The Role of String Tension in Guitar Performance

The Role of String Tension in Guitar Performance

In the guitar world, tension isn’t just something you create with a killer musical arrangement — or what bandmates feel after arguing about which song to play. Guitar string tension may not be discussed as much as things like string gauge and pick shape, but it has a big impact on how your guitar feels and plays. This guide digs into the concept of string tension so guitarists have more information to select the perfect guitar strings.

What Is Guitar String Tension?

String tension measures how much force is needed to stretch a string so it plays the desired pitch in an open position. The more tension a string has, the tighter it is. The total tension for all strings can range from as little as 60 pounds on classical nylon string guitars to 250 pounds on steel 12-string guitars.

The amount of tension in a string is a combination of four factors:

• The thickness, i.e. the string gauge. Not surprisingly, when comparing strings, a heavier gauge set will generate more tension than a lighter gauge — i.e. acoustic medium gauge 13-56 strings have more tension on a string-by-string basis than light gauge 12-53 strings.
• The pitch or tuning. The higher you want to tune a note, the more tension you must add. Alternate tunings that change the pitch also change the tension — Drop-D tuning reduces tension in the E-string while Open-E tuning increases tension in the A and D strings.
• The string length. There are often variances in the neck or scale length of different guitar models. The longer the neck, the longer the strings are, and the more tension must be applied to produce the same note.
• The total weight. The more a string material such as steel, bronze, nickel, nylon and silk weighs, the more tension the string has. In steel string sets, wound bass strings have more tension than plain steel treble strings because of the additional materials.

Because of these factors, the strings rarely all have the same tension. In most setups, the G and D strings have the most tension followed by the A, low-E, B, and high-E strings. Some string makers, though, have made efforts to produce more balanced string sets so the playability is more consistent from string to string.

Manufacturers and string series can also differ greatly. For example, a set of Stringjoy Brights 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings has a total tension of 173.2 pounds. Meanwhile, D’Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings only have 156.4 pounds of total tension. Some string makers provide a guitar string tension calculator to show you the specs.

Pros and Cons of Different String Tensions

While there are many string tension possibilities, for discussion purposes, we’ll divide them into low- and high-tension strings. Here are the main characteristics of each to help you determine which is best for your needs:

• Low-tension strings require less finger strength, making them good for beginners, occasional musicians and guitarists who play long sessions.
• High-tension strings have more volume and projection, making them better for strumming or a “big” sound.
• Low-tension strings are easier to bend, letting guitarists play more complex riffs and solos.
• High-tension strings give players more control and increase the dynamic range, giving music added nuance and working well for fingerpicking.
• Low-tension strings are easier to create vibrato on for slide guitar and flamenco music.
• High-tension strings can be de-tuned while maintaining their playability, making them good for genres that frequently use drop tuning.
• Low-tension strings have a sharper, more cutting sound when you start using them.
• High-tension strings have more a consistent tone throughout the string life.
• Low-tension strings put less stress on the delicate materials used to make acoustic and vintage electric guitars.
• High-tension strings can be used on rugged modern electric guitars.

Note that although string tension has some impact on tonal brightness and warmth, these characteristics more closely relate to factors like the string gauge, materials and pick design. Therefore, tone shouldn’t be a primary consideration when selecting tension.

Other String Tension Considerations

The tension in the strings is also being applied to the rest of the instrument. Guitar relief and action are tuned at the factory based on the strings it ships with. (This is one reason you should always find out what strings are on your guitar, even if it means calling the factory.) There is some tolerance for different string tensions, but a major change will require adjustments, or else you risk intonation issues, string buzz and even warping.

Let’s start with relief, which is the amount of neck curvature. Strings with more tension will straighten the neck by pulling it forward, so you need to add relief to compensate. If using low-tension strings, remove some neck relief. Depending on the guitar, you can find the truss rod adjustment nut on the headstock, at the base of the neck or in the soundhole. Loosen the strings a little, then turn the adjustment nut a quarter turn using a wrench. Measure the relief and repeat if needed. Total relief should usually measure between 0.2 and 0.3mm.

Changing the action may also be necessary. Low-tension strings should be a little farther from the neck because they vibrate at higher frequencies, making them more likely to buzz. Conversely, those who like high-tension strings but have weaker hands may want to move the action a bit closer. Raise or lower the bridge height until you find a comfortable, buzz-free position.

Find the Balance With the Right Tension

Like other aspects of strings, guitarists should experiment with tension before deciding on the right amount. Before buying a set of guitar strings, look up the tension levels if possible so you have a starting point for a stress-free musical exploration.