What acoustic guitar strings should I buy?

Paul Amelang — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:40:28 GMT

Strings affect the tone and playability of your guitar just as much as the instrument that you put them on. Over time, we recommend that you experiment with different types for yourself so that you can form your own preference. However, if you are new to guitar, we can help you find a good set of strings to start with.

Recommendation for Most Players

For most players, we recommend Elixir Attune Phosphor Bronze Custom Light strings for the following reasons:

String coating massively extends the lifespan of the strings, which saves time and money in the long run
Tone and feel are fantastic
Lighter thickness makes them easier to play than thicker strings. Beginners will appreciate easier chording, and experts will appreciate ease of performing string bends.

If you want to know more about guitar strings, continue reading for a crash course on the major properties that you will find on a set of strings.

Brand

D'Addario - Probably the most widely used globally, huge distribution + consistent quality, standard benchmark for both acoustic and electric strings
Earnie Ball - Massive in electric guitar world (Slinky sets are iconic), extremely common among rock players
Elixir - Dominates the coated string category, known for long life and premium pricing
Martin - Strong in acoustic (especially traditional players), often paired with Martin guitars
GHS Strings - Long-standing U.S. brand (since 1960s), popular with rock and classic players
DR Strings - Known for handmade approach and boutique feel
Stringjoy - Modern, direct-to-consumer brand, g rowing fast among tone-focused players
Cleartone - Competes with Elixir in coated strings
La Bella - Strong in classical, jazz, flatwound markets
John Pearse - Popular in bluegrass/folk circles (less mainstream)

Acoustic vs Electric

Acoustic strings use a steel core wrapped in bronze or phosphor bronze to produce strong natural resonance. Electric strings use nickel-based alloys designed for magnetic pickups instead of acoustic projection, which makes them sound weaker on an acoustic guitar. Some players do use electric strings on an acoustic, but this is not preferred by most players.

Material

The two most common acoustic string materials are 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze. 80/20 bronze strings were introduced in the 1920's and tend to sound brighter and more crisp when first installed, though they lose that brightness relatively quickly. Phosphor bronze strings were introduced in the 1970's, most notably by D'Addario, and offer a warmer tone that remains more consistent over time. There are other materials used as well, but 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze represent the vast majority of offerings.

String Gauge

String gauge refers to the thickness of the strings, which affects both tone and playability. Lighter gauges are easier to press down and cause less finger fatigue. Heavier gauges produce more volume but can be harder to play. Light strings are not for beginners only - many professionals prefer them. If you make a major change from light strings to heavy strings or vice versa, you may need your guitar tech to adjust your truss rod slightly to accommodate the change in tension on the guitar neck.

Coated vs Uncoated

Coated strings have a thin protective layer that helps prevent dirt, sweat, and corrosion from wearing them out. This allows them to last significantly longer and often gives them a smoother feel. Uncoated strings are typically less expensive and may feel more natural to some players, but they tend to lose their tone more quickly and need to be replaced more often.