Calling all guitarists.

[Slime]

Just as a thought guys, how long do strings last?
Apparently these have not been changed for two or three years so they probably need changing.
As I'm new to all this, what strings would you recommend on the basis that I won't be playing it constantly & my music of choice is blues/rock/metal?
Thanks fellas.

Slime.

 

[3565]

Change them ASAP. It depends how often you play. You'll soon notice when they need changing. As for the strings itself, a gauge 009 will do you, although if starting out, 008's will be easier on your finger tips until they harden a bit then change up to 009's.

 

[stevie_r]

Just as a thought guys, how long do strings last?
Apparently these have not been changed for two or three years so they probably need changing.
As I'm new to all this, what strings would you recommend on the basis that I won't be playing it constantly & my music of choice is blues/rock/metal?
Thanks fellas.

Slime.

When they start to turn black.

 

[williamalex1]

When they start to turn black.

Your fingers ?

 

[stevie_r]

Your fingers ?

They may do! No, the strings, you notice it on the treble side first. It's a sign that the wound strings are picking up too much sweat and grease from your fingers. This in turn will hold dirt and will start to affect tone.

 

[williamalex1]

They may do! No, the strings, you notice it on the treble side first. It's a sign that the wound strings are picking up too much sweat and grease from your fingers. This in turn will hold dirt and will start to affect tone.

Yip I know, I played bass semi pro for over 40 yrs .

 

[Slime]

Change them ASAP. It depends how often you play. You'll soon notice when they need changing. As for the strings itself, a gauge 009 will do you, although if starting out, 008's will be easier on your finger tips until they harden a bit then change up to 009's.

Thanks 3565, any particular makes to look out for or are they all much of a muchness?
Oh, and is changing them as easy as I imagine it is?

Slime.

 

[3565]

Yeah pretty much so, if I was you I'd take one string off and replace, so start with the bottom E string the thick one, take it off and replace with new string, make sure enough string is wrapped around tuning peg, 3 windings should do and when string is semi taught just stretch the string by pulling away from body of guitar then wind it up and tune to the next string. Repeat process.
I wouldn't worry what make you get at the moment tbh. All else fails You tube will put you right.

 

[SocketRocket]

Yip I know, I played bass semi pro for over 40 yrs .

Did the fish complain?

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Nowt wrong with Epiphone, I have two. A Silverburst Les Paul and a none-more-black Explorer that I've fitted with EMG81 pickups...

 

[jimbob.someroo]

Nowt wrong with Epiphone, I have two. A Silverburst Les Paul and a none-more-black Explorer that I've fitted with EMG81 pickups...

You're so metal! The Les Paul above looks lovely!

Slime, as others have said, the Epiphone you have is a decent guitar - much better than the one I started off on. I had lessons for 30 mins a week when I was a kid and the instructor asked me if I'd rather learn how to play songs, or learn how to play guitar. Not saying it's the best way of doing things but I went down the songs route, and so now 10 years on can pretty much pick up a guitar an jam along when I like. I can't read sheet music for guitar but can pick up most things by ear thanks to the way I learned.

Youtube is useful and so are books/mags if you really want to learn the basics. As with golf though, nothing will beat going to see a pro, and a series of lessons is definitely the way forward.

I've got a white Fender Tele which I've had for years and is bruised and battered, but here's my pride and joy which stays safe at home with my parents:

 

[patricks148]

I can't see why you couldn't just teach yourself.

I did when i started as a teenager, played in some bands etc, only got better by playing a fair bit a practic.

I decided to start again recently and had not touched a guitar since the 90's when i sold all my stuff.

A local shop had a Gretsch Chet Atkins and 80's one so got that and a Fender Jaguar and now thinking of either a Rickenbacher 12 string or a Gibson 330 to add to my collection.

There is loads of stuff on You tube its how i pick up new stuff

 

[palindromicbob]

I taught myself from books and magazines when I started and had a few lessons after a while.

If you are completely new and have access to an xbox then you may want to try rocksmith. It teaches in a way is very different but it does actually work and would be ideal for someone just starting.

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Forgot to say, I'm self-taught too. Learn 3 chords, practice until you don't suck

Learning how to read tabs is probably the way to go and there are lots of tutorials on YouTube

Good luck :thup:

 

[Slime]

Are these any good?

Slime.

 

[3565]

For a regular player yeah fine, for a beginner, finger tip wreckers..... But Ernie Ball are good strings.

 

[palindromicbob]

Are these any good?

Slime.

Yup. They probably close to what's already on the guitar well.

You could give the hybrid slinky a try as well. Finer top strings which will be easier to press but be warned they also break a little easier so careful not to tune to high.

A bottle of surgical is very handy to toughen up the finger tips a little quicker.

Electric is certainly easier to learn on than acoustic and you have got a nice little guitar there. The strings are lighter and action (space between fret board and strings) is usually lower making it easier to press down and play the notes.

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Are these any good?

Slime.

They'll be grand, same guage as the Rotosound Yellows that I've used for years. They'll only wreck your fingertips until you've built up some callouses

Remember not to panic when you take all the strings off and the stop bar and tail piece fall off. I filled my breeks the first time that happened :rofl:

If you're taking the strings off it might be an idea to give the fretboard and frets a good clean, then rub a bit of fast fret over

 

[Slime]

They'll be grand, same guage as the Rotosound Yellows that I've used for years. They'll only wreck your fingertips until you've built up some callouses

Remember not to panic when you take all the strings off and the stop bar and tail piece fall off. I filled my breeks the first time that happened :rofl:

If you're taking the strings off it might be an idea to give the fretboard and frets a good clean, then rub a bit of fast fret over

Thanks everyone.
Tell me, wouldn't I be better off changing the strings one at a time rather than taking all six off before putting any back on?

Oh, and fast fret?


Slime.

 

[patricks148]

Are these any good?

Slime.

I suggest a string fitting with a pro. though regular may work fine for a beginer, get your SS (strum speed) checked you migh need stiff at a later date