player, and what each gauge gives to that player; that will be key to the performance. Use whatever feels good for you (but don't feel shy to try something else).
Tried 8's after watching Beato last winter. They're my new string gauge now.
Same here
Every time I try light strings it's a disaster. When I came back to playing in my late thirties I started with an acoustic running 12s...anything less than 10s I tend to fret out of tune with my ham hands. After Beato and this I may put lights on one and just force myself not to over grip and see what happens, might have benefits even if I don't adopt them wholesale.
Wow so did I. !!! But out of the 3 guitars I pur them on 1. My Strat 2. Les paul 3. SG standard the SG is the only one that still has 8's on it idk I don't think I like them all that much anymore??
Awesome!! And Rick is so awesome! Once we did a FaceTime and he showed all his studios!!
I tried 9‘s and they just do not stay in tune as well as 10‘s. I can’t imagine using 8’s for that reason! The tone of the unwound strings is piercing with the 8‘s and much sweeter to my ears with the 10‘s
I switched to 8s and never looked back! It’s a whole new world!
A new fantastic point of view
I actually prefer the sound of 8s for thrash metal in standard tuning! Like a mid-boost or tightening. Not sure how to describe it!
Just absolutely in love with your playing too, Tomo. So sweet on the ears
Thank you for sharing! Thank you!
I've been playing 8s for the past two years, having previously played 9s for decades. They're pure magic. You have to adjust your "attack" accordingly, but they're not only easier to play, they're more nuanced, and offer more tonal opportunities. They're probably not the best option for some genres, like metal, where dropped tunings are common, but they seem to work nicely for blues, jazz and most rock stuff. As Beato's program showed, it's actually hard to hear the difference -- given the many variables of amplification. Now, let's talk 7s. I tried them on my 1993 PRS EG-4 (essentially a Strat) out of curiosity and found them to be too thin. For me, the digital "mechanics" of bending them was awkward and became imprecise, due to their extreme thinness. But they, too, have their believers, including Billy Gibbons (so I'm told...).
Thanks!
I’ve put 7s on all my non-trem guitars and have never looked back. When you can play SO EASILY,it makes it a Joy and I never wanna put it down. I swear it’s making me a better player. Yeah, you gotta adjust your attack, but you learn nuance and how to let the strings do the work. Curiously, they also seem to have a brighter growl than heavier gauge strings, imo. They CUT right thru a mix. Up the gain a bit and it’s a monster sound. Love em
Multiple people told me to not use 9s and switch to 10s but something about the lighter string gauge just feels so good, you don’t have to fight the instrument. You can be more gentle, give it more love I find. I now use hybrid 9.5 and I found it was perfect for me, but 9 and lighter are always a treat to play I find. Awesome video as always!!
10-46 is good choice!
@@TomoFujitaMusic the master has spoken, 10s it is.
I've been using 8 gauge strings since the 70's. Other guitar players laugh at me, but sound guys compliment me on what great tone I've got. And my fingers don't hurt after a gig. It does take a different setup on the guitar and a different touch, but once you get used to it, there's no turning back. Use .60 Tortex picks too and rarely go out of tune.
Edit to add I do use 9-42 when tuning down a 1/2 step.
Awesome!
"Oh sorry I forgot about I'm making a video." LOL
Guitar is so much fun!!
Bruhh
I used 8's in the late 70's and early 80's. Like everyone, we were told to go 10's and 11's. Billy Gibbons plays lighter than 8's and drop tunes. As our fingers defy us as we age, the 8's are welcomed. Great video
Awesome! Thanks!
This morning I found a way to set up my amp sounding a little bit closer to bb kings tone. Now you are uploading this Video. Thank you!
Awesome! Thanks!
What did you do for BB King tone?
Beato's video got me to re-think my strings as well. Picked up a set of 8s for my LP and haven't looked back. The playability is insane and it's so effortless. Much easier on the hands and the fingers.
Tomo - I think the 10’s sound fatter and more full, but my ears quickly adjusted to the sound of the 8’s and I think the tone was very BB King like. Great video!
