So, what happens if you put electric strings on an acoustic guitar? Can you use electric guitar strings on acoustic guitar? Does it still sound the same even if I do not use the appropriate guitar strings? Does its playability change when you use electric guitar strings for an acoustic guitar? If you do not have any idea what would be the effects of using electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar, then you are in the right place, as we are going to check if it would work or not.
For having a musical instrument, it is really important to use the appropriate parts to maximise its potential. However, there are really instances you will have to improvise, and one great situation similar to this is where you break your acoustic guitar strings, and you have to replace them with a set of electric guitar strings, as it is your only option for the specific moment.
But the main question is, what would really happen to your acoustic guitar if you put electric guitar strings on it? One thing is sure about this setup; it would really not sound the same as before. The difference in the materials used in making the strings would really be a huge factor, and most electric guitar strings are made of nickel, and that would not be a very big help if you are looking for the same acoustic guitar sound.
For acoustic guitar strings, they are usually made of bronze, aluminium bronze, phosphor bronze, gold, steel, silver, brass, or more other alloys, while electric guitar strings are either made of nickel, nickel wound, steel, gold, cobalt, or other ferromagnetic material. Just by the list, there is really a big difference in the materials used for the two instruments’ appropriate strings.
The materials used in making electric guitar strings are the best when it comes to producing electrical signals from the magnetism of the electric guitar. On the other hand, the materials used in making acoustic guitar strings are more designed to produce a warm tone.
Effects Of Using Electric Guitar Strings On An Acoustic Guitar
Aside from the difference in sound, where there is a high possibility that your acoustic guitar will sound brighter rather than its normal warm tone, there are also more other effects when you use electric guitar strings. Another reason is that the acoustic guitar’s setup will not correct because of the considerable drop in the electric guitar’s string tension.
Most electric guitar strings have more than 30 percent less tension compared to acoustic guitar strings, which will result in your acoustic guitar having more relief and possibly a lower action. This can be a bit of an issue for you as acoustic guitars are not designed for this. If you are planning to put electric guitar strings in your acoustic guitar, then you also have to properly set it up.
Proper string height would really be needed if you use an electric guitar string on an acoustic guitar, or else you will suffer from listening to fret buzz, or maybe even some notes will be choked out.
One thing that you should also look out for when you use electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar is the guitar’s nut. When you use strings with lighter gauges on an acoustic guitar, the strings will start to create grooves in the nut slots if they will not be replaced for a long time. Although it won’t damage the guitar, it can still cause intonation issues and some buzzing tones.
One positive thing when you use electric guitar strings on acoustic guitars, especially those made of nickel, is that they last longer as they are more resistant to corrosion. However, you should still replace it regularly.
What Are Some Reasons Why You Should Use Electric Guitar Strings On An Acoustic Guitar?
When You Want To
There are really many reasons you can answer when it comes to this question, but the first one that comes to my mind is a musician’s preference. If someone prefers to use lighter electric guitar strings in his acoustic guitar, then it’s his decision. There are just some moments where you prefer to use electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar as they are easier to play with and are softer for your hands.
You Want Your Acoustic Guitar To Play Like An Electric Guitar
If you usually play some guitar leads and riffs, then it is really a great option for you to put electric guitar strings on your acoustic guitar. You will be more comfortable because of its comfort, rather than playing your acoustic guitar with some heavy gauge strings, which would really be difficult and can be a little bit painful sometimes.
When You Have No Other Options
When you are playing and your guitar strings suddenly break but do not have any options aside from using electric guitar strings, then you should go for it. There are really some instances that you do not have any options but to use an electric guitar string as a replacement for the broken acoustic guitar strings, especially when you are performing. For these moments, you should do it rather than sacrificing your performance by playing fewer strings.
So, what happens if you put electric strings on an acoustic guitar? You can feel the lightness of the strings compared to the heavier gauge acoustic strings, but there are also some things that you should look out for, especially some intonation and buzzing issues. For me, the only thing you should consider changing your acoustic strings for some electric strings is when you do not have any options already.
