String tension and playing fast

[Ashley Willis]

This is one for @Ed Seith. My EVH has 9-42 strings now and I tuned down 1/2 step, and of course there’s more slack in the strings which I normally like. But trying to play certain things, like a fast pedal point lick, I feel like my pick gets “stuck” trying to go across the strings due to the extra slack and I can’t get the lick up to speed. I’m assuming going up a string gauge would eliminate that. Any experience with that?

 

[idssdi]

From what I've heard a lot of people use thicker strings for half step down. I know Slash and SRV use 12s I think

 

[Ashley Willis]

From what I've heard a lot of people use thicker strings for half step down. I know Slash and SRV use 12s I think

I normally do. I had the guitar set up for standard and it’s a Floyd rose so didn’t wanna do too much to it and have to mess with it but if I leave it down I’ll have to.

 

[Ed Seith]

I've done both, and it depends on where your personal tolerance is. I found for years that using a 9-46 set at standard or Eb standard worked fine for me. I've since moved to 9-42 (after spending a few years with 10s) on my standard tuned guitars, and on my Eb standards I wound up feeling really good with one of the new "split the difference" sets from Ernie Ball. I have my Eb guitars set up with 9.5-44s and I gotta say, they're just perfect for it. I put the 10-46 on the D standard and that works fine for me.

 

[Ashley Willis]

I've done both, and it depends on where your personal tolerance is. I found for years that using a 9-46 set at standard or Eb standard worked fine for me. I've since moved to 9-42 (after spending a few years with 10s) on my standard tuned guitars, and on my Eb standards I wound up feeling really good with one of the new "split the difference" sets from Ernie Ball. I have my Eb guitars set up with 9.5-44s and I gotta say, they're just perfect for it. I put the 10-46 on the D standard and that works fine for me.

That’s what I was thinking. I’ve used just about every gauge out there and prefer smaller gauges but like a decent amount of tension.

 

[Nocturne]

I think it's about getting used to it. A subtle difference can make some difference in your comfort if you always play with the same guitar and the same strings. A few more hours into it and you'll probably won't feel it anymore.

 

[Syn Gates]

10-52’s has always been my jam. Light top, heavy bottom(refraining from teenage joke) is what they’re called if u haven’t heard of em. They do well in heavier music and lower tunings. Can I get an upvote mother fuckers??

 

[idssdi]

10-52’s has always been my jam. Light top, heavy bottom(refraining from teenage joke) is what they’re called if u haven’t heard of em. They do well in heavier music and lower tunings. Can I get an upvote mother fuckers??

I was gonna give it an upvote but now you asked for it I'm not so sure

 

[Syn Gates]

I was gonna give it an upvote but now you asked for it I'm not so sure

Too desperate??

 

[Ashley Willis]

10-52’s has always been my jam. Light top, heavy bottom(refraining from teenage joke) is what they’re called if u haven’t heard of em. They do well in heavier music and lower tunings. Can I get an upvote mother fuckers??

That’s what I just switched to! Used them on my master of puppets cover and made a big difference!

 

[idssdi]

Too desperate??

Just a little bit but you got the upvote anyway because it was a good comment

 

[Syn Gates]

This better get an upvote

 

[Gabby Heafy]

This better get an upvote
View attachment 1564

you are very active today! lovin it! Hola Syn, how are you?

 

[ari.mac]

This better get an upvote
View attachment 1564

Ooh yep, this deserves an upvote!

 

[Gabby Heafy]

Ooh yep, this deserves an upvote!

totally Ari!

 

[idssdi]

This better get an upvote
View attachment 1564

Even though you're still asking for an upvote I didn't even have to think twice for that one

 

[Anna.VG]

you are very active today! lovin it! Hola Syn, how are you?

Ahahahha I always miss when he’s active here Give me some of your luck

 

[Gabby Heafy]

Ahahahha I always miss when he’s active here Give me some of your luck

but he didn't answer lol! you have luck too! he is always so kind and the best with his fans!

 

[Ashley Willis]

I’m pretty flattered that Syn responded to my post...and with great advice at that!

 

[Matt Wildcat]

This better get an upvote
View attachment 1564

Take my upvote, and my currency