I prefer 10-46...but this was very interesting!
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
@@TomoFujitaMusic yes I love being a part of guitar wisdom. I’m so grateful for your videos here and at Guitar Wisdom.
@@ianwatkins8752 Great to hear that! Thanks for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom! I am building more detail video lessons at my Guitar Wisdom now and you can use my UA-cam videos as extra preference. Thank you!!
I'm still a beginner and like all beginners, I started with heavier gauge on my electric because I wanted to mimic the bands I liked.
I didn't have the understanding and appreciation for what playability of a guitar meant and how important it is to learning. I now use a lighter set and I can clearly hear each note (both well played and noisy ones) and I feel like the distortion tones are higher resolution. I feel like I spent the first year learning how the instrument works. I can finally focus on technique because the instrument is playable and a pleasure to listen to.
10-46 is good choice!
@@TomoFujitaMusicI've been playing guitar since I was 7 and I'm 20 now and 10s are still beefy to me
I switched to .08s from .12s on my Les Paul copy a week ago, and it's been such a mind bending experience (it wasn't because of the Beato video. I just decided to try it), that it's made me really philosophical and dreamy, which is valuable in itself these days. One of those things I can't stop musing about, is how to accurately describe just how seismic that tiny change is to the physical act of playing guitar. It's actually possible that I've needed to change to using a whole other set of nerve endings, which basically amounts to using another part of your brain. It's sort of the change in state of mind and bodily effort that has to occur when someone has to switch from working metal with a hammer to installing gears into a wristwatch. In some ways the watch making actually requires more bodily effort, but when you really lean into that, you can do crazy new things, like for example imitating wow & flutter in your chordplaying, or doing constant, mega-slow pitch variations in long notes, instead of vibrato
Awesome
You perfectly described how it is. It's radically different. The playing technique is like day and night, polar opposites. Already a 2 string gauge change is completely different, like going from 11s to 9s or viceversa. The feel ranges from very physical to delicate featherweight touch (or as you say, "from working metal with a hammer to installing gears into a wristwatch"). We have to completely adapt the technique to the gauge and not just try a different gauge and play the same. That doesn't work.
And which gauge is the best for each person? Well, that's totally personal choice, there's no correct answer
I also want to add that you're also correct in that playing light gauges actually takes more mental effort, because we all have the natural tendency of playing hard and sloppy. With light gauges, we always need to precisely control the pressing strength of each finger, all the time, and the exact strength and movement of any picking/strumming. But once we have learned to control that light gauge, the reward is, as you say, that it allows for some more nuances in our playing.
This was very insightful, thank you for sharing
I bet 9s would be great on a LP too.
I recently switched to 8's and love them! Not only do I sound better but my hand says thank you!!
Great to hear! Thank you for sharing!
Like BB King, Tommi Iommi also uses 8-38 for his guitars (on account of losing his finger tips in an accident), and Iommi's style is quite heavy, so there's alot of versatility in the light strings. Same thing with 35-90 medium light bass strings surprisingly versatile and easy to play.
Great playing! Glad to see 8-38 will sound good in E standard.
Thank you for sharing! Tak you!
I use 8s and a thin nylon pick. I can play all night and even float my trem and rarely go out of tune or break strings.
Very light strings are good for live work! They cut through the mix well!
Awesome! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve always love the thin strings even my HB has 8s and it’s so clear and easy clean sound
Good to hear!
I buy custom stringjoy sets for my multiscale 8 string guitar now, it's 8-80 (8,11,14,22w,30,42,56,80) and it's the most balanced playing and sounding set I've ever had. Used the tension calculator on their website to get the most even tension I can, and I'm very happy with it.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi , I've been playing .008 for 50 years. I'm going to try 8s on the Martin my daughter gave me for Christmas. She works at the factory.
