Umair Gaines
Electric guitars with wider necks and string spacing are available and can be preferred by some guitarists. Wider string spacing can make playing easier and more comfortable, especially for those with bigger fingers. While most electric guitars have a standard string spacing of around 52mm, some guitarists prefer the extra room provided by wider string spacing, which can be achieved by adjusting the truss rod or string saddles. Electric guitars with wider necks and string spacing include the Ibanez RGA42FM, the Yamaha FG800, the Godin A series, and the Kramer Assault 220.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric guitars with wider necks | Kiesel, Collings, Taylor T3, Kramer assault 220, D'angelico, PRS SE Semi-hollow, Godin A series, ESP LTD, Big Lou, Ibanez RGA42FM, Yamaha FG800, Fender |
| Electric guitars with wider string spacing | Godin A series, ESP LTD, Yamaha FG800, Ibanez RGA42FM, PRS, Seagull Peppino artist signature acoustic |
| Pros of wider string spacing | More room between the strings, easier to play, better for chords |
| Cons of wider string spacing | More expensive, may require adjustments to the nut or bridge |
| Other considerations | Thicker strings require more tension to achieve the same pitch as thinner strings; thicker strings also pull the neck more, requiring truss rod adjustments |
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What You'll Learn
Electric guitar string types
Electric guitar strings come in a variety of gauges, materials, and brands, and choosing the right ones can be a bit overwhelming. The gauge of a string refers to its physical size, given in inches. The most popular string gauge set for a 6-string electric guitar is .010–.046, with the *.010-gauge string being the smallest (the first string) and the *.046-gauge string being the largest (the sixth string). Thinner gauges are easier to bend and press against the fret, which is good for lead playing or busy fingering. On the other hand, thicker gauges may require adjusting the intonation at the bridge due to the extra string width.
Different materials will also have slightly different tones. Nickel is the most common material used for strings, favoured by guitarists seeking a classic tone because of its rich, warm body. It comes in three variations: nickel-wound, nickel-plated, and pure nickel. Nickel-wound strings are the warmest, while pure nickel is more tonally transparent, and nickel-plated strings fall between the two extremes. Steel strings produce a bright and punchy sound, making them a great choice for modern musical styles that require higher presence and attack. However, they may require some EQ adjustments to avoid sounding excessively brittle. A newer option is cobalt strings, which have similar qualities to steel but feel softer on the fingers and offer a wider dynamic frequency range.
Some other factors to consider when choosing electric guitar strings include the sweat produced by your hands, as this can affect the lifespan of the strings, and the chemical composition of your hands, which can influence the feel and longevity of the strings. Additionally, if you have larger fingers or hands, you may prefer a guitar with a wider neck or string spacing, as this can provide more room for playing and reduce the likelihood of hitting the wrong strings. Ultimately, finding the best electric guitar strings is a highly personal decision, and experimentation is key to discovering what works best for you.
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String gauge preferences
Those who favor thicker strings tend to appreciate the fuller, warmer tone they produce. The increased string thickness results in more vibration and a bolder sound. Additionally, thicker strings can provide a more stable feel, especially for guitarists with stronger finger strength. This combination of tone and playability makes thicker strings a popular choice for rhythm guitarists and those who frequently use alternate tunings.
On the other hand, thinner strings offer their own set of advantages. They are easier to fret, making them ideal for guitarists with smaller hands or those who prefer speed and technicality in their playing. Thinner strings also provide a brighter, snappier tone, which is often favored by lead guitarists and players who frequently use string-bending and vibrato techniques. The reduced thickness allows for faster and more precise playing, making thinner strings a common choice for shredders and players in genres that require technical proficiency.
It's worth noting that string gauge preferences can also depend on the scale length of the guitar. Guitars with longer scale lengths may feel more comfortable with thicker strings, as the increased string tension provides a more balanced playing experience. Conversely, guitars with shorter scale lengths might benefit from thinner strings, as they can provide a more comfortable playing tension while still delivering ample tone and volume.
Ultimately, the choice of string gauge is a personal decision that depends on a guitarist's playing style and tone preferences. Many guitarists experiment with different gauges to find the one that suits their technique and comfort needs. Some players even settle on custom sets of strings, combining different thicknesses to create their unique feel and sound. Exploring these options allows guitarists to find the string gauge that enhances their playing experience and helps them achieve their desired tone.
