Rayzcane
12th July 2006, 7.15 am
I have a question for string guages on 6 string guitar used exclusively for tapping.
I doubt that anyone will disagree that, all things considered, fatter strings = better tone. It is reputed that Stevie Ray Vaughn used a .013 on his high E string. It is also reputed that he tuned his guitar down either 1/2 step or 1 step (1 or two frets).
Stanley Jordon and others suggest a string set of .009-.046. The bottom line is quality of tone/sound. How about if we installed a heavy guage set of strings, while tuning down 2 frets? Would that affect playability? Unlike most other guitar players, I have never jammed or played with other musicians. So, I don't really care if I am playing G scales/chords that come out sounding in F. And, I don't sing at all.
To make this more clear, I am looking for maximum separation between the 3 bass strings and the 3 treble strings on a regular ole guitar. Using the "folded chords" concept, I will confine almost all of my basslines to the 3 largest strings. And, vice-versa for playing melody on the 3 smallest strings.
In a nutshell: Using fatter strings, especially on the bass side should produce a more realistic "bottom". And, if the strings are tuned down, the fatter strings should not be any harder to press down than thinner strings tuned up to concert pitch, right?
Ray
I doubt that anyone will disagree that, all things considered, fatter strings = better tone. It is reputed that Stevie Ray Vaughn used a .013 on his high E string. It is also reputed that he tuned his guitar down either 1/2 step or 1 step (1 or two frets).
Stanley Jordon and others suggest a string set of .009-.046. The bottom line is quality of tone/sound. How about if we installed a heavy guage set of strings, while tuning down 2 frets? Would that affect playability? Unlike most other guitar players, I have never jammed or played with other musicians. So, I don't really care if I am playing G scales/chords that come out sounding in F. And, I don't sing at all.
To make this more clear, I am looking for maximum separation between the 3 bass strings and the 3 treble strings on a regular ole guitar. Using the "folded chords" concept, I will confine almost all of my basslines to the 3 largest strings. And, vice-versa for playing melody on the 3 smallest strings.
In a nutshell: Using fatter strings, especially on the bass side should produce a more realistic "bottom". And, if the strings are tuned down, the fatter strings should not be any harder to press down than thinner strings tuned up to concert pitch, right?
Ray