So awesome! Thank you for sharing
I always played 9’s all we had was Fender dealers, no Gibson dealers around, and they came with 9g fender bullets on them, so 9g was always just the standard in my area, everybody played 9g. I didn’t know 10g was a standard gauge in some areas. Until I started playing Gibsons. Then I used 10’s on Gibson and 9’s of fender for years and years. But Im 45 and Im starting to get pain so I have went down to 8’s and Cobalt, they are even more slinky, I am still using 9’s on my 335s but Im thinking about changing those too. After hearing this. I think as long as you’re comfortable, let the amp do the work. I tried 7g billy gibbons strings and hated those. But 8 cobalts are good. And the B string is the same gauge as a 9g set. Anyway thanks for this comparison. It does prove that string gauge doesn’t equal tone. Let the amp do the work and play what you like.
Thanks for sharing!
I love 8’s! They are so comfortable! Tomo you are one of the greatest guitarist ever! I love hearing your playing, it’s so relaxing to hear you play! You’ve become one of my guitar heroes and an inspiration to me! Thank you so much for what you do! It’s amazing!
Great to hear that! Thank you for sharing! Thank you so much!
@@TomoFujitaMusic thank you Tomo! I only wish I knew of your music sooner! Haha! Best wishes!
Now i play with 9-46. It’s easier to bend than 10s. 8-38 are to thin for me. Thanks Tomo, your tone is incredible no matter the guitar you play
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
I had a fairly serious fret hand injury where I couldn't even make my ring finger touch the fretboard for a year or so. Strung up with 8s and haven't looked back some six years down the road. It was a bit of adjusting, but truthfully after over a year of not playing is was like starting over anyway.
So sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t play, but I just bought my son an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro Limited Edition Koa and a couple of sets of 9’s (he’s been using 10’s on his Squire Strat) for his 16th BD.
I am now ordering some 8’s for him. Start him out right. He played cello for a few years in school. Bought his own guitar - the Squier and taught himself guitar and piano. I want to help him however I can. THE EIGHTS SOUND AMAZING! I am stringing the 9’s now.
Awesome!!
Yesterday, I got a "blem" Schecter C-1 FR-S "Evil Twin" and the strings felt lighter than factory listed spec 10s. They are so easy to play, the tone is amazing. I thought maybe someone had installed 9s on it. I pulled out my precision calipers, and measured 8-11-14-22-30-38. I never thought I would love playing 8s, but I do now. By the way, I still have your Berklee Press/Hal Leonard - Accelerate Your Guitar Playing DVD from like 15+ years ago or so. It's such a great resource. It's awesome to see you here on UA-cam. I've always enjoyed your playing, and now I can enjoy it more. Subscribed, Liked, and Shared!
Thanks for sharing!
So great to hear that! You own my AYGP dvd! Thank you so much!!
I like this approach just hanging out & passing the the the guitar back & forth.
Thank you!
The clarity and definition of the 08 strings is extraordinary. Furthermore they are easier to play!
Thanks!
You have such a nice touch. I switched from 10s to 9s about 30 years ago.
Thank you!
I use 8’s on my guitars now and will never go back! Sounds great Tomo!
Great to hear! Thank you!
I'm having a string guage dilemma right now. I always played Telecasters (since 1966) and I used .010 most of the time. Fifteen yrs ago, I went to 9 gauge. Now, I'm 73 yrs old and my hands, and especially my thumbs, are extremely painful due to arthritis. So, I've been experimenting with 8 gauge and 9 gauge strings on my Telecasters . I can hear a difference in the tone. The 8's are thin sounding but, I have to use them now. I'm even contemplating moving to a (perish the thought) Gibson SG because of the easier fret access and shorter scale. A shorter scale means that the strings require less tension to bring them pitch. Maybe with the Gibson scale, I can use a heavier string.
thanks for posting..
Thanks for sharing! Awesome!
I started with 11’s and now playing 9’s. I find that my playing has more expression now than before. I play totally different in a good way.
i went from 9s to 11s back to 9s and now considering 8s for some of my guitars. i don't really see any advantage in bigger strings, you get more volume from them but it just gets so much harder to play. even going from 9s to 10s is noticeable.
Tried set of 8, didn’t like the slinkiness BUT then changed wound strings to 10s and it is so much better! so now it is like 10-8 hybrid on mine.
