Is It OK to use smaller gauge strings than those that came from the factory for an electric guitar?

Question

My electric guitar strings from the factory were:

D'Addario 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, 46.

I'd like to put in

Earnie Ball Slinky Cobalt 8, 11, 14, 22, 30, 38.

Is it safe to use the smaller gauge strings?

The reason I ask is that I've heard having not enough (or too much) string tension can warp the neck which will cause fretted notes to never align properly in their tuning. Rockin Cowboy's Answer indicated a truss rod adjustment may be necessary though the OP had inquired about an acoustic guitar. Thank you.

Answer 1

The guitar will need to be fettled after changing strings by more than about 5%. This means the truss rod MAY need adjustment, and the intonation more than likely will too.

About 35 yrs ago, I put much thinner strings on three or four of the electrics I used most. A couple have vibratos fitted, but that doesn't have to be problematic with thinner strings. The weapon of choice still has 8, 10, 12, 22, 28, 42 on it. They get changed regularly, and the guitar is from mid '70s. Had no problems with it, saddle or nut wise, and of course, I altered the truss rod adjustment accordingly.

Yes, it doesn't sound as beefy with thinner strings, but I like the way it plays, and others have commented positively on the action.

So, from personal experience - and I've done similar on students' guitars over the years - it should work fine. Bear in mind that if you decide to go back to plan A, you'll have to revert to the original set up.

Answer 2

A difference in string gauge will affect the neck, this is very true. You cannot escape that fact.

You have to be aware that the strings might be too thin for the saddle at the bridge(bottom of the guitar) and/or too thin for the nut at the head of the guitar(at the top of the fretboard). When the strings are too thin they tend to pop out of the nut(in my experience).

My advise to you is to change out one string to see if it'll tune probably and fit at first. If it seems to fit okey then check out some youtube videos on truss rod adjustments(it is easier than it seems). If truss rod adjustments sound too frightening then find a guitar shop to fix it for you.

I would not recommend changing gauge if you have a floyd rose as they seem to bend if not strung with a proper gauge.

Hope this helps!