Lynch uses .009 to .042 gauge strings, a light set that favors speed and bending

Mark Lynch, the guitarist for Dokken, plays light-gauge strings — typically a .009 to .042 set. This is a common choice among shredders and players who prioritize fast finger movement and straightforward string bending over raw volume or durability. Light gauges require less finger pressure to fret and bend, which is why they dominate in genres where speed and technical precision matter more than thick tone.

Lynch's choice reflects a practical trade-off. Thinner strings break more often and go out of tune faster, but they let a player move across the fretboard without fighting the instrument. For someone playing the kind of fast, intricate solos Dokken is known for, that speed advantage outweighs the maintenance cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Lynch plays .009 to .042 gauge strings, which is a light set designed for speed and straightforward bending rather than thick tone.
  • Light gauges require less finger pressure and let you move faster across the fretboard, which is why many lead guitarists choose them.
  • The trade-off is that thin strings break more easily, go flat faster, and produce less volume than heavier gauges.
  • Your own choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and comfort or tone and durability — there is no single right answer.

How string gauge affects speed and bending

A .009 high E string requires roughly half the finger pressure of a .013 string to produce the same note. Over the course of a two-hour set or a practice session, that difference adds up to less hand fatigue and faster note transitions. Light strings also bend more easily — you can bend a .009 string a full step with less effort, which matters when you are playing rapid vibrato or wide bends in succession.

This is why light gauges dominate in shred, metal, and hard rock. Players like Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani all use light sets. The speed advantage is real, and for a touring musician like Lynch, the reduced fatigue over a long show is a practical benefit.

The durability and tuning stability trade-off

Light strings break more often than heavy ones. A .009 string under full tension is thinner and more prone to snapping, especially if you bend aggressively or play with a hard attack. You will also notice that light strings go flat faster — they lose tension more quickly between tunings, which means more frequent tuning checks during a set.

For a professional like Lynch, this is manageable because he has backup guitars and a tech who replaces strings regularly. For a home player, it means budgeting for more frequent string replacements and keeping spares on hand. If you play casually and do not bend much, a heavier gauge might save you money and frustration.

Tone differences between light and heavy gauges

Heavier strings produce more volume and a thicker, warmer tone because they vibrate with more mass. A .046 low E string will sound noticeably fuller than a .042. Light strings sound brighter and thinner, which works well for cutting through a band mix in a live setting but can sound thin on a clean channel or when played alone.

Lynch's choice of .009 to .042 is a middle ground — not as light as some shredders go (.008 to .038), but lighter than a standard set (.010 to .046). This balance lets him maintain clarity and speed while keeping enough body in the tone for Dokken's hard rock sound.

How to choose a gauge for your own playing

Start by considering what you play most. If you spend time on lead solos, fast passages, or wide bends, a light set (.009 to .042 or .010 to .046) will feel more comfortable. If you play rhythm, use a lot of open chords, or prefer a thicker tone, move up to .010 to .046 or .011 to .049.

Your guitar's setup also matters. A guitar with a lower action (strings closer to the fretboard) works better with light strings because there is less room for the string to vibrate without hitting a fret. A higher action can handle heavier strings without buzzing. If you are unsure, ask a tech to check your action before you switch gauges — a bad setup will make any string set feel wrong.

Where to find .009 to .042 string sets

Most major string brands offer a .009 to .042 set under names like "Light" or "Super Light." Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010 to .046) and D'Addario NYXL (.009 to .042) are widely available at music stores and online retailers. Specialty brands like GHS, Elixir, and Dunlop also make light sets. The price difference between brands is usually small — expect to pay $5 to $12 per set depending on the brand and whether you choose coated or uncoated strings.

Coated strings (like Elixir) last longer and stay in tune more consistently, but they cost more and some players say they sound duller. Uncoated strings sound brighter and are cheaper, but they wear out faster. For a touring musician, the longer life of coated strings might justify the extra cost. For casual play, uncoated is usually the better value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will switching to light strings hurt my fingers less?

Yes. Light strings require less pressure to fret, so your fingertips and hand will fatigue more slowly. If you are a beginner with sore fingers, moving to a lighter gauge can make practice more comfortable. However, you still need to build calluses — there is no way around that part.

Can I put light strings on a guitar set up for heavy strings?

Yes, but your guitar may need adjustment. Light strings pull less tension on the neck, which can change the truss rod tension and action height. Have a tech check the setup after you switch, or you may end up with buzzing or an uncomfortable feel. The adjustment usually costs $50 to $100.

Do light strings sound bad on acoustic guitar?

Light strings on an acoustic will sound noticeably thinner and quieter than the standard .012 to .053 set. Acoustics are designed to resonate with heavier strings. If you want to play fast on an acoustic, a medium set (.011 to .052) is a better compromise than going all the way to light.

How often do light strings break?

It depends on how hard you play and how often you bend. A casual player might get two to three months from a light set. A touring musician or aggressive player might break a string every few weeks. Keeping spare strings in your gig bag is essential if you play light gauges.

Should I use light strings if I am a beginner?

Light strings are easier on your fingers, so they can help you practice longer without pain. However, they are less forgiving of sloppy technique — they buzz more easily and break faster. Many teachers recommend starting on a medium set (.010 to .046) to build good habits, then switching to light once your technique is solid.