Holy...Such a sweet tone...
Thank you!
Just ordered 8s!
Awesome!
Thank you Tomo for another great video always a pleasure to hear you play and talk. I perked up when I saw you had a take on this. I am not sure I understand all the fuss and buzz with this topic lbeyond the popular Beato video and the fact that in many places 8's are not on the shelf, so many players think 9 is light, 10 is medium/standard, 11 with plain g is heavy and 12/13 is for SRV or jazz players that rarely bend. It is pretty obvious here and in other comparisons that the 8s are very clear and articulate and the 10s have a rounder thicker note. There are trade offs either way. The 8s require more finesse not to overbend or bend by pressing down too hard or to pick too roughly. The bigger strings require more strength to bend and more stamina to play for a long time. As far as tone the current production 8s don't sound toy like and can offer clarity that you lose as the string and sound gets thicker. The bigger strings give you some thickness and warmth you might have to use pickup selection, tone control or eq to get from the 8s. It all seems pretty straightforward to me. Bigger gauge string at same pitch has more tension so harder to bend. Bigger gauge string has more metal to interact with magnetic field. I think dumping any macho posturing as part of string choice (or really any part of music making) is a great so maybe this whole scene is about that and players can play what their hands can actually handle or what their ears respond to without feeling like they are somehow " less than". I am a tech by trade and since that Beato video I have had a bunch of guitars come in for 8s or even players used to 11s moving to 9s so I have experienced a lot of before and after and seen reactions of clients. The players that have gone back to bigger strings have mostly talked about wanting to "fight"the guitar more or feel the energy in the body of the guitar more or just flat out like to hit the guitar harder than the 8s will allow. Not as much related to the tone as to the feel and experience of playing. Those that have lit up on the 8s have mostly been drawn to the low end clarity and distinct voice in mid range of neck or to less fatigue after playing for awhile.
I personally like 8s since I play a lot of BB KING/Blues
Awesome!
I've had a couple 335's (including a beautiful wine 335 very much like yours bought in '72, dear Tomo, LOVE IT!), an old 330 and too many Strats to count over the decades.
I'll share with viewers that whether it's 8's, 9's or 10s, go even higher/lower if YOU think so.
Why do they make and sell different gauges? For different people, different styles, different preferences, different guitars. Simple, yes?
Your guitar(s), your hands, your nuance/strength/agility/thought/flow/imagination, in your own ability unique to yourself. There's plenty of room for you.
Though we may all play, we each sound unique because of these things among others. What feels or sounds to you like dried out rubber bands, or like Brooklyn bridge support cables in your hands, could well be the key to someone else's 'signature' style.
MOST importantly: and....vice...versa.
Try different gauges, and see what suits you for which guitar. You hear Billy Gibbons on light strings and Stevie Ray with heavier strings and all in between. Both sound great. You decide, for you....and you'll find that YOU, inspired or not by whomever and whichever gauge string set they've used, will sound best AS YOU with the gauge and style which suits you and your particular guitar. Yes...simple.
None of what someone else does in this regard creates 'the rule'. It was their rule...for themselves. Be inspired. And above all, be you about it.
Awesome!!!
I want to use lighter strings, but transitioning away from heavy strings is difficult. I started using 11-48 when I was a teenager, and now I use 12-60 for Eb. At home they feel pretty heavy, but as soon as I’m playing a show they feel just right.
That's an interesting point you make about strings 'loosening up' when playing out live. I've found this too, once I warm up after a few numbers. It's strange, because it doesn't happen at home or in my studio!
I thought something was wrong with me at 9:40 🤣. Love your channel man! Mayer is the best.
Thank you so much!
Gibson used to make bb king strings,it was a very heavy set, high E a size 10.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing!
