guitar strings?

Question

what kind of strings should i get and what size? I have an Epiphone les paul special II.

Answer 1

whatever feels good on your fingers. i started off years ago with 9s and still use them. if you want good metal/detuned sounds, use heavier (10-up) strings.

Answer 2

Are you a complete newbie, or a shredder?

If you're a beginner, always stick for the .009 gauge. You don't need any thicker ones than that, and as a beginner that's probably the only ones your fingers can play comfortably.

You don't just go into a gym and try lifting the heaviest things for good exercize. Start with the small things first, then work your way up the ladder.

I know you have a LP, but if you ever have a guitar with a floating bridge, never buy strings that are thicker than .009 gauge sets unless if you have 3 (or preferrably more) springs locked on the bridge. A while ago I tried a .010 set, and I could never keep the guitar in tune as I had only 2 springs :(.

Either way, you'll be sticking with .009s for quite a long time.

good luck!

edit: oh yeah what kind of strings... I don't know what I should say on this, but I like D'addarios, Ernie Ball, and Rotosound. Ask the salesperson. He/she will probably help the most.

Answer 3

I have an epiphone les paul special II too! Mine's sunburst.
Anyway, when I started out I used a brand called Boomers, theyre not too expensive and their pretty full-toned. I recommend starting out with a light gauge, usually .009-42. I dont think you have to worry about strings breaking on you. Unless youre a hardcore shredder. but still they should hold out. I would just buy cheap strings, I do and I've been playing for 5 years. Elixirs are cool but theyre expensive and in my opinion, not worth buying time after time. Go with Ernie Balls super slinky (come in a pink package) or the GHS Boomers(red) I told you about. they go for about 5 bucks a pack.

Answer 4

it's ALLLLLL personal preference and there's no real standard. strings are sold in guages of usually heavy, medium, light..etc...the heavier the string, the harder it will be on your hands to play...but they are less prone to breaking, vs light guage strings which while easier to play, are more prone to breaking. i would start off with a medium guage and see how you like it. as far as brands....well, find what sounds good.

Answer 5

get Elixer's, they have a coating that makes it smoother to play and hurts your fingers less, and squeeks lees when sliding down the fret board...I recomend 9 guage, but if you play heavier music, than go 10 guage...9 is more average and used more often