size vs. tension

[thunderbolt]

I searched for this question already, but it didn't bring up any appropriate topics. Maybe I wasn't searching for the right key words?

I'm a beginner and I bought my first bass a few months ago. The action on my bass is kind of high and it is causing me excessive hand fatigue. A friend of mine is going to lower the action, but I figured while he has the bass I might as well have him put some new strings on it. At first I thought that smaller gauge strings would be easier to press down, but then I thought that since a heavier gauge string produces a lower tone it might have less tension on it.

Long story short, if I want a string thats easy to fret, should I go light gauge or heavy gauge?

[Kevinmach]

I think a lighter gauge string is better for left hand fatigue for a beginner.

Add to that, the way you described the guitar, it sounds like a beginners model. Therefore, I think thicker strings on guitar that has somewhat poor action and is unlikely to provide a decent tone anyway, are kind of a waste.

I found th D'Addario XLs to be a light, bright sounding string that was also very cheap. Odds are you will end up experimenting with strings as you continue to play, so I wouldn't drop too much on any of them right now.

On the bright side for you, though- I spent my first year plus playing on a $250 bass I bought on Craigslist for $100. All the work your putting your hand through as beginner will really make you fly when you step up to a better model.

[fretlessguy]

That, of course, depends on the string manufacturer and the type of strings. As a general rule, usually the lighter or thinner the gauge the lither the tension or stiffness. As Kevinmach suggested, D;Addarios are not all tha expensive, and give a good sound. Go with a set that is .40-.95 gauge. It won't have the deepest sound but you can adjust your EQ on the amp.

Another thing you should consider is to have a proffesional set up your bass so you can get as low an action as possible. This will also help with the playability as well.

FG

[cnltb]

Practising slowly will cure your problem think.
Building up left hand stamina can take a while.