In the mid-60s, when Ernie Ball still had his guitar store in Tarzana, Ca, he also had a small teaching studio in Thousand Oaks not far away. He introduced Slinky strings with a plain (non-wound) G string and those were popular. Many of us playing guitar in the weekly Battle of the Bands at the local high schools took lessons at the EB teaching studio and were introduced to Slinkys (10-46) and a little later, Super Slinkys (9-42) and after that Extra Slinkys (8-38). We all used them and the EB sets that followed like the Light Top/ Heavy Bottom set.
Awesome!!!
I’m a regular watcher of your channel and I’m listening to this through Klipsch floorstanding studio monitors. If you didn’t mention it, I wouldn’t have suspected that you changed the strings.
Thank you!
I hope one day I reach the level of inner piece this man has and shares
Playing a set of Dunlop Billy Gibbons strings (.008 - .040)on my Bootlegger Spade headless guitar right at this moment....& Loving it!
The trouble I have when I try 8s is the high e breaks just tuning up, I have to make sure my saddles aren't sharp just to try it, I did get an LP that came with 8s but I put 10s on, just use to them, I really don't want to pick softer so I stick with 10s.
Thank you for sharing! Awesome!
I love 0.08s, they sound very smooth and clear. I have them in all of my guitars.
Awesome!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Hey, great video by the way!
There's something delicate and jangly about the 8's that I really like. I played a set of them once when I was just a few months into guitar playing and I really didn't like them (I thought it sounded and felt too slinky, no "body" especially on the wound strings), but I was into a lot of distortion then. That was almost 20 years ago. I have been pretty much using only 10's ever since.
I do like 9's though and have used them on and off every few years. I plan on trying them out again soon.
Your guitars always sound so perfectly intonated
Thanks so much! Just because I always think i am not in tuned!
Just purchased a new Paul Reed Smith Tremonti. It's back in the store today to replace the factory strings and lower the action. Trying something at the advice of the owner who happens to be the best gigging musician here in town. He suggested trying 9 1/2s. Honestly, I have to admit, I didn't know there were 9 1/2s! Anxious to get the guitar back tomorrow. I'll post an update when I get it back. Bottom line I think given the ability to model your sound now with a decent amp, you should play whatever gives you the best feedback and the most confidence. Still old school on the 175 though, gotta' have flat wound 12s!
Awesome!
same magic on my tele, the 8's gave it life (tone) strange but true! - thank you for sharing
Thanks!
.09 are my favorite for blues guitar because they break less than the .08 and allow smoother bends than .10's cheers. Don't get me wrong I love .08's but I don't want to break all my strings everynight. If I had a guitar roadie I would definitely go with .08's however. Haha
By the way Tomo I love your reverse Rasgueados with the pick when your vibing a groove, great technique.
Thank you!!!
I just restring my new Gretsch 5427 Electromatic with 8/38 and love it very smooth 👍 thanks for info .
Very nice!
I recently got a epiphone 335 pro. I couldn't intunate the e or the g.i ended up with 10, 12, 15, 24, 32, 42. I'm very happy with that.
Awesome!
Just looks amazing that guitar, gives me that Clapton vibe and Ritchie Blackmore played a 335 in the late 60s
Thanks!
No matter what steel strings from one company I hear in E standard, I can't notice a difference and I have a good ear after learning to mix music well. This makes me think people should use what is comfortable in E standard, but 11s are good for Eb, and then heavier for lower tunings for better feel and intonation. I have tried many different string brands's strings and that is where I noticed more of a difference is tone, feel, and durability. I now prefer D'addario strings from all my guitars.
Thank you for sharing!
I have 10s on my es 335. I will try 08s next. Thanks Tomo 😊
That's what I always have
I put 8s on my DC 59 and I find I can set my string height just a bit lower. It's also a touch quieter and more similar to vintage clarity.
Thanks for sharing
9:37 really felt that part
reminds me of a movie 'pulp fiction' & i dnt know why!
Ahaha "im sorry i forgot i was recording a video" xDD
that hurt my ears
@@lllPNTlll Reminds me of Kill Bill more than Pulp Fiction
10s are the medium strings for all
but if you put strength when playing hours and hours you have to try 9s
I started with 8s in the '90s because my guitar teacher made me, and I've been using them for decades. For a few years I used 10s with drop tuning because of, you know...Nu Metal...but then I came back to 8s and I still use them today. I just can't choose between nickel wound or pure nickel. Anyway, 8s are better in many ways. For clean sustain, for low ends in overdrive...just amazing gauge.
