Common Tens Guitar Mistakes to Avoid

Switching to a tens guitar setup — or managing one for the first time — is straightforward in principle, but several common mistakes cause real problems with tone, setup, playability and string life. James Harrison covers the ones worth knowing about before they happen.

Buying the Wrong Gauge and Calling It "Tens"

String sets sold as "tens" typically run .010, .013, .017, .026w, .036w, .046w. However, "tens" refers only to the lightest string gauge — the wound strings in the set can vary. Some hybrid sets use a .010 top string but lighter or heavier wound strings. Before buying, check the full specification rather than assuming all .010 sets are equivalent. If your guitar is set up for a standard .010-.046 configuration, that is the set to buy unless you specifically want a hybrid.

Not Adjusting the Setup When Changing Gauge

This is among the most common and damaging mistakes. If the previous strings were nines and you fit tens without a setup adjustment, the increased tension pulls the neck into more forward bow than the truss rod is set for. The result is higher action in the middle of the neck, poorer intonation and a guitar that feels harder to play than it should. The nut slots may also be too tight for tens, causing the strings to bind and creating tuning instability. Any gauge change beyond .001 from the previous set warrants a proper setup check.

Letting Old Strings Go Too Long

On a tens guitar setup, wound strings accumulate oxidation and debris in the winding over time, gradually deadening the tone and affecting intonation accuracy. Many players don't notice the decline because it happens slowly. A reliable test is to tune the open string precisely, then fret the same string at the 12th fret and compare: if the fretted note is noticeably sharp or flat relative to the open note (and saddle position is correct), the string is likely dead. Changing strings every one to two months for a regular player is a reasonable guideline.

Ignoring Intonation After a String Change

Intonation should be checked after every string change, particularly if switching brands or moving from a coated to uncoated set (or vice versa). The saddle position that was correct for one set may not be exact for another. Checking intonation takes five minutes with a clip-on tuner: tune the open string, fret the 12th fret harmonic and check the note. If the fretted note is sharp, move the saddle back; if flat, move it forward. Skipping this leaves the guitar technically out of tune all the way up the neck.

Using the Wrong Strings for the Playing Style

The main variables — winding material (nickel vs stainless), coating (coated vs uncoated) and core construction — each affect how the strings perform for different uses. Stainless steel wound strings are brighter and more durable but feel different under the fingers. Coated strings last longer but some players find the feel slightly different. Pure nickel strings suit a vintage tone but are a specific choice. Choosing by brand name alone, without knowing what construction you are buying, often leads to disappointment when the strings don't sound or feel as expected.

Storing Strings Badly

Opened string sets degrade quickly if not protected. Humidity, temperature changes and exposure to air cause nickel winding to oxidise before the strings ever go on a guitar. Unused sets should be kept in their sealed original packaging. Once opened, any unused strings can be stored in a ziplock bag or returned to the original packet as tightly as possible. Buying multipacks makes sense only if you will use them within a year or so of purchase — bulk-buying five years' worth of strings and storing them loose in a drawer defeats the saving.

Not Stretching Strings After Fitting

New strings stretch significantly when first fitted. A tens guitar set that has not been properly stretched will go flat every few minutes, making it frustrating to tune and impractical to play. After fitting each string, pull it gently away from the fretboard several times and retune. Two or three cycles per string is usually enough to stabilise tuning. Players who skip this step often blame the strings or the tuners for instability that is simply unstreched string material.

Bottom Line

Most mistakes with tens string sets come down to either neglecting setup — not adjusting the guitar when gauge changes — or neglecting maintenance — not changing strings when they are overdue, not stretching new strings, not checking intonation. Getting these details right takes a small amount of time and turns a mediocre playing experience into a consistently good one. For everything else you need to know, the complete tens guitar guide covers the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions