Best
Overall
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Overall: Versatile players who enjoy playing more than one genre of music
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Best Feature: Light, cheap, and sound fantastic; 80 to 20 bronze ratio
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Value
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Overall: Durable phosphor bronze string that keep their well-balanced and warm tone for a long time
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Best Feature: Durable and bright sounding
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TedScore™: 9.5/10
Best
Coated
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Overall: Nanoweb-coated strings - clear treble sounds and last for a long time; phosphor bronze material
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Best Feature: All styles of acoustic guitar players
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TedScore™: 8/10
Have you ever wondered why you can’t quite get that perfect sound? Trust me, I know how you feel.
Choosing the best acoustic guitar strings can make a huge difference, and I’m here to help you find the right ones. The perfect set, from phosphor bronze to coated strings, can make your guitar sound amazing.
Picking the best acoustic strings can be difficult, especially if you’re new to playing. Whether you want a full, rich sound or strings that stay in tune well, there’s something for every guitarist.
Want to make your guitar sound its best and enjoy every strum? Explore the world of guitar strings with me and find your perfect fit!
Guitar String Buying Guide
With so many different types of acoustic guitar strings on the market, it can be a bit of a nightmare for a beginner to find out exactly what you need.
Acoustic guitars produce a raw sound without an amp or a pedal to alter the tone. The strings are the major element that can radically change the sound.
Follow this Guitar String Buying Guide, you can see how acoustic guitar strings differ and find the perfect set for you.
What To Look For When Buying Guitar Strings?
When choosing the perfect acoustic guitar strings, the first thing to consider is the material.
Are you more of a rhythm player or a soloist? Do you use a pick, or are you leaning more toward finger-style picking?
Acoustic guitars need different acoustic guitar strings for different tones and music genres. The best acoustic guitar strings enable you to play a variety of styles on one set.
It’s also worth noting that coated acoustic guitar strings are the most durable option, where as uncoated guitar strings are prone to corrosion.
How Often Should You Change Your Guitar Strings?
Generally speaking, the strings should be changed after 100 hours of playing. However, amateur players use the strings for as long as possible until there is a breakage, or they feel a string is weak and could snap at any moment.
If you make it to the 100-hour mark, you should know that the tone will start to dampen slightly.
On the other hand, professional musicians change the steel strings regularly, as the last thing you want is a string snapping in the middle of a performance.
How Do You Change Guitar Strings?
Acoustic guitar strings are much easier to change than electric guitar strings, as discussed in our article ‘Is Electric Guitar Easier Than Acoustic?. You don’t require any assistance from a professional to do this, although the method can differ slightly from guitar to guitar.
I know it sounds strange for an advice website to suggest this, my our suggestion is to hop over to YouTube, type in your guitar model, and “how to change strings”, and you’ll be sure to find a dedicated video demonstrating the best method for changing the strings on your guitar.
What Is A Guitar String Gauge?
Gauge is the thickness of the string. The first string on the guitar is very thin and produces the higher notes. The sixth string is very thick and produces the lower notes. The thicker the string, the more prominent the bass frequencies tend to be.
The string gauge is measured with a specific system based on diameter numbers. The higher the number, the thicker the string is.
What String Gauge to Choose?
You can choose between thin, medium, and thick strings. You can also make hybrid or custom strings, but it’s unlikely you’ll be needing to think about those yet.
When guitar players choose one type of gauge, they stick with that exact size for the entire set. So don’t mix string gauges between different strings…
Thinner strings need tuning more often. The thicker strings hold the tune for much longer and can be suitable for different tuning and playing with a slide. But on the other hand, can be a little more difficult to play.
What Materials Are Guitar Strings Made From?
The guitar strings for electric guitars are different from acoustic guitar strings. They are made from steel or nickel to be more electrically conductive with the pickups.
Acoustic guitar strings have a core made from stainless steel. The bottom four strings are covered in copper, bronze, or alloy.
Acoustic guitar strings can also be made from nylon, if you want a softer sound.
Classical guitars have the ‘softest’ strings made from nylon or plastic.
Which Guitar Strings Are Best for Beginners?
A standard or light set of guitar strings should be the most suitable fit for every beginner. Extra Light strings offer far less tension on the fingertips and are much easier to play.
Yes, they can snap easily, but learning the pentatonic scale or the F chord on 11s or 12s is impossible for someone who doesn’t know how to play the guitar.
Which Guitar Strings for Classical?
Classical guitars are probably the most limited when it comes to sound. They have nothing else to rely on except for the strings. The classical guitar strings are made from nylon or plastic and play a crucial role in how the guitar plays, sounds, and feels.
What Guitar Strings Should I Buy?
You need to find a set of guitar strings that complement your playing. It all comes down to what guitar you play, how you play, and your favorite tuning. Our best advice is to loosely follow the rules and experiment until you find the best set that feels most comfortable for you.
Below we have created our list of the 5 best acoustic guitar strings,
You can’t really go wrong with any of them, but do read each option carefully to figure out which acoustic guitar strings are likely the best for you.
5 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
1. D'Addario EJ17-3D Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Value)
This string has phosphor-plated wrap wires which add a warmth and vibrant tone that suits most music applications. Introduced to the D’Addario line in 1974, this string is known for being extremely durable, a quality that is extremely important for the players putting hours of effort into the fretboard.
This is by far the best value, high-quality string on our list.
BEST OPTION FOR: All acoustic guitar players
STRING GAUGES: Medium - 0.13 to 0.56
FEATURES: Durable strings that keep their well-balanced and warm tone for a long time
D'Addario EJ17-3D
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Durable
- Corrosion-free
- High-quality strings
- The strings have a longer length, and you need to cut them after assembling
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Ernie Ball Earthwood PB
These excellent strings are perfect for any acoustic guitar player, looking for a warm, friendly tone. With their phosphor bronze construction, they produce a bright and clear sound that is both balanced and rich. Plus, their durability makes them last longer than many other phosphor bronze strings already on the market.
So whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are a great choice for your acoustic guitar, and we think they’re one of the best acoustic guitar strings on the market!
BEST OPTION FOR: Guitarists who like to solo on acoustic guitar
STRING GAUGES: Medium-light - 0.12-0.54
FEATURES: The strings are premium quality and tune together nicely with the bass and treble frequencies
Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Rich, warm, and clear tone
- Sounding great for solo performances
- The strings come in medium and light gauges
- The strings can snap easily
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Martin M140 Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Overall)
Martin M140 Acoustic Guitar Strings is a unique set from the Martin Retro line of popular acoustic guitar strings made. The strings are from the 1930s, in which nickel strings dominated acoustical history. The M140 features solid nickel/copper wraps to allow the natural wood tone to sing. With an extremely low-end, high-end snap and solid midrange, these strings are the best overall acoustic guitar strings on our list.
They are highly regarded for their warm, balanced tone and long-lasting durability. Made with high-quality materials, these strings have great tone and are perfect for any beginner or experienced guitarist who wants to elevate their sound.
One of the standout features of these new strings is their phosphor bronze construction, which produces a bright and vibrant sound that suits various playing styles. Additionally, the strings are coated strings with a corrosion-resistant material that helps prevent rust and can extend string life and lifespan.
The Martin M140 Acoustic Guitar Strings also boast a comfortable playing feel, with a smooth surface that makes sliding up and down the fretboard effortless. They are also easy to install and stay in tune for longer periods of time, giving guitarists the confidence they need to play their best.
Overall, the Martin M140 Acoustic Guitar Strings are a highly recommended choice for any musician looking to improve the sound and playability of their acoustic guitar. With their brighter tonality, reliable performance and exceptional tone, they will impress beginners and professionals alike.
BEST OPTION FOR: Versatile players who enjoy playing more than one genre of music
STRING GAUGES: Light - 0.12-054
FEATURES: Light, cheap, and sound fantastic; 80 to 20 bronze ratio
Martin M140 Bronze
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Suitable for any genre of music
- Bright sound
- The core is not 100% steel core
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4. Fender 880L
One of the world’s most famous established brands, Fender has perfected their manufacturing process and produced one of the great all-rounders. Both beginner and professional guitarists highly regard the 880L acoustic guitar strings for their smooth and friendly tonal character. These strings are a hallmark of Fender’s commitment to producing high-quality guitar gear, and they are designed to offer superior sound quality, durability and playability.
One of the standout features of the 880L acoustic guitar strings is their ease of playing. The strings feel smooth and silky under the fingers, which allows players to glide over the fretboard with minimal effort. This makes the strings ideal for beginners who are still developing finger strength and dexterity, but they’re also perfect for more experienced guitarists who want to enjoy a comfortable playing experience.
Another major plus point of these strings is their tonal quality. They produce a warm, yet mellow tone and a balanced sound with well-balanced tonal characteristics. The top treble strings and bass notes are crisp and clear, while the mid-range tones are full-bodied, creating a pleasant and harmonious sound. This tonal quality lends itself well to many different genres of music, from folk and country to blues and rock.
Built to withstand the rigours of regular gigging and practice sessions, the Fender 880L guitar strings are made from high-quality materials that deliver lasting durability. They are also corrosion-resistant and produce less finger noise, thanks to their flat-wound construction.
