Your Classical Guitar Input Here

Guitar Strings

by Jason
(Illinois)

Hi Trevor,

I just wanted to say that I greatly appreciate the efforts you have put into this website and the useful information you have shared. I am a young man who has a goal in mind... to one day create a classical guitar course for the honor and glory of God.

I was introduced to guitar when I was young, but never took it seriously or really learned much until about a year ago. Since then, I have played hymns, traditional songs and more, on several different guitars.

My first guitar, its brand name called "Crescent", is obviously very poor in quality, and was probably not the best guitar to learn on.
My sister has an acoustic model from Washburn that is excellent for bluegrass music, but NOT classical.

I have been following your beginner lessons and free lessons for a few months, and have succeeded thus far. However, I know that I am limited in my playing ability due to the type of guitar I am using.

Also, my first left-hand finger is handicapped, after an accident in a door-slam when I was about 4. The tip of the finger is shorter than all of my others and has only a thin layer of scar-tissue protecting it from the bone.

This has been difficult, and also very painful, but with God's help, I have overcome a lot of challenges in the fundamentals of guitar, and have learned a great deal while bearing the pain of metal strings on a non-classical model guitar.

I am about to purchase my first classical guitar, most likely the Rodriguez Caballero 11, and have a genuine question to ask about the right type of strings for it.


I know that you have said that strings are a personal preference to the musician, but could you help me out? I need good strings that will produce quality-sound and yet not produce to much trouble for my first finger.

I saw that you use the Hannabach high-tension strings... are those easy enough to fret? After playing on metal strings for so long, my fingers have worked up quite a callus and a lot of strength.

My little brother has some cheap D'Addario strings that I helped put on his guitar, and those are a little bit too weak and "plasticy" in my opinion. I want strings that have a better, quality, professional sound, and yet are easy to work with. Do you have any suggestions, recommendations, encouragement, advice? I would greatly appreciate it.

In Christ,
Jason

Hi Jason,

It’s great to see someone so enthusiastic about the guitar! In terms of guitar strings I’d have to say that yes, Hannabach are my favourite. They just seem to have a quality of sound that really appeals to me. Savarez are another brand I’ve used and I really like. I’ve also used the strings that Segovia used to endorse, namely: Augustine. They’re pretty good too.

Perhaps some other visitors to the site can let us know what their preferences are and why. I hope this has been of help and good luck with your playing into the future. I know you’ll enjoy it!

Kind regards,
Trevor M.