String Help

I'm having an issue with my fingers hurting from having to push hard on my guitar strings, I'm about to purchase new strings this weekend and someone suggested getting custom light strings. Should I get ultra-light or custom light? Second question, should I get the elixir strings for the coating protection? Not sure how to put strings on myself and I'm trying to save myself the hassle in the long run. I was gonna go with D'Addario strings but I'm unsure. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm going to assume you're talking about electric and not acoustic. In either case what your primary goal should be is learning how much pressure you need to apply to get a clear tone. If you're new to guitar it's probably a lot less than your using now. Your fingers will still hurt at first but it does go away.

I like elixirs on my acoustic but some people don't. I never liked elixirs on my electric. It had a real bad sound. What I'm using now are Ernie Ball slinkys. I'm using 9's which works for me. I'm not sure how lighter ones would sound but go ahead and experiment because it's relatively inexpensive.

As far as changing your own strings I would highly recommend that. If you don't have a tuner Snarks are reasonably priced. Plenty of YT videos out there to help you learn.

ETA: Hey. Just noticed today is my 7 year anniversary with Guitar Tricks.

EETA: Time is off on my post. It's about 7pm on 10/31. My computer time is right so must be something with GT

I'm using acoustic, I'll just stick with the D'Addario strings, I like the sound of them. Happy Anniversary! Thank you for the reply.

D'Addario makes good strings. I have gone between those and Ernie Ball Earthwood acoustic guitar strings for a while now. I've never used coated strings like Elixirs. Learn to change your own guitar strings. Lots of good videos out there on how to do it. Keep practicing and your callouses will develop and your fingers and hands will grow stronger. Practice for shorter periods at first. You can do it.