Thanks for sharing!
I like 8.5s on my Fenders and 9s on my Gibsons. Thanks for the video!
You're welcome! Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
Both sound like a dream.
Thank you!
Excellent video,playing and the sound of both guitars are amazing. God bless.
Thank you so much!
If we were recording, and I was producing, I would listen to both string sets in the context of a mix. By itself the 10 gauge set sounds better for the specific genre, with the specific amp, and the specific settings you were playing earlier in the video (clean soloing). In a sparse mix, that would likely win. Keep in mind the Rick Beato video that started all of this “8 gauge sounds better” is tied to a specific genre of music, with heavily distorted guitars, and in that context that can be true but outside of that specific context... there’s so many variables. You might also accomplish something similar with an EQ pedal (in the signal chain before the input, not in the effects loop) and maybe end up with an even better tone on the top end. There’s a TON of other tricks you could do as well if you’re reamping. That would be an interesting experiment to try (with heavily distorted guitar, in the context of a full mix).
If you’re playing gigs every day... I’d go to 8s if it meant reducing strain on my joints and lowering the probability of a repetitive stress injury. Such injuries can be the culmination of years of wear and tear on your body. If a lighter gauge reduces the chances for an injury that would be a no-brainer. Take it from someone who got a life-changing repetitive stress injury his first semester at Berklee. I didn’t know it when it first started in October of ‘92, but that was the end of my ability to play piano for more than 30 minutes at a time. I completed my major (and half of a second) but couldn’t graduate since I couldn’t play. I eventually walked 27 years later after redeclaring my principal instrument to electric bass. Save yourself the heartache though. Do everything you can to maintain your physical health as it pertains to performance. I was devastated.
Thank you! I am 55 so... I do exercises almost everyday! Stretching, workout...my own routine. I sleep well, eat well.. not too big.. no snacks.
@@TomoFujitaMusic This is somewhat of a tangent... but instead of a Porsche for a mid-life crisis I decided on an orange Subaru and more education. I've never been a coffee-drinker in my life. I quickly discovered that getting through grad-school is going to require coffee (turns out caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties... but stick with filtered so the Japanese Hario V60 pour-over or the Aeropress are good options). After drinking just a cup in the morning I noticed that it significantly attenuated my desire to snack later in the day. I'm guessing tea would have the same effect (need to experiment with that).
By any chance did you ever go to the Wednesday night blues jams that Alizon Lissance used to host at Smoken' Joe's BBQ in Brighton?
Thank u Tomo .....
I use 8's to fight my carpal tunnel syndrom....I used to use 11's
You're very welcome! Be well!
I definitely learned some new bending exercises! Thank you Tomo! I also loved the sound of the 8s!
Great to hear!
I will try 8s now. ありがとう
Thank you!
ありがとうございます！
I’m thinking of using 8s on my ES 135. Tried flat wounds 10s & 9s. It has a stiff action and sounds like a banjo. It’s been modified from a trapeze to a Bigsby. I put on a roller bridge. It has P 100 pickups. We just don’t get along.
My 70+ year hands love 8's. Maybe a cop out but I still play.
not a cop out! Page recorded LZ tracks with 8s. EVH used 8s at some points. Holdsworth, B.B King...
Lol, I'm twenty years behind you and expect I'll have to start dropping at some point just to keep playing, can't imagine not at this point.
Awesome!
I love 8's they are so easy to play and sound good also I notice they seem not to break as much.
Awesome!
I've been playing guitar since I was 7 and I'm 20 now and I play live gigs as well and I've never broken a single string I play using black diamond strings 8s and sometimes Dunlop 7s and I shred and do bends it's just crazy how people break em
I use 9s on gibson scale length and 8s on Fender scale length and they feel the same 😊
Awesome!
