Are there certain strings which are easier on the fingertips.

Smellyfingers · June 2021

I know I should probably play til my fingers bleed, if I was a proper guitarist.

But I am finding I quickly get sore fingertips from the strings on my Gibson acoustic. I am not exactly new to the guitar either - so am a bit concerned this maybe a chronic condition.

Can anyone advise if there are special comfortable 'nice' strings for sensitive flowers?

Thanks in advance.

drofluf · June 2021

What gauge strings are you using?

Newtones are lower tension so “easier” to play. But a good setup could also help.

Roland · June 2021

Some people are allergic to nickel, but that’s normally used for electric guitar strings rather than acoustic. You would probably know already if this was the problem.

Your problem is more likely to be caused by pressing too hard. Acoustic guitar strings are normally thicker than electric strings, and the guitar’s action is far higher. This means that it takes more pressure to hold the string against the fret. It’s easy to overdo the finger pressure. The solution is to work out how little pressure you can get away with and still get a clean note.

earwighoney · June 2021

Roland said:

Some people are allergic to nickel, but that’s normally used for electric guitar strings rather than acoustic. You would probably know already if this was the problem.

Your problem is more likely to be caused by pressing too hard. Acoustic guitar strings are normally thicker than electric strings, and the guitar’s action is far higher. This means that it takes more pressure to hold the string against the fret. It’s easy to overdo the finger pressure. The solution is to work out how little pressure you can get away with and still get a clean note.

It could also be the OP has a high action on his guitar as well.

But for strings, something like Silk and Steels, or Newtone Heritage make a difference for the fingers as well.

Smellyfingers · June 2021

Thanks for the replies. The action seems OK so I am not sure it would benefit from a set up.

The point about applying too much pressure on the strings could be part of my problem, it's instinctive though and requires a certain amount of self discpline to stop doing it.

I'll check out the Newtones.

Winny_Pooh · June 2021

Go thinner. If you have 12s on there try newtone heritage 11s but not lower as the tone suffers. Sore fingertips is unusual, my hands get tired if anything first... how often do you play? If you play acoustic 30-60 mins a week only then you need to add more hours for your hands to acclimatise.

Also check that the nut and relief are right otherwise your first position chords will feel very stiff. On acoustics because the action is higher I only have a tiny bit of relief, like an pl10 string width or less. (Holding down B string at nut and highest fret and checking gap between bottom of string and top of 8th fret)

BeardyAndy · June 2021

My guitar teacher had me fit electric guitar strings to my acoustic, sounded crap but made it easier on my 12 year old fingers!

EB Slinky 9's as I recall

ICBM · June 2021

I would second the recommendation for Newtones - Masterclass Phosphor Bronze - that's what I use on my Gibson Dove, and despite popular wisdom that anything lighter than 16s 12s will kill the tone, especially on a Dreadnought, it's fine with 11s.

Smellyfingers · June 2021

Thanks again for the replies.

Playing it again, I've concluded it is not my technique or the guitars action that it the problem - it is the strings.

I bought it as new condition so I've got to assume that they were the ones fitted at the Gibson, Montana factory. They sound fine - but they feel nasty. Perhaps masochism is part of the Gibson journey.

Gassage · June 2021

Any goretex style tends to be, IMO.

more · June 2021

Some players do find acoustics hard work after playing electric. As others have suggested, a set of lighter strings might be better for you. You don't say what model of Gibson you have, but you could try a set of silk and steel. Easier on the fingers but not everybody is happy with the tone.

malcolmkindness · June 2021

Another vote for the Newtones from me, but if the guitar is new from the factory, in my experience it would benefit from a set up.

Sammy · July 2021

ICBM said:

I would second the recommendation for Newtones - Masterclass Phosphor Bronze - that's what I use on my Gibson Dove, and despite popular wisdom that anything lighter than 16s 12s will kill the tone, especially on a Dreadnought, it's fine with 11s.

Agree Newstones Masterclass PB's are the easiest and smoothest acoustic strings I have ever played, plus they also sound better than any other acoustic String!

Image: https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/plugins/EmojiExtender/emoji/fb/1.gif

Also agree with ICBM that 11's, are fine I have them on my Larrivee OM absolutely no loss of tone whatsoever.

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Are there certain strings which are easier on the fingertips.

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