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Taylor uses medium strings on a lot of guitars including the Taylor GS Mini. Any quality guitar could go up a string size with no issue. But why would you want to? Playing guitar isn't easy no matter string type. I can't think of a single scenario where I would decide to go up a string size. Know your guitar. Go to the website or read your manual. The manufacturer will tell you the best gauge to use. You can usually go up or down a size with minor adjustments. Anything more you should get an expert opinion.

I was one of the original students who used the Learn & Master course when it first came out, prior to its association with Gibson. I had no knowledge of guitar prior to that and found sessions 1 through 9 to be foundational in my development. I danced around the other sessions getting up to session 17. Around that time I decided to take a detour into classical guitar. I just completed Grade 4 at the online school Classical Guitar Corner Academy by Simon Powis. I have now decided to complete the Gibson L&M course with detailed focus (and the bonus resource sessions) and then study the other courses (i.e. Fingerstyle and Blues). Along the way I have learned to enjoy the journey of learning. Steve's saying, "Learn all you can" rings true all day every day. For accountability, I thought I’d begin a progress journal thread noting my victories, challenges, questions et cetera. Perhaps some others would like to create their own progress journal? If you aim at nothing, you hit it every time 😀

This is my submission for the May Recording Challenge, a cover version of the Beatles hit, "Yesterday". It was my first try at using a DAW with Reaper. (yes, I have finally fell into the rabbit hole of the DAW crowd) The recording was made using an Eastman T486 into a Boss ME-80, then direct into a Focusrite 2i2 Scarlett. For a backing track I used an instrumental version by The String Quartet on You Tube. Henk

I liked Martin acoustic Lite strings on my Ovation Balladeer. I don't think it's a one-string-is best situation however. A little experimentation with different brands on Your guitar would probably reveal what string sound best to you.

Cautionary note: Always check with the guitar manufacturer's recommended string gauge on your guitar. I have heard of medium strings 'over powering' the guitar's design limits; especially, small-bodied guitars. Bridge lifting can occur in some instances. Bryan Dave White - please let us know how your two new arrivals work out. I've been interested in the XS D'Addario, but seeing some negative reviews on discoloration of fingers from the coating. I tried SCGC Parabolic Tension lights on their H13 model and they were wonderful...I often regret selling that guitar.