Thoughts on nylon string tension

[Woody Sound]

Posting this here instead of the classical area, because I'm specifically referencing latin/bossa/jazz playing. I've always used hard or extra hard tension. But I recently bought a guitar that came with regular tension strings and I think I'm liking the softer feel better. Anyone else?

[Cavalier]

I use regular tension on a acoustic-electric. It was more about not needing to add stress to the guitar because it can be amplified for volume but I like the feel too.

[TKO]

Posting this here instead of the classical area, because I'm specifically referencing latin/bossa/jazz playing. I've always used hard or extra hard tension. But I recently bought a guitar that came with regular tension strings and I think I'm liking the softer feel better. Anyone else?

I'm going to experiment with normal tension strings too - I've had high tension before but I want to see if rasgueado and picado techniques would be a bit easier on the fingers with normal tension strings.

[Woody Sound]

I use regular tension on a acoustic-electric. It was more about not needing to add stress to the guitar because it can be amplified for volume but I like the feel too.

Yeah, you don't need that extra oomph when you're running through an amp.

[destinytot]

Posting this here instead of the classical area, because I'm specifically referencing latin/bossa/jazz playing. I've always used hard or extra hard tension. But I recently bought a guitar that came with regular tension strings and I think I'm liking the softer feel better. Anyone else?

Definitely. Using fingers (no nails) and echo + reverb (merci, Neunaber Immerse) through an AER.

[LtKojak]

I use the hardest tension I can find.

I tend to favor Hannabach, Savarez and/or D'Addario.

I'm classical-trained in the conservatory.

HTH,

[destinytot]

My own reasons have to do with personal preference for a little 'give', making it necessary to work just a tad harder if I want notes to have contrastive 'punch'.

[destinytot]

I use the hardest tension I can find.

I tend to favor Hannabach, Savarez and/or D'Addario.

I'm classical-trained in the conservatory.

HTH,

That's great - I bet your technique brings out the best in the music you play.

[LtKojak]

That's great - I bet your technique brings out the best in the music you play.

Well... at least I know I got the playing position right!

[Dave70]

Yeah I used extra high tension on my Alvarez classical for a long time but now have mediums on it. Makes it nicer to play.

On my Cordoba studio negra I now use low tension D'Addario. Sounds great and makes longer playing sessions a little less tiring.

[Woody Sound]

It also seems like the softer tension strings yield a more authentic "Spanish-y" sound, at least to me. More twang, less snap.

[bmw2002]

I started a sort of similar topic yesterday over in the Classical Guitar section of the Forum and got some great advice. 62978-need-advice-re-lower-tension-strings-versus-lowered-action.html

Is there any received wisdom about how significant a change going from hard tension to medium (or even low) tension strings would be in terms of playability? (It seems that many experienced nylon string players work their way up to hard tension strings with improvements in strength and technique.)

[iim7V7IM7]

It really depends on the guitar. Some guitars sound better IMO with different tension strings. On one of my nylon strings I use medium tension strings. On another, I use high tension trebles mixed with medium tension bass strings.

[jazzgtrl4]

high tension on my Rick Turner Renaissance.

[kris]

very hard tension on my Frameworks!
Attachment 46892

[DRS]

As I mostly play steel string acoustic, even hard tension classical strings are super soft to me. That said, I find different guitars sound better with different tension strings. I always assume the heavier the string gauge or tension, the better the sound. But I have a LaPatrie Hybrid Lightburst that sounds better with medium tension strings than with hard tension. Strings are cheap. Try different sets.

[konstantine]

I tend to use hard tension strings for three reasons: a. I vastly prefer the sound of hard tension strings on my guitar(s), b. more mass on the strings = more volume and c. while normal tension are easier on the left hand mostly the feel a little sloppy for me on the right hand, hard tension provide more control especially when playing fast.

If you play with an amp a and b are not so important.

Konstantine

[LtKojak]

normal tension are easier on the left hand mostly the feel a little sloppy for me on the right hand, hard tension provide more control

I agree 100% with this.

