What type of guitar strings should a beginner use?

I have a Yamaha acoustic guitar. I have actually had that guitar for 8 years...and I only used it like twice lol. Is there a certain type of string that don't hurt as much. I'm a whimp...it hurts to hold the strings down!





Thanks for your help guys!





Marti





P.S. Please add any tips about learning how to play...if u want :PWhat type of guitar strings should a beginner use?
You can't use strings that light on an acoustic. Light gauge acoustic sets are different from light gauge electric sets and start with a .012 gauge 1st string. Anything lighter than that will sound horrible. These tend to sound a little ';tinny'; and can buzz a bit if your action is low, but what can you do... you're learning. Heavier strings sound much better on an acoustic.





I'd try a new set of light gauge strings starting with a .012. You should probably take your guitar in somewhere that does setup / repairs and get a pro setup. The playability of even a brand new guitar can be greatly improved with a pro setup and many people have it done right after buying a guitar. Yours is 8 years old and probably way overdue for some adjustments.





A little pain is just the way it is... Eventually, you develop callouses on your fingertips. But, a pro setup would probably help a lot. The strings could probably be brought a little lower and the releif in the neck adjusted so that playability is improved. Don't try to play with anything but the shortest fingernails on your fretting hand.





EDIT: The action on an acoustic can usually be lowered to where 2 stacked quarters fit tightly between the strings and the 12th fret. If there's any more space than that, a setup would definitely improve things.





Good luck!!!What type of guitar strings should a beginner use?
If its an electric guitar you should use a light gauge of strings. Strings with a 9 e. Fender bullets a good. 9 through to 48 i think is the best. Concerning learning the guitar, just practice alot, learn and practice many scales ( a good 1st one is the A minor pentatonic scale) and generally work your way up and down the strings and neck.





P.s learn to read tabs
Lighter gauge strings are easier on the fingers and easier to play. Choose a set with a 9 thou 1st string.
Actually there is a string set from Elixer that has a coating that is less harsh on the fingers and lasts a real long time for beginners. To me its like playing a smooth plastic string. Not the greatest sounding, but smooth and long lasting until you can handle the Dean Markley or what ever you use. Good luck, just keep practicing and your fingers will get strong. Also try lowering the action a little, make the strings like butter.