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String materials
The string material used in electric guitars is a crucial factor in determining the sound produced. While the core of most modern guitar strings is made of steel, the wrap material, which surrounds this core, is what differentiates strings. The wrap material is particularly important in electric guitars, as only the bottom four strings (low E-A-D-G) have a wrap wire, while the B and high-E strings are plain steel due to their thinness. Nickel-plated steel strings, which consist of a wrapping material that is roughly 8% nickel and 92% steel, are the most popular design for electric guitars. They offer a balanced tone between warmth and brightness and a fast attack. Nickel-plated strings are also versatile, producing a reasonably bright sound with a good output, making them suitable for various genres, from metal to country.
Vintage nickel strings offer a warmer tone than nickel-plated steel, while stainless steel strings have a very bright tone and excellent sustain. Stainless steel is also rust-resistant, which is beneficial for players with highly acidic sweat. For a warmer and more mellow tone with a quieter output, 100% nickel strings are a good option, although they are stiffer and harder to play. For traditional folk, jazz, and classical music, silk and steel guitar strings are recommended as they produce a mellow, gentle, full, and well-rounded sound. They also have less tension than regular steel strings, which is advantageous for finger-style players.
The shape of the core wire can also impact the sound of the strings. While round shape is the most popular way of string winding due to its brighter tone and great sustain, flatwound strings, favoured by jazz players, have a smoother feel and a darker tone. Additionally, the gauge, or thickness, of the strings is important, with thicker strings producing more prominent bass frequencies and thinner strings being more comfortable at high frequencies. The string gauge also determines the string size, which is measured in thousandths of an inch, with higher numbers indicating thicker strings.
The right guitar strings are essential to achieving the desired sound and playability. Different string materials and gauges are suited to different genres, and finding the best option may require experimentation. Regularly cleaning guitar strings and maintaining proper hand hygiene can also help extend the life of the strings by preventing corrosion.
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String spacing
Wider string spacing allows for more room between each string, which can make playing easier and is generally preferred by rhythm guitarists. It is also beneficial for those with larger fingers or hands. However, tighter string spacing requires more accuracy and is often preferred by lead guitarists.
When choosing a guitar, it is important to consider string spacing as it affects playability and can impact the comfort and ease of playing. Some players prefer wider string spacing as it gives more space between strings, while others may find it cramped and prefer the standard spacing or something thinner.
There are several ways to measure string spacing. One method is to measure between the middle points of two individual bridge saddles and then multiply that distance by one less than the number of strings to get the total string spacing. Another way is to measure the entire distance from the low E to the high E string, ensuring you measure from the centre point of the saddle.
Some manufacturers may not provide string spacing specifications, so it is useful to know how to measure it yourself. Additionally, when upgrading your bridge or bridge components, or selecting pickups, knowing the correct string spacing is crucial to ensure proper alignment and optimal performance.
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Advantages of wider strings
While the standard string spacing for most guitars is 2.05 inches (52mm), some guitars offer wider string spacing, which is anything above the standard measurement. Wider strings on electric guitars offer several advantages.
Firstly, wider strings provide more space between the strings, making it easier to play and reducing the chances of hitting the wrong strings. This extra room is beneficial for those with larger hands or thicker fingers, as it gives them more space to maneuver and reduces the likelihood of accidentally touching adjacent strings.
Wider strings also offer a different playing experience. They hold more tension across the fretboard, resulting in a taut and deliberate strumming feel. This tension can build picking endurance in the fretting hand over time. Additionally, thicker strings can produce a warmer tone, which is preferred by some guitarists, such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, despite requiring more finger strength to bend.
The advantages of wider strings are particularly notable when fingerpicking. The increased string spacing allows for smoother and more precise fingerpicking, as each string can be plucked individually without interfering with the others.
Ultimately, the preference for wider strings is subjective and depends on factors such as hand size, playing style, and musical genre. While wider strings may be advantageous for some guitarists, others may prefer the standard or thinner strings for faster and more nimble playing, especially in genres like jazz or blues that involve quick and technical passages.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some electric guitars have wider strings. Wider string spacing is a matter of personal preference and can make playing either easier or harder depending on the player.
Wider strings can give more space between the strings, which some players prefer. Wider strings are generally better for chords, while thinner strings are better for solos.
Wider strings require more tension to achieve the same pitch as thinner strings. This can cause the neck of the guitar to pull and come closer to the bridge.
Some electric guitar models with wider strings include the Ibanez RGA42FM, the Yamaha FG800, the Godin A series, the Kramer Assault 220, and the D'Angelico.
