Frequently Asked Questions
Drop D Tuning is used by many grunge and heavy rock bands, as it makes it really easy to get a heavy rock sound using only one finger to barre the chords! Drop D Tuning is probably the easiest alternative tuning for guitar as it involves retuning only one string - the sixth string. It simply changes the 6th string from and 'E' note to a 'D' note.
To tune your guitar to "Drop D Tuning", start of with standard tuning (E A D G B E) and simply tune the sixth string down a tone to D. It should sound the same as the fourth (D) string. If you fret the 6th string at the 12th fret (or play the harmonic if you know how) then it should sound exactly the same as the 4th string played open (D). Your whole guitar tuning is now D A D G B E - you are tuned to "dropped d".
Now you can sound like Nirvana!!
You need phosphor-bronze acoustic strings for any electro-acoustic guitar, as they use piezo-electric under-bridge pickups, not magnetic pickups used on electric guitars. Ovation fit D'Addario EXP16 (.012-.053) 12's as standard, but you can use lighter strings if you prefer (easier to play, but tone not quite so strong and less sustain). I'd also recommend Rotosound Jumbo Kings - JK12 or JK11. Rotosounds are available here (UK delivery only): http://www.marsguitars.co.uk/acoustic-guitar-strings-2-c.asp
It is common for guitar strings to squeak when sliding the fingers up and down the fretboard. There are several ways you can prevent - or at least reduce - this squeaking noise.
1) Clean/lubricate your strings with Fast Fret guitar string cleaner
2) Regularly use "The Swipe" - a suede-like cleaning product
3) Change your strings! Old strings tend to squeak more than new strings
4) Change from roundwound to halfwound, flatwound or tapewound strings. These are more expensive than regular roundwound strings but are much smoother and are popular with Jazz guitarists.
5) Try coated strings - again they are more expensive, but are smoother, tarnish less and last longer. Some guitarists rave about them, some don't. Try them and decide for yourself!
For beginners we recommend Phosphor Bronze strings, light or extra light gauge.
e.g. Rotosound JK11 - Jumbo Kings are Rotosound's best selling acoustic string. Phosphor Bronze wound Acoustic Guitar strings with superb warm tone, clarity and sustain. Favoured by such artists as John Renbourn, Bob Geldof and Gordon Giltrap.
JK11 have string gauges of: .011 .015 .022w .030 .042 .052
Lighter strings are easier to fret for beginners, but are more susceptible to fret buzz and have a thinner sound.
For beginners we usually recommend:
9s (9 gauge) for playing rhythm and lead guitar - e.g. Super Slinky or Roto Pink
10s (10 gauge) for playing mostly rhythm guitar - e.g. Regular Slinky or Roto Yellow
Guitar strings age in several ways - they stretch, tarnish and get contaminated with sweat and dirt. Professional players change strings before each gig. For general light home use we would recommend you change your strings every 6 months as a minimum. If you play a lot then every few weeks would be more appropriate.
Changing strings can seem like a chore, but you will always be rewarded with a brighter, fresher cleaner sound from your guitar - whether it is electric, acoustic or classical.
