Hey there, im new to electric guitar.

Looking to get a tele american standard.

Was wondering what the best string gauge would be for me to put on initially? Id like to play things in standard tuning, but also tune down to as low as possible i guess, a lot of the bands i listen to are in C....

Now i know that might be tough, dont want to put too much strain on the neck of a new tele, when i know nothing about what im doing. Whats the string gauge i should have put on with the best range from E to down a step (or 2) without stressing things in E or needing to have someone alter things on the guitar?

Im assuming 9's will get too loose, 10's might be ok, 11's?

I play mostly in standard and 1/2 step down. 10's are the ticket for me. Hope this helps.Welcome to the forum...........Mike

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Alternate tunings typically require alternate gauges in order to maintain quality of tone and playability.

I personally would never use one guitar for several tunings because altered tunings can affect the setup of the guitar.

The first step in setting up a guitar is to choose a tuning and stick with it. The second step is to choose a string gauge and stick with it. The third step is when you start tinkering with the guitar after and only after the first two steps have been carved in stone.

2¢

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

Hi welcome to the forum, so you want to go 2 below. How about find a Tele - Bajo sexto with some .12s or .13s.

Have a look

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pfWKXnDMaA

plus you get a 24 fret neck.

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63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."

I used to play .9s but recently started using .10s and they're awesome! IMO it gives the guitar a thicker sound.

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