Question: What Tension Strings Should I Use on Classical Guitar?
Answer Summary: Beginners should start with a warm nylon string in medium to medium-hard tension depending on the brand whereas advanced players will want a harder tension nylon or carbon string that projects well in the concert hall. But there are many variables involved in choosing strings and tension. The guitar itself, the player, nail shape, desire for warmth, fullness, brightness, clarity, projection all play a factor. In the article below I’ll offer some generalizations to get you started but much of it will be personal preference.
What is Quality?
Every string has good qualities and can be perfect for your unique guitar, nails, and playing style or repertoire. The idea of a string being ‘musical’ or ‘best’ is a confusing concept as it depends on what musical quality you are trying to highlight. One string might be warm and have a smooth sound, whereas another string might be brighter, project into a hall well and be nicely balanced. Also, certain guitars respond differently to various strings and the performance or practice space might demand compensation by going brighter or warmer to get the acoustic balance you are after.
A Very Generalized Guide to String Types
This is a generalization and not always true. Most early level students, on average, should generally go with a nylon string set as they are warm and forgiving. However, all the types of strings can be excellent depending on the variables.
- Nylon Strings – Tend to be warm, round, full bodied, smooth, and forgiving (not brittle). They can sometimes be muddy and lack clarity, balance, and intonation compared to carbon strings.
- Composite Materials (titanium, blends, etc) – Somewhere between nylon and carbon. These often try to correct for the deficiencies of nylon and carbon strings. They can be nicely balanced but sometimes they lack the best qualities of either nylon and carbon so haven’t seemed to catch on as much.
- Carbon Strings – Brighter, clearer, balanced, stiffer, better intonation and projection. These can be amazing but with the wrong nails or guitar they can be harsh. They are also sometimes stiffer and harder on the hands depending on the player.
- Combo Sets – Many companies are now mixing the above strings in sets to gain balance. I really like the 3rd string being a carbon to clean it up.
Tension and String Diameter
It is most common that higher tension strings will generally have a thicker diameter and therefore sound a bit rounder, full, and warm but there are a many factors here so it’s not always true. A hard tension string can choke some guitars so you might find you get a more pleasant tone and sustain from a medium tension string.
Hand Troubles and Fatigue?
Although I consider hand troubles and fatigue to stem more from positioning and technique training, string tension does account for something. If you are prone to hand problems I’d recommend against hard tension strings as well as carbon and composite strings. I’d recommend a medium tension nylon string until you have either recovered or found the source of your tension issues.
Every String is Different, Experimentation is the Key
Every player and guitar is different and so is every string brand and string material. There is no way to exactly say which type of string, material, and tension will be right for you. Therefore, I’d recommend you start with a clear nylon string in medium or medium-hard tension and adjust and experiment from there.
Recommendations
- If I had to recommend a set for most students
- Augustine Strings – Imperial – Really nice all-around string for traditional repertoire. Warm and forgiving in tone but nicely balanced with some clear projection. A great string for the average player looking for a mix of traditional sound with a bit more clarity and balance.
- D’Addario Pro Arte (either normal or hard tension). These are perfectly fine nylon strings, very affordable, and forgiving in warm tone. Sometimes sound a touch plasticy but not always. I’d recommend hard tension for most students but not the extra-hard.
- Bradford is currently using (for more advanced players)
- Augustine Strings – Regal (Great traditional sound) – Really nice all-around string for traditional repertoire. I sometimes replace the 3rd string with a normal tension Savarez Alliance (carbon) if I want more clarity.
- I also sometimes play the Regal Reds which have hard tension trebles and normal tension basses. I sometimes replace the 3rd string with a normal tension Savarez Alliance (carbon) if I want more clarity.
- Savarez Corum Alliance – I sometimes use these for chamber music or if I need more clarity in a work. They are carbon strings, with increased brightness/projection. Might be too intense, bright, and stiff for some guitars and players. The high E string can be particularly bright. Brings the guitar to life though. I do not recommend these for students from beginner to grade 5.
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