I've been using 9 gauge strings Ernie Ball slinky from back in the 60s I guess or at least the 70s and I just preordered a Gibson Les Paul classic honeyburst which I will receive in October due to back ordering and I'm having the technician at Sweetwater set it up for me with 8 gauge strings because it comes with tens. I would categorize my playing as blues rock and I do a lot of bending and I thought this would probably be interesting to try by using a gauge strings. I was reading that Jimmy Page uses the same so maybe I'm just going to a late-stage midlife crisis LOL I like the video and thank you for your time
Thank you for sharing!! Glad you enjoy the video.
8s are also good for beginners... i have seen people leave learning guitar for thick string feel
Yes BB King used 8s (I have a version of that set w/ a Flexible Wound G because it's an Octagonal Core, they're Mapes Copies). Billy Gibbons went down a gauge to the lightest which is 7s. Lighter gauge strings (which are easier to play obviously) work better on a longer scale length cause each string needs a certain amount of tension to make a good sound. There's a reason why 8 String Electric Guitars use very light gauge strings (9s or thinner) cause they use a Baritone Guitar Scale Length (at 27 inches) to help those lower strings intonate better this way they don't have to be really thick.
Thanks for sharing!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Why not put 7 Gauge Strings on a Baritone Acoustic Guitar so you can tune it up to E Standard? Lighter Gauge Strings work better on a longer scale length cause I find it pulls them a little tighter to get a more solid tone, & also you're not overbending them.
I thought 9ns are my match until I tryed 8's through Bro Rick Beato's Video. I'm not going back. Less effort/power needed doing playing. Everything is way easier and the sound is very good too. Thanks bro. All the best.
Awesome! Thanks!
The 8 38 sound brighter good for country players like my self and easy to Ben I got to sets coming
Awesome!
Sounds wonderful with the 8’s. Both sound awesome in your hands.
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
It appears obvious I just need to make a switch to .08’s lol even with calluses, lowering my strings and regular play time my fingers STILL get annihilated and the tone is so “unoriginal” with the heavy chunky basic strings I have on now. I tried to give myself time and try variants of solutions before just switching. But idk why I was ready to die on the hill over the idea I HAVE to play the strings I been playing, which also hurt and make it just a tad irritating at times. It shouldn’t hurt, or be frustrating in a sense that I can’t play bc of discomfort. it should be fun and enjoyable, and if anything “easy” or “effortless” if the skill is there. Often time I find myself hurting bc I’m fighting the urge to play all bc my fingers hurt. Thanks for this video Tomo!
Thanks for sharing. You're welcome!
Hello Brother, …to my ears the 8’s sing (which B.B. was famous for) …your fingers vibrato seem more natural… Thank You for sharing!!
Thanks for listening
Have a brand new Les Paul coming in.
I can’t wait to throw on the 8s and see how she sounds.
Awesome!
I've been using 8's for decades and the only difference I notice is the thinner strings break easier. Thanks for the upload. 🎶🎸🎵👍
You're welcome!
One thing to note with lighter gauge strings: tension. Some guitars are built for heavier gauge strings and therefore can only drop in tension so much before risking debowing of the neck. Sometimes some neck NEED heavier strings to maintain proper neck bowing.
Thanks for sharing
can you just set truss rod for lighter tension
I think the 8s sound great!! I’ve been thinking about buying some Reverend Willy’s strings -8s. Looks like I will buy them now!! Thank you Tomo!!
I have willys on a telecaster and can’t stop playing it…just fantastic.
I used to use 8 gauge strings for standard tuning cuz I have hiperhidrosis. I also used to use 10 gauge for half step tuning, but man that hurt so bad. Now I'm using 9 gauge for half step tuning and it feels really great and responsive.
I heard Billy Gibbons went to check out BB King's gear when they played the same venue. He was surprised to find he used 8 guage and from then on that's what Billy used (I think he's had finer guage strings made for him more recently).
