Acoustic Guitar Strings?

[Bob63047]

Being relatively new to acoustic guitar what strings would be the easiest on the fingers until they toughen up a bit.  With Elixr 10’s my fingers get pretty sore after about 15 minutes.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Dave White]

What you are experiencing is normal. Over the next few weeks (if you keep practicing regularly) you will develop some calluses which will make playing a bit easier. Eventually, if you keep at it, the calluses will go away and you will be left with toughened fingertips that will allow you to play almost as long as you like.

You are already using fairly light strings. Is there anyone around that can loan you a nylon string or an entry-level electric guitar? Either of those would help you through the transition period.

Keep playing and enjoying the journey, and before you know it, you will have developed guitar player finger tips.

Best wishes

[Eracer_Team-DougH]

Typically acoustic guitars use 12's, so you're already 2 sets lower than normal. 

The guitar might harder to play as 2 sets down may have changed the neck adjustment 

Nylon string guitar is really only way to be really easier on the fingers.

I've tried other string makers, but for my acoustic I go back to john pearse strings

Otherwise play in short spurts

[colder]

Like others have said, the answer is just to keep at it! It takes time to build up the muscles to fret the strings and to articulate your fingers in those new ways, and your fingertips toughen up over time. If you have Light or Extra Light strings on the guitar then just keep working at it. All you can do is take breaks when your hand gets too tired and keep playing.

[Blue Dog]

If you have to press hard to get a clear tone . You need a guitar set up. since you have lighter strings all ready . then you need to practice of fretting lighter with just the right amount of presser to get the job done with out pressing hard. If you are have pain in your fingers you are pressing to hard.

[columbo]

and as BB King told ZZ Top.. "use lighter strings and stop working so hard" His quote has always stuck with me and works. 

[Eracer_Team-DougH]

ZZ Top guitar tech sampled Billy's 59 Les Paul running 10's.

Then they put it in an effects processor. 

All guitars single coil to hottest humbucker,  could be strung with 3's and would sound the same as his $500,00 59 he's got in a vault0 running 10's

That's how they consistency between all his guitars.

[Randy120]

Ideally, you use the strings the guitar was designed for. 10's are usually for electric guitars. You can use 10's, but they will not help in the long run, and they will negatively effect your tone. Pretty much every acoustic guitar uses Light (12's) or Medium (13's) strings. Eventually, you can adjust to any of these string gauges. Don't press so hard, and keep practicing. 

[Bob63047]

Found these strings on MF.  They sound and play great and are easier on the fingers than 10’s.  They probably won’t last very long , that’s fine, in time fingers will toughen up, they will just make the process a little easier.

 

[colder]

Looks like a good choice, Bob! Those rotosound strings are supposed to be good, though I've never bought any myself. I'd bet they will last you a few months. I hope you're feeling better and making more progress!