No Strings Attached

The saying (Adverb) - "No Strings Attached" Implies that when you do something for someone or someone does something for you, then there are (or should not be) any ulterior motives.

Having said that - does that not in itself entail that there is in fact One String attached ?

In relation to any stringed instrument available - If they have no strings - then there would be no sound. Is the end goal not for said instrument to make a sound - make music, which we all love in what ever form or genre that there is.

Let's be honest - If an acoustic guitar or any other wooden make guitar does not have strings - then it would merely be an empty object, perhaps only suitable as a pot plant holder and an Electric guitar would be a large spatula.

Key factors of these instruments are Strings. Many variances of these are available.

1. The variances are:
   1. String Material
   2. String Gauges
   3. Most Important is tuning
2. Ease of use
   1. Beginner
   2. Intermediate
   3. Professional

String DNA (Material)

Mostly strings are made from:

• Steel
• Nickel
• Nylon
• Nylon wound with wire

There was a time when the most common material that was used as strings was called "Catgut". This term was derived from the word "kit gut" or "kit string" which was the string used on a Fiddle. The derivative then became "Catgut" as the word "kit" meant small cat.
Steel Strings have a sharper / brighter sound vs Nylon Strings which have a mellow sound and are a lot more flexible.

Different strings are used on different "Stringed Instruments" and here we will mainly focus on these 2 types of Guitars.

Acoustic

Electric

String DNA (Gauge)

String Gauge is the term used to explain the actual thickness or diameter of a guitar string.

Measurement of this is in 1/1000th of an inch and come in two variants are Light & Heavy.

Lighter gauge guitar strings:

• generally easier to play
• allow easier bending of notes and fretting
• break more easily
• produce less volume
• prone to cause fret buzzing
• exert less tension on the guitar neck

Heavier gauge guitar strings:

• are generally harder to play
• require more finger pressure to fret and bend notes
• produce more volume and sustain
• are preferred for low tuning such as "Drop D"
• exert more tension on the guitar neck

Guitar DNA

Why you might ask, is a guitar shaped like it is?

Interesting fact around this is that guitars were originally made by men (sorry ladies). This in fact should in my mind be quite the compliment to all the woman out there, in that this shape allowed men to almost cradle it on their laps, much like cradling a woman.

See, we had you in mind when creating this instrument....

Getting to know the Fretboard is also an important help. Makes you understand where the Keys / Chords are in relation to what sounds they make (or ring out) and helps in learning songs - even with no musical background.

Learning / Tuning

There are a great many Learning sites out there. For myself, I found Justin Guitar the best and easiest site, with loads of training videos, step by step tutorials and many interesting APPS and content.

There are also many Tuning tips and tricks on this site. So starting off, you will have the best available tools right at your strumming finger tips.

If you feel like Tuning it yourself, loads of possible and cheap solutions out there are to be found. These devices are also very easy to use, even if you are a beginner - you will get tuned in no time whatsoever.

Jamming

Jamming is referred to when you are actually playing a tune with a buddy or group. Playing melodies and lead etc. and putting it all together in one Jam-Session. While having fun.

You don't need to start a band to play guitar - You can play it for your family members, or just have a Jam-Buddy. It relieves stress and also kills time - that personal space you need...

Conclusion

In conclusion - taking up a hobby can be very fulfilling and enlightening at the same time. Taking up the guitar (Electric more specifically) has always been on my "To Do List" - seeing I stopped playing in school. No matter what you choose - make sure you put in the effort to get the end result. In this case the result is "entertaining".

In Essence WA has no strings attached - just you deciding that this is the path you want to take, follow the training and practice (Build sites). Play around with the tools you were given. Expand your horizon - learn more. There is a wealth of knowledge out there, but also within the WA community (Your Jam-Buddies).

Come on - What are you waiting for - Release the Inner Rock Star in you....