The Top 10 Articles from 10 Years of the Stringjoy Blog

We wouldn't be obsessed with making the best strings in the world if we weren't obsessed with guitar gear and history. Talking shop with Stringjoy players has been one the best parts of getting into this business, and sharing what we've learned along the way has become a staple of the Stringjoy Blog, which reflects our passion for all things guitar and our commitment to providing valuable insights, tips, and resources. As we celebrate 10 years of Stringjoy, let's take a look at our top 10 most popular articles from 10 years of the Stringjoy blog.

10. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Guitar String Gauges

Thanks to his epic chops and mythological status amongst guitarists, SRV will always be a hot topic of conversation. Ever wondered about the string gauges that helped Stevie Ray Vaughan shape his iconic blues sound? This article dives into the specific gauges he used and how they contributed to his legendary tone.

9. The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Fretboard Woods

"Tonewood" is one heck of a controversial topic for guitarists on the world wide web. We tend to believe that every element of a guitar contributes to its sound, and this guide explores the different types of fretboard woods, how they impact tone, and which might be best for your playing style. From maple to rosewood, we cover it all.

8. Open G Tuning: The Ultimate Guide

Open tunings can be daunting, but once you unlock them, man do they open a whole new world of inspiration. Learn everything you need to know about the "gateway" open tuning, open G, in this comprehensive guide covering  setup tips, iconic songs, and how to use this tuning to expand your musical vocabulary.

7. The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Pedal Order

It's not quite as important as a great set of strings, but if you've got a rig, pedal order can make or break your sound! This article provides a simple breakdown of the best ways to arrange your pedals so that your tone is always on point.

6. 5 Alternate Guitar Tunings You Should Try

We've already checked out open G - ready to go even further down the open tuning rabbit hole? This article introduces five unique alternate tunings, each offering a fresh approach to your playing.

5. Phosphor Bronze vs. 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Unsurprisingly, we have some strong opinions about the best materials to use in making acoustic strings. We love phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze alike - but are you trying to figure out which to choose? Here, we compare phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze strings, examining their tonal differences to help you find your ideal match.

4. Guitar Pick Thickness, Size, and Shape: A Complete Guide

Since a pick is quite often the first point of contact with our strings, we have a lot of ideas about the multitude of different plectrum options out there. This guide covers everything you need to know about guitar picks, from thickness to shape. Discover how these factors influence your sound and help you choose the perfect pick for you.

3. What is the Order of Guitar Strings?

Seems pretty simple -- but as our 3rd most popular article, it's clear that people want to know -- what is the order of the guitar strings? How do you remember it? When you're changing your strings, what's the best approach? This practical article discusses the guitar strings' order and the best order to replace your guitar strings, so you can maintain even tension and avoid unwanted tuning issues.

2. The Top 10 Most Expensive Guitars Ever Sold

Funny thing.. the internet loves a Top 10 article! It also loves superlatives, so for the gearheads and collectors out there, this countdown features the ten most expensive guitars ever sold. It’s our 2nd most popular article ever and a fascinating look at the world’s rarest and priciest instruments.

1. Guitar Action: The Complete Guide to String Height and Action Adjustments

It's no surprise to us that this how-to article tops our list. Who out there hasn't gotten everything prepped to set up their prized guitar and then realized "crap... what am I trying to do again?" Topping our list of the top 10 articles from the Stringjoy blog, this one's a must-read for anyone interested in perfecting their guitar setup. From adjusting string height to optimizing action, we're proud to say that this guide has helped thousands of players refine their tone and and reach optimal playability.