Tone And Strings?

For awhile I've been dissatisfied with my string gauges (10-46) on my electric guitar, Im looking for more of a heavier tone, so I thought maybe try 11-50, but I know its not going to fit in the nut slots. Someone told me if it doesn't fit to file the edges in the slot so it will fit, but i wasn't sure if that were true because i've only been playing close to a year now. I also thought about changing to ghs boomers. What do u think I should do?

-Amber

I use D'Addario 10-52 gauge strings on my guitars, and they have a nice and beefy tone to them. If the strings aren't able to fit in the nut slot they will need to be filed a bit by someone who knows what they're doing. Using a string that is too big for the slot can potentially break the nut, and will most likely cause some minor tuning issues. In other words, if it won't go easily, don't make it. Moving to heavier strings also means that your guitar's intonation will need to be set, and the truss rod might need to be adjusted. These are all relatively simple adjustments, but it's best to let someone who knows what they're doing handle the job.

ps. Welcome to GT!

If your guitar has a hard-tail setup (no tremolo), then go ahead and try the heavier strings. There may be a little bit of binding in the nut slots, but since you're only trying something out, I don't think you need to worry about it right away. The tuning may be a little unstable due to the nut slots, and the extra tension may bow the neck a bit more, which will raise the action a bit, but none of this will damage your guitar.

If you have a tremolo tailpiece, you will need to increase the spring tension to compensate for the heavier strings.

If you don't feel that you want to make the change permanent, just go back to the 10 - 46 strings you have been using up to now. If you decide that you like the heavier strings, then when you're ready for a fresh set, you can get your guitar set up properly for the new strings.