Overall, the Fender 880L acoustic guitar strings are a superb choice for anyone seeking a top-quality set of strings that delivers excellent tone, feels great under the fingers, and is built to last. Whether you’re a casual strummer or a serious musician, these strings will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
BEST OPTION FOR: Beginners and intermediate guitar players
STRING GAUGES: Light - 0.12-0.54
FEATURES: Top-notch quality; unique tone suitable for any music genre; five times longer lifespan than average guitar strings
Fender 880L
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Long lifespan
- Mesmerizing acoustic tone
- Tuning stability
- The strings are in a “higher range” of the tone spectrum
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5. Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Coated)
Elixir NanoWeb Acoustic Guitar Strings are not only good at sounding great,; they feature micro sizing that will last much longer than average strings. Is Elixir Acoustic nanoweb strings really the perfect solution for maintaining a consistent acoustic guitar string tone? Well, we think so, and so do many professional musicians.
The coated strings are specially designed to provide a mellower and warmer tone compared to other uncoated strings. They also stay in tune longer, resist rust and dirt buildup, and have excellent longevity. Elixir uses patented Nanoweb technology to coat the strings, ensuring they retain their fresh, natural feel and crisp sound for an extended period.
The Elixir 80/20 Nanoweb Coated Strings come in various gauges, which cater to different playing styles and preferences. Whether you’re a folk strummer or a rock shredder, you’ll find a gauge that matches the best sound for your playing style.
Aside from their exceptional features, these strings carry a reasonable price tag, making them a budget-friendly option for those who want a high-quality product without breaking the bank.
Overall, Elixir Strings’ 80/20 Nanoweb Coated Strings are an excellent choice for acoustic guitar players who want strings that can withstand the test of time, produce an excellent tone, and offer excellent value for money.
BEST OPTION FOR: All styles of acoustic guitar players
STRING GAUGES: Medium - 0.13-0.56
FEATURES: Nanoweb-coated strings - clear treble sounds and last for a long time; phosphor bronze material
Elixir Strings 80/20 Nanoweb Coated Strings
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A warm and vibrant tone
- Corrosion resistant
- Long-lasting
- A bit pricey
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Our Pick of Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
The best set of acoustic guitar strings is Martin M140.
There is a lot of competition on the market, and all of our mentions deserve a lot of credit, but the light strings from Martin win the race. We really love them.
Their strings are great for any music genre, offer a brilliant sound, and come at an affordable price. A win, win all around!
best acoustic guitar strings
Summary
Regardless of what type of guitar you play, after reading our buying advice article, you can find a set of strings that will pair well with your guitar playing style.
Music is all about enjoyment, playing and practicing, so if there is a set of strings that ‘sounded good’ on paper, but doesn’t meet your expectations, forget about them, and go ahead and experiment with a different set of strings. You’re looking for your best acoustic guitar strings, not mine!
Maybe you’ll end up with steel strings, nickel strings and phosphor bronze strings, a set with a steel hex core, or 80 20 nickel bronze ratio, non-coated strings, nickel-plated phosphor bronze strings, or even strings with anti-corrosion qualities! There are many options, and hopefully, you now understand what they all entail, and what could end up being the best strings for you.
Trial and error is the name of the game. Eventually, you’ll find an acoustic guitar string set that feels natural and right for you.
Treat it as a bit of a game!
Testing acoustic guitar strings can be a lot of fun if you remember not to stress and just enjoy the experience.
I’ve always believed that the choice of guitar strings weighs heavily on one’s playing style and genre. For instance, jazz guitarists might prefer flatwound strings for that smooth tone. While I concur with most of your recommendations, Hugh Richardson, I think it’s also worth mentioning the influence of playing environments on string decay rate and material choice. Corrosive settings like beach gigs demand coated or polymer-treated strings. Thoughts?
Valid points, StringBender. Played a few beach bars back in the day and had to switch to coated strings real quick. Makes a huge difference.
Absolutely, TheStringBender and RiffMasterRick. Environmental factors play a crucial role in string longevity and performance. Appreciate the insight!
Absolutely love the part about string materials! Never knew how much of a difference it can make. I went with the Elixir Nanowebs based on your suggestion, Hugh Richardson, and my guitar has never sounded so good. Super helpful guide for us beginners, keep it up!
hey, kinda new to guitar stuff. how do u know when it’s time to change strings? mine sound okay-ish to me but heard they could sound better.
Hey chris_88, usually if they start sounding dull or you see any rust, it’s time for a change. Also depends on how often you play.
Guess throwing my strings in boiling water isn’t the best way to change them, huh? Thanks for the tips, Hugh Richardson! Might actually sound like a musician now.