When it comes to finding the best acoustic guitar strings, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but that’s exactly what makes the search so rewarding.
Best Acoustic Guitar Strings | Best Acoustic Guitar Strings Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
Author's Pick  | 92 | 2475+ | |||
Extra Light Gauge  | 94 | 1975+ | |||
Light Gauge  | 95 | 12850+ | |||
Medium Gauge  | 96 | 3900+ | |||
Heavy Gauge  | 91 | 1000+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Over the years, I’ve tested everything from budget-friendly sets to boutique brands, and I’ve learned that the right set of strings can completely change how your acoustic feels and sounds. You’d be surprised how quickly frustration turns into inspiration when your strings finally match your playing style. Suddenly, your tone opens up, your fingers glide more naturally, and your guitar actually feels fun to play again.
Whether you’re chasing warmth, clarity, easier fretting, or just more consistency from set to set, knowing the best guitar strings for acoustic playing comes down to understanding how guitar string gauges guitar string gauges affect your tone and comfort. And if you play both steel-string and nylon, you’ll want to check out our picks for the best classical guitar strings best classical guitar strings too.
This guide breaks down the best strings for acoustic guitar across different gauges, body types, and playing styles, whether you’re a fingerstylist looking for nuance or a flatpicker who needs a punchy response. I’ve also included recommendations for tone-focused players who want that perfect balance of brightness, warmth, and projection. No hype here, just honest, tested advice to help you find the best acoustic strings for your specific needs.
I chose this particular set for its great balance of tones. A bass that is very audible yet not overpowering, and a treble that is vibrant.
Martin MM12 Retro (Light)
These strings offer a warm, balanced tone that complements vintage and modern acoustic guitars alike. Ideal for players seeking classic sound with excellent playability.
Pros:
- Natural guitar wood tones.
- Good bass response and a full-sounding treble.
- Ideal for toning down overly bright guitars.
- Suitable for Martins and Guilds, among others.
- Results vary with different guitar models.
- Still susceptible to micro corrosion.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
The Martin Retro MM12 Acoustic Guitar Strings are made from a solid nickel/copper alloy. This helps to reduce pick attack and allows the natural sound of your guitar’s tonewoods to come through more clearly.
It’s particularly beneficial if you want your guitar’s inherent qualities to shine through while playing unplugged or amplified.
They use Martin’s proprietary Monel wrap wire, known for its corrosion resistance. It means you can expect them to last longer and maintain their quality sound over time.
It’s still more susceptible to microcorrosion relative to coated guitar strings. But it is more durable compared to uncoated, and nickel strings.
The sound profile of the Martin Retro light strings is quite distinctive. These strings provide a warm, natural tone that is rich and clear.
I noticed that it has just the right balance of tones. The bass is easily distinguishable without being too overpowering. The treble is clear and articulate but not too bright as well.
However, it’s worth noting that some guitarists may find its sound to be a bit metallic or “tinny,” which might not suit every guitar or playing style.
In terms of durability and playability, these strings generally perform well. Being a light gauge set, it’s easy on the hands, which is important if you want to bend strings. String life is above average, and I’m happy with its consistent performance. I share the same positive sentiment that this string set gets in the market.
These strings hold their tuning really well and have a decent feel, which is easier on your fingers.
Overall, the Martin MM12 Retro is a reliable choice for owners of traditional acoustic guitars.
- Gauge: Extra Light (012, .015, .025, .031, .041, .054)
- Core Material: Steel
- Winding Material: Monel (nickel/copper)
- Winding Type: Round Wound
- Coated: No
Best Acoustic Guitar Strings – Extra Light Gauge
For this section, we considered sets of strings ranging in gauge from .010 to .047/.050. Acoustic guitar extra light strings are the lightest guitar strings you can equip your instrument with.
Elixir Polyweb 80/20 Bronze (Extra Light)
Known for their extended lifespan, these strings deliver a bright, crisp tone with a smooth, comfortable feel. Perfect for light strumming and fingerpicking.
Pros:
- Bright, crisp tone with excellent clarity.
- Polyweb coating extends string life significantly.
- Smooth feel reduces finger noise and playing fatigue.
- Ideal for fingerpicking and light strumming.
- Coating slightly dampens resonance.
- Extra-light gauge isn’t suited for heavy playing styles.
- Higher price compared to uncoated strings.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
The Elixir Polyweb 80/20 Bronze Extra Light strings are a