How do you condition your hands for bigger strings??

[Laroosco!]

I've used 10's on Gibsons and hybrid 9's (9-46) on Fenders for years. I always play through a boost of some sort or a fuzz so the string gauge isn't so much of an issue.

But

My current gig requires me to play cleaner anjd very dry most of the time. I was using 11-50's on my Gretsch with mo problems. I sold the Gretsch though and am playing a Tele these days. I had 10's on it and it sounded fine, but curiousity got the best of me and I threw a set of 10-52's on it yesterday.

It sounds really good and I dig the meat I'm getting out of the wound strings, but it's taking a little getting used to. I'm looking forward to trying it out but the gigs are pretty fast paced and there's nothing worse IMO than fighting with a guitar all night.

Of course if it starts giving me trouble I will scale it back but hopefully I will just get used to it.

[Lolaviola]

The heavy strings on the Fender will never feel as slinky as on the Gretsch because of the scale.

[aziltz]

when i was in high school i decided that i wanted bigger strings for bigger sound... i went to 11's on my tele and just dealt with it, after about a good 2-3 weeks i was fine. now i can't play anything smaller.

[Rumblefish]

Originally Posted by aziltz

when i was in high school i decided that i wanted bigger strings for bigger sound... i went to 11's on my tele and just dealt with it, after about a good 2-3 weeks i was fine. now i can't play anything smaller.

Agreed
Once I read an interview with Jeff Beck in which he said Jimi played big strings I tried 11-50's on my strat and it was so much better,especially on the high notes,that I committed to it and didn't take long to adjust to the bigger gauge.J.B. claims he runs 12-54's when he's on tour.Tried that,but didn't get much improvement over the 11's.

[EXP]

I recently went back to Fender 150's pure nickel .11's and my fuzztone is much crisper and tighter now. You can definitely tell Jimi used Fender nickel strings more than anything.

[aziltz]

i just think the feel of big strings makes it more fun. i like the idea of wrestling for the sound a bit.

[erksin]

Honestly, I actually find bigger strings easier to bend when I'm playing live - mostly 'cause I'm amped up and would typically bend a thinner string sharp or my vibrato would be too rushed. I don't think you'll be fighting with the guitar at all.

10-52s are the perfect set for my playing style - I gotta have those big wound fatties.

[starfish]

I play .13's on my acoustic and .11's on electric. Try a heavy gauge on your acoustic and you will have no problems.

[Laroosco!]

Originally Posted by Lolaviola

The heavy strings on the Fender will never feel as slinky as on the Gretsch because of the scale.

It's not just the scale. The Gretsch is twice as slinky as my Gibsons as well. The easiest playing guitar I've ever owned.

I'm gonna stick with this gauge for a couple weeks and see what happens.

[archtopjazz]

I'm gonna stick with this gauge for a couple weeks and see what happens.
[/quote]

That sounds like a good idea

[FrankieSixxxgun]

Depends on the Gretsch. Only some Gretsch guitars have a long scale like a Stratocaster.

You just gotta go for the jump to new gauges. Once you're really comfortable playing tens it's time to make the jump to 11's. You'll automatically get used to them in no time. I personally play 11-52 on my short scale Les Paul all the way to my long scale White Falcon. They feel great on everything.

[re-animator]

If you're having trouble adjusting, i would play it in Eb for a week with the heavy strings, then tune back up when you feel you're ready.

[bleomonkey]

I got used to it by putting on 12-54's with a wound g string and playing SRV on that with high action. Add in the fact that the strings have been on the guitar for 6 months and can't even intonate, and you've got the formula for developing super strong hands.

[John Price]

Well I'm going through the same situation right now! Last week I purchased a new PRS DGT and it comes strung up with 11's. Now for the past 25 years I've used nothing but 9's on all my guitars but this guitar just kicked my but! I will admit I restrung the PRS with 10's and all my other guitars are now strung up with 10's as well! The 11's felt great and I may go back to them in a few weeks but I will adjust to the 10's first. I was always afraid that it would do some damage to my hand so I avoided the change, but after playing the PRS for a week I just fell in love with the heavier gauge strings.
I would suggest taking it easy for the first few days. Avoid doing any heavy bending and pay attention to your hand. If it's starting to get sore take a break and come back hour/later and play some more. increase your playing time until it feels comfortable to go for some of your trusty licks! Play a few songs in a row straight through and see what happens! I will be gigging out this weekend and hope the hands hold up!.....
Good Luck!

[orogeny]

Originally Posted by Lolaviola

The heavy strings on the Fender will never feel as slinky as on the Gretsch because of the scale.

this is true sometimes. sometimes it is the thickness of the neck. i've been playing 11s FOREVER on my strat. it was a d-typish 80s mij. probably still my favorite neck. i'm still not sure. . . and it's been months. i switched to a 'soft v' and it is TOTALLY different regarding string tension. fatter neck. JUST this week, i bought a set of 10s. haven't put them on yet.

meanwhile, this doesn't answer your question.

how do you condition your hands? play dat shit, baby. play the acoustic. i use 12s on mine. run scales. play for LONG periods of time. play LOTS of. . . .SONGS!!!!!!!!!! chords with melodic fills. sheet, maing. treat yourself like a newb to the guitar.

i teach guitar. i've been lucky enough to teach kids who have become much better than me. most recently, one of 'em got into berklee. i sent his ass to tomo. met john mayer last week. he kicks my ass.

SOME of my students are quite young. a LOT of the young ones are simply too young. their hands and fingers just are not ready. i warn them and their parents about this. it's actually quite a 'dangerous' time with them. it's only 'dangerous' because i'm worried that they will never pick up the guitar again if they 'can't' do it now. . . the difference between a 4th grader and a 7th grader is monumental. if you've ever had to teach. . . .you know what i mean.

ANYWAY, the fourth graders who make it. . . . they both understand and accept the pain that is caused in their fingers. sheet, we ain't even talkin' 'bout hand cramps yet.

my nephew got a guitar when he was in fourth grade. he quit. a couple of months ago (he is now in 8th grade and over 6 feet tall) i saw him shredding the shit out of some guitar hero. i know this sounds silly, but. . . . . i told his mom and dad. .. that mofo is ready to play. he IS. it was in june. he's buying his second guitar already (WON'T tell him about this place!!!!!!!!!)


how does this relate to you?!

do that kung-fu finger thang. if you really feel like you're not getting your thang with a thinner strang, then . . . . no pain, no gain. them fingers gotta work, baby. new thang, new work.

chops. i don't know where the word came from. someone tell us . . . wouldja?

just to dispell any myths that i think i'm all that. . . i remember trying to go to 12s on my electric. new setup and everything. . . . . i'm the rhythm player and get my solo like once a month. i probably sing better than i play my guitar. .. . .

i couldn't have FUN with that sheet at all. i even took my own advice and shedded. i just did NOT have FUN playing THOSE strings on THAT guitar AT ALL.

that's all i've got for ya. . . .

i sincerely hope it helps.