Guitar Strings

[Suzieb]

Hi, not sure if this in the right place or not!

Basically I'd like to buy my boyfriend some coloured strings for his electric guitar. I don't know ANYTHING about guitars and when it came to buying the colour I wanted there were 2 options "Electric strings 10-46" or "Electric strings 9-42"

Can anyone tell me what these numbers mean?!

[annie0000]

probably best posting in music suzie, but i think it is about the thickness or the string and how "heavy" or "light" a sound they make - it is down to the personal preference of a player and not to whether it will fit the guitar. Can you find a pack of what he usually uses?

[Mortartube]

The higher the number the thicker the string. so 10 gauge is the thinnest string and 46 is the thickest. 9 -42 means that the strings are slightly thinner than the previous set you mentioned (I.e the thinnest string is 9 Gauge and the thickest 42 guage) . Much depends on the style of music and personal preference. Thinner strings may be good if he plays rock or blues and string bends. (Literally pushing the strings up while playing to change the note).

If he has an old string packet around you may be able to see what he uses or just ask him to explain all about it in an interested way then ask what he uses.

Sometimes you will see strings described as extra light, light, medium or heavy light being sets at the thin end and heavy being the thicker end of the scale..