breaking strings

[skaguitar]

hi,
my problem is that i break strings with alarming regularity even if theyve only been on for as short period of time (two weeks). I have a .11 high e which breaks most. i dont clean them much, wud it help if i did more regulary or is it just the way i play? any advice wud b cool.

[ESP_Viper]

Well, it all depends on where the string is breaking and the playing circumstances. I am betting the string breaks at the bridge... This could be caused by many reasons. If the guitar is new, it could be your string saddle is cutting the string and eventually causing it to break. It also maybe you... I know people who pick as hard as they can, and it is a very uncontrolled picking (large movements all in the arm, 0 wrist movement). I know people that break 6th strings doing this... Your picking shouldn't be has hard as you can, and the movements should all be in the wrist and they should be small movements. Ask Shawn (cyberfret) more on this, he can give you greater detail on correct picking. This can greatly reduce string breakage!

[skaguitar]

thanks for the help,
its probably me even tho i dont move my arm i use 2mm picks and play close to the bridge so i guess that puts a lot of strain on the strings.

[ESP_Viper]

I use 2mm picks and i do 2 and 1/2 step bends all the time... I never break strings. I also play close to bridge as well. I'd say try picking lighter.