Why I Play 8s: The Truth About Guitar String Gauge

One of the questions I get asked constantly by students and other guitarists is: “What string gauge do you play?”

When I tell them “8 to 38”, the reaction is often one of total surprise. People usually assume I’m on at least 10s, maybe even 11s, because my tone sounds big and full. But here’s the thing: it’s a complete misconception that you need heavy strings to get a better or bigger guitar sound.

My Switch to 8s

For most of my guitar life, I was a 10s guy. Like most players, I thought 10–46 was the standard “serious” gauge. But about 3–4 years ago, I got curious. I wondered: “What if I try 8s? Would they be easier to play?”

The answer was a big YES. Suddenly, bends felt effortless, and all those super-fast legato runs became way easier to execute. Playing just felt smoother, faster, and more fun.

But what really surprised me was the tone. I thought I’d lose tone, bass, fullness or punch, but the opposite happened. My guitars sounded tighter, clearer, and more defined than ever.

The Myth of Heavy Strings

There’s this long-held belief that heavier strings equal better tone. Rick Beato even did a whole video about this exact topic:

▶️ Do Heavier Strings Really Sound Better?

What happens in reality is that heavier strings add more low-frequency muck. They sound looser, muddier, and less defined. In a band mix, that extra low end just gets in the way.

Lighter gauge strings, on the other hand, bring presence. They’re tighter, more compact, and in-your-face. The mids and lows are more focused and defined, and the whole sound has this compressed, direct punch to it. Instead of giving you a fuller sound, heavy strings just make it blurry.

The Science of String Gauge

Here’s why this happens.

Tension: Lighter strings have less tension, which means they vibrate differently. This changes the balance of overtones, giving the sound more clarity and brightness. That extra clarity actually makes the low frequencies stand out more, giving you the same big sound as heavier strings
Frequency Response: Heavy strings emphasize low frequencies, which ends up sounding boomy. Lighter strings emphasize the midrange, which is where guitars naturally sit best in a mix.
Dynamic Feel: With lighter strings, it’s easier to control dynamics—soft touch vs heavy attack—without fighting against the string tension.

So while heavy strings feel like they might give you more “meat,” what they really give you is more mud.

Famous Guitarists Who Use 8s

I’m not the only one who figured this out. Some of the most legendary players have used light gauges for decades:

Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top): Often plays 7s and 8s. His tone is massive.
Yngwie Malmsteen: Uses 8s for speed, control, and clarity.
Brian May (Queen): Also a fan of light strings, and his tone fills stadiums.

If heavy strings were really the only way to get great tone, these guys would sound thin. Clearly, they don’t.

Discovering D’Addario NYXL 08–38

When I first switched to 8s, I tried a few brands. But once I found the D’Addario NYXL 08–38s, I stopped looking. These are hands-down my favorite strings, and I’ve stuck with them ever since.

Why?

Tone: Bright, balanced, and alive without being harsh.
Tuning Stability: They stay rock solid, even with big bends.
Durability: This one surprised me. You’d think thinner strings would snap more often, right? But I actually break way fewer strings now than I did on 10s. The NYXLs just don’t quit.

That’s because D’Addario uses a new high-carbon steel alloy core and reformulated nickel-plated wrap wire. In plain English: they’re stronger, more stable, and they last longer.

If you want to try them yourself, here’s the exact set I use:

3 Sets of D’Addario NYXL 08–38

String Gauge and Playability

Another thing worth mentioning is how much lighter strings change feel.

Faster Playing: Less resistance under your fingers means you can move quicker and smoother.
Easier on the Hands: Lower tension is easier on your tendons and joints, which is huge if you practice or perform a lot.
Expressive Bending: You can bend higher and wider with less effort, which opens up more expressive phrasing options.

This is why I recommend at least trying 8s to every student who’s curious.

Final Thoughts

The next time you hear someone say you need heavy strings for good tone, remember this: it’s a myth. Lighter gauge strings not only feel better under the fingers, but they also cut through the mix with more clarity, punch, and presence.

For me, switching to D’Addario NYXL 08–38s was one of the best gear decisions I’ve ever made. And it’s one of those rare changes that improved both playability and tone at the same time.

Grab a set here and see for yourself.

Sometimes the biggest upgrades aren’t pedals or amps—they’re the strings you put on your guitar.

Want to hear how full and powerful the NYXL 8s sound in action? Check out some of my own music where I perform with these strings here:
Vreny’s Music, Songs, and Compositions.