Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Have you ever tried 8.5s, 9.5s, or 10.5s?
Most guitar players use 8s, 9s, or 10s, but these half-gauge string sets have become some of my favorites. They feel comfortable, sound great, and might be exactly what you've been looking for.
In this video, I compare all three gauges, demonstrate clean and overdriven tones, and talk about how the right string gauge can help you play more comfortably and express yourself more freely.
Remember, there isn't one "perfect" string gauge for everyone. The best choice is the one that helps you enjoy playing and make music with confidence.
Which string gauge do you prefer?
Let me know in the comments!
Gear used:
Ibanez AZES31 ibanez.com/asia/news/detail/20210906141650.html
D'Addario EXL130+ (8.5-39)
D'Addario EXL120+ (9.5-44)
D'Addario EXL110+ (10.5-48)
AMP-RX Brown Box
Bad Cat BLACK CAT combo amp
Kardian CHC13 Overdrive Distortion pedal
Pickboy 1.00mm Celluloid Pick
Providence Cables E205
Guitar Wisdom (ebook) by Tomo Fujita
[Amazon] amazon.com/dp/B0FWBCX8VW
[Apple Books] books.apple.com/us/book/id6754005063
Wisdom Picks:
Don’t worry! Don’t compare! Don’t expect too fast! Be kind to yourself!
osiamo.com/tomo-fujita
Follow Tomo:
Instagram: instagram.com/tomojustfunky
Twitter: twitter.com/TomoJustFunky
Facebook: facebook.com/TomoFujitaOfficialFanPage
Website: tomofujitamusic.com
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:00 Ibanez AZES31 (AZ Essentials)
03:22 D'Addario EXL130+ (8.5 - 39) - Clean Tone
06:31 D'Addario EXL130+ (8.5 - 39) - Overdrive/Distortion
07:55 AZES31's Mini Switch (Series Pickup Sound)
10:05 D'Addario EXL120+ (9.5 - 44) - Clean Tone
15:05 Funk Rhythm Guitar & Fast Triplets
16:37 D'Addario EXL120+ (9.5 - 44) - Overdrive/Distortion
17:42 AZES31's Mini Switch (Series Pickup Sound)
21:18 D'Addario EXL110+ (10.5 - 48) - Clean Tone
26:27 Slap Guitar!
27:11 Just Funky!
28:11 "You're Talented?"
29:05 Why Foundation Is So Important
30:30 How Do I Stay Motivated?
31:50 Don't Worry! Don't Compare! Don't Expect Too Fast! Be Kind To Yourself!
33:22 What Is The Point of Life?
34:25 Guitar Wisdom
37:25 Overdrive/Distortion Demo
39:12 Bad Cat BLACK CAT Tremolo
42:12 Wrap Up
Have you ever tried 8.5s, 9.5s, or 10.5s?
Most guitar players use 8s, 9s, or 10s, but these half-gauge string sets have become some of my favorites. They feel comfortable, sound great, and might be exactly what you've been looking for.
In this video, I compare all three gauges, demonstrate clean and overdriven tones, and talk about how the right string gauge can help you play more comfortably and express yourself more freely.
Remember, there isn't one "perfect" string gauge for everyone. The best choice is the one that helps you enjoy playing and make music with confidence.
Which string gauge do you prefer?
Let me know in the comments!
Gear used:
Ibanez AZES31 ibanez.com/asia/news/detail/20210906141650.html
D'Addario EXL130+ (8.5-39)
D'Addario EXL120+ (9.5-44)
D'Addario EXL110+ (10.5-48)
AMP-RX Brown Box
Bad Cat BLACK CAT combo amp
Kardian CHC13 Overdrive Distortion pedal
Pickboy 1.00mm Celluloid Pick
Providence Cables E205
Guitar Wisdom (ebook) by Tomo Fujita
[Amazon] amazon.com/dp/B0FWBCX8VW
[Apple Books] books.apple.com/us/book/id6754005063
Wisdom Picks:
Don’t worry! Don’t compare! Don’t expect too fast! Be kind to yourself!
osiamo.com/tomo-fujita
Follow Tomo:
Instagram: instagram.com/tomojustfunky
Twitter: twitter.com/TomoJustFunky
Facebook: facebook.com/TomoFujitaOfficialFanPage
Website: tomofujitamusic.com
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:00 Ibanez AZES31 (AZ Essentials)
03:22 D'Addario EXL130+ (8.5 - 39) - Clean Tone
06:31 D'Addario EXL130+ (8.5 - 39) - Overdrive/Distortion
07:55 AZES31's Mini Switch (Series Pickup Sound)
10:05 D'Addario EXL120+ (9.5 - 44) - Clean Tone
15:05 Funk Rhythm Guitar & Fast Triplets
16:37 D'Addario EXL120+ (9.5 - 44) - Overdrive/Distortion
17:42 AZES31's Mini Switch (Series Pickup Sound)
21:18 D'Addario EXL110+ (10.5 - 48) - Clean Tone
26:27 Slap Guitar!
27:11 Just Funky!
28:11 "You're Talented?"
29:05 Why Foundation Is So Important
30:30 How Do I Stay Motivated?
31:50 Don't Worry! Don't Compare! Don't Expect Too Fast! Be Kind To Yourself!
33:22 What Is The Point of Life?
34:25 Guitar Wisdom
37:25 Overdrive/Distortion Demo
39:12 Bad Cat BLACK CAT Tremolo
42:12 Wrap Up
