# Phil Collen's 13-Gauge String Journey

> Phil Collen credits Gary Moore's Peter Green Les Paul for his switch to heavy guitar strings.
- Title: Phil Collen's 13-Gauge String Journey · Guitar World
- Summary: Phil Collen credits Gary Moore's Peter Green Les Paul for his switch to heavy guitar strings.
- Keywords: phil collen, gary moore, peter green les paul, 13-gauge strings, def leppard, pyromania tour, guitar strings, Guitar World
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/phil-collen-gary-moore-greeny-les-paul-turned-him-onto-heavy-strings
- Published: 2026-11-14T08:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: phil collen, gary moore, peter green les paul, 13-gauge strings, def leppard, pyromania tour, guitar strings
## Phil Collen's String Switch
Phil Collen switched to heavy guitar strings after seeing Gary Moore's Peter Green Les Paul during Def Leppard's Pyromania tour.

> I went into his dressing room and saw the famous Peter Green Les Paul.
## Gary Moore's Influence
Gary Moore suggested Phil Collen try his Peter Green Les Paul guitar during a jam session.

> Do you want to play it?
## String Gauge Progression
Collen started with 10-gauge strings, then moved to 11s, 12s, and finally 13s over ten years.

> I use 13s to 54s now.
## Heavy Strings Benefits
Collen says heavier strings strengthen his fingers and allow him to play with more intensity.

> Your fingers get stronger, and I like being able to really lay into the guitar.
## Other Guitarists
Stevie Ray Vaughan, Malcolm Young, The Edge, Joe Bonamassa, and Jim Adkins use heavy guitar strings.

> Stevie Ray Vaughan was the most-famous proponent of strings like power cables.
## Key takeaway

Phil Collen switched to 13-gauge guitar strings after seeing Gary Moore's Peter Green Les Paul during Def Leppard's Pyromania tour.