Bb king used 10 gauge and he also used heavy bottom strings with medium top. 10-54 he said it in an interview and you can google it
@@bigflanks294 You can google these:
‘Back in the early days of ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons played heavier gauge strings. That was until he had a backstage conversation with BB King after picking up Lucille and discovering BB strung her up with light gauge strings. BB King asked Billy Gibbons why he felt the need to play such heavy strings and said; “Why you workin’ so hard?”’ www.stringsdirect.co.uk/blog/i-like-light-strings-and-i-cannot-lie/
‘Mr. Billy F. Gibbons actually used to put on heavier gauge strings back in the day. But after one simple advice from none other than B.B. King himself, ZZ Top frontman began using light strings. Very light, as in .007. So those thick and fuzzy tones that you hear coming out of his guitars are all from .007s’. www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/top_13_guitarists_known_for_using_light_gauge_strings-91872
Billy Gibbons: “BB King strummed my guitar, looked at me rather quizzically and said, ‘Why you working so hard?’” www.musicradar.com/news/billy-gibbons-bb-king-strummed-my-guitar-looked-at-me-rather-quizzically-and-said-why-you-working-so-hard
As they pointed out in the Beato video, the heavy gage thing is « the SRV » effect.
I put an 8-38 D'Addario set on my SG a couple months ago. I have to say I love the tone, balance, and feel of the strings much more than I thought I would. It brought my tone much closer to the one I've been chasing in my head. Maybe I'm imagining it, but that's ok too. :)
Having heard the story about BB King telling ZZ top not to work so hard...I knew I had to try it. Then Rick Beato did his video, so I finally took the pack of 8s I bought of from the box, and strung them up. I won't be going back anytime soon. It takes some adjusting, but they play beautifully.
The only downside: anyone else notice that D'addario doesn't sell 8s in bulk packs? Only singles. I can't find them in 3 packs or 10 packs. :(
Man, I’ve used 8 all my life! I got my made in Japan Ibanez blazer back in 81 or 82 with fixed bridge and I’ve always used 8. I only use 9 on my guitars with the whammy bar just to be on safe side but I prefer the feel, touch and sound of the 8.
Those bends man. So clean.
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
I dabbled with 8s for a little while but now I'm using 9-46 hybrid sets for E standard and Eb and enjoy them. I think for rock and metal, thicker wound strings do give a better tone or maybe it's placebo because I heard Yngwie say this. Thinner unwound strings are easier to play and have a higher treble response IMO but you need light control.
Awesome!!
Yngwie is an unbelievably arrogant clown. Musicians who play with him are told ‘don’t look him in the eyes’, nothing that shit stain says should be taken seriously.
I have not watched the video yet but I want to say this has got excited . I think you are going to love them . Now l well see if you do . Thank you for doing this and all of you videos I really get a lot out of them ..
So nice to hear that! You're welcome! Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
There’s definitely some magic in light gauge and higher action.
I myself tried out the new EB .0085/.040 and loved them so much that I restrung all my guitars with them.
Smooth, slinky feel, great tone and clarity and no breakage.
Thanks for sharing!
I've never tried 8s, but will give them a shot after this video!
Some amazing playing here. And the general wisdom you’ve dropped here is not to be overlooked. I recently tried 9-42 on my Les Paul and they are incredibly comfortable.
Thank you!
I like the sound of the 10 strung guitar...I "could" swear that the neck p/u is wired in reverse ...but so what, its is gorgeous!
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/
I always liked heavier strings until I started recording and realized light guage strings just sit way better in a mix. Tighter bottom end, better midrange. Less muddy
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Tomo, great video and very informative. I think that the fact it has to make you think a little bit more about how you hit the string is a great variable to have. I happen to be very heavy handed and have realized that it’s not the greatest thing, as I rely too much on impulse power as opposed to thinking about the strength of hitting the note. I’ve always thought it was too easy to play, but I think the aspect of having to think more about the string dynamics is very important. Inspiring me to give 9’s a try again, thank you!
Thanks so much! I teach much more detail video lessons and super easy theory lessons at my Guitar Wisdom! Just added new lessons!!
tomojustfunky.com/tomo-fujita-guitar-practice-advice/