Konstantine, kudos for the song "Elusive Aura". Beautiful composition, tasty arrangement and excelent rendition.

Hat's off!

Yours very truly,

[Alter]

these days i tend to use medium or hard tension on the regular classical that i play at home, but extra hard tension on the nylon electric i use live. First cause live you have more energy to handle so extra hard are easier for my fingers to control, second cause the piezo is supposed to sound better with high tension strings. (and on my guild paloma it does, specially when playing loud or flamenco passages)

[konstantine]

I agree 100% with this.

Konstantine, kudos for the song "Elusive Aura". Beautiful composition, tasty arrangement and excelent rendition.

Hat's off!

Yours very truly,

Thank you very much!!

Konstantine

[Cavalier]

I'll stick with normals. It really depends on the guitar but I think the hard tone suffers because the strings don't vibrate as freely. The upper end harmonics are crisper if that's what you want because the string movement for the fundamentals is restricted by the higher tension. I've tried both, ultimately it is a matter of what you are looking for, I prefer the warmer normal tone, for crispy I use a steel string. Being more relaxed with your right hand on normals gives a good result. If the strings are moving more a slightly wider stroke range will reach them.

[konstantine]

I'll stick with normals. It really depends on the guitar but I think the hard tone suffers because the strings don't vibrate as freely. The upper end harmonics are crisper if that's what you want because the string movement for the fundamentals is restricted by the higher tension. I've tried both, ultimately it is a matter of what you are looking for, I prefer the warmer normal tone, for crispy I use a steel string. Being more relaxed with your right hand on normals gives a good result. If the strings are moving more a slightly wider stroke range will reach them.

It really depends on the guitar, technique and the desired sound. If a guitar is bright in nature, then hard tension might magnify this, but I wouldn't attach them the "crisp" sound characteristic by definition. A warm Spanish flavoured guitar will remain warm and gain volume, projection and dynamics, in my experience anyway.

Konstantine

[jorgemg1984]

I tend to use hard tension strings for three reasons: a. I vastly prefer the sound of hard tension strings on my guitar(s), b. more mass on the strings = more volume and c. while normal tension are easier on the left hand mostly the feel a little sloppy for me on the right hand, hard tension provide more control especially when playing fast.

If you play with an amp a and b are not so important.

Konstantine

Konstantine, which strings do you use? Many thanks!

[Cavalier]

I must be after a past life baroque vibe. Normal tension feel closer to gut strings but of course nylon sounds quite different than gut. Of course I'm playing electric acoustic where a softer sound can be made louder with a dynamic range to match. I'm also not a product of the conservatory which may have something to do with preferences.

[konstantine]

Konstantine, which strings do you use? Many thanks!

It depends on the mood and availability. I like:

LaBella Silver Plating Argento, pretty balanced sound, loud. I´m recording my new solo album with these.

Pyramid Silver Sterling, they have a little bit more of a flamenco-ish sound especially on the trebles. They have something that makes them great in accompanying a singer - or other instruments.

I also like Savarez New Cristal Corum and when I need strings quick, I have no problem with DAddario Pro Arte.

If you want a little warmer sound - in exchange for some volume - and as a bonus eliminate a bit of the squeak (especially if you play with an amp), ProArte EJ46LP or LaBella 900 Golden alloy polished are good choices, but be careful if your guitar has already a warm voice.

I don't like carbon trebles!

These are some of the strings that I have tried and liked, sometimes when I get bored I try a new set of strings but there are tons of strings I haven't tried or I didn't like with my guitar but might be great with another guitar.

I must be after a past life baroque vibe. Normal tension feel closer to gut strings but of course nylon sounds quite different than gut. Of course I'm playing electric acoustic where a softer sound can be made louder with a dynamic range to match. I'm also not a product of the conservatory which may have something to do with preferences.

There is no right and wrong, thats why there are so many options out there (and to confuse us). For electric-acoustic you have so many options to change the tone that I would go to whats easier on the hands. I play acoustic all the time and even when I "plug in", I use a mic and while I amplify my guitar for everyone else, I still try to get some acoustic sound for me - if it makes sense.

Konstantine