I keep breaking strings!!!

[Agtronic]

Is it normal for me to break a string every 2 weeks?

I've recently gone to bigger strings (.011 - .052), and I've been playing a lot harder than I used to. I tune half a step down and I bend a lot. I've been using Dean Markley Fret Blasters, they come in a twin pack for $10.00 (canadian).

I've busted 3 strings this month and I'm not too happy about it. It always happens right when I'm starting to have fun and really get into the groove. It's the most frustrating thing!

It's usually the E, the B or the D strings that go.

Is this common for bigger strings? I first suspected the saddles, but they seem smooth and everything else seems fine.

I'm really getting tired of this, it really kills my mood.

 

[Light]

Take it to a good repair shop and have it looked at. If they say everything is normal, then there are a number of possible causes. First of all, you said you have been playing harder, and that could easily be the issue. The other possibility is that you may have very corrosive sweet. This is not an uncommon issue either. I have a friend who will break strings on any guitar after only an hour, due to his sweet.

I don't break strings very often, but I play very light. Many people do break strings as often as you, and some people who play very hard break more.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[donkeystyle]

i used to break strings faster than that.

if the shop doesn't find anythign weird just start trying different strings.

 

[Agtronic]

Thanks for the advice. I actually noticed that this happened a lot more with the bigger strings. But the thing is, when I play my dad's Strat (strung .009 - .046) the strings feel like spaghetti.

I appreciate the replies!

 

[tom18222]

what kind of pick are you using?

 

[Sonixx]

is it usually the same string(s)?

the same end... bridge or neck?

if yes, then take a very small file and delicately file (probably just one stroke of the file will do it) either the the nut or bridge, whichever end breaks. don't file straight across, but with a down angle. it won't take much to get rid of the sharp ridge.

 

[philboyd studge]

A nail file is handy for taking down a sharp point that's causing string breakage but it sounds more like you're simply playing hard.
If that's the case, try changing brands of strings till you find something that might last longer.

 

[cellardweller]

I've found that putting the guitar in its case, and leaving it there, limits the amount of string breakage dramatically.





























C'mon, I couldn't resist, I am weak.

 

[kid klash]

Put on a set of GraphTec saddles and you won't break any more strings...

 

[Agtronic]

Well, they always break at the bridge end, but not on the saddle, about an inch away from it. I guess I'm playing too hard.

I was really happy about the bigger strings, as they allow me to play harder and I enjoy myself more, but I guess that comes at a price.

I dunno, maybe I'll just go back down to smaller strings.

Thanks everyone!

 

[whattaguy]

Seriously, what pick are you using? I used to break strings all the time with nylon picks...and changed many things on my guitar to resolve the breaking strings. Then I changed back to the plastic picks, and rarely broke strings again. The nylon picks tend to have sharp edges, and the lettering can get caught in the strings. Just a thought.

 

[DJL]

Agtronic, your either attacking the strings too hard or your axe needs to be repaired or both.

 

[Agtronic]

I've been using Dunlop 1.14 mm picks almost exclusively. If it was a problem with the guitar, I'm pretty sure the string would break at a contact point, which is not the case. So I guess that leaves only one possible cause, my hard playing combined with the bigger strings.

Oh well, I'll try different brands until I find one I like the sound of and that doesn't break.

I like really bright strings, anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[DJL]

Then after you find a string brand that you like... have your guitar adjusted/set for those strings... and then ONLY use that brand of strings and gage from then on.

 

[Light]

I like really bright strings, anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for all the help!

GHS Super Steels


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[donkeystyle]

and a thinner pick. that's huge......if you play really hard, you should probably get a thinner pick.

you may not like it at first, but you'll get used to it relatively fast.

 

[tf5_bassist]

also, if you hammer on the strings really hard for a decent amount of time close to the bridge (where there's less give to the string on impact), then you'll snap strings so much more often. Especially with those thick-ass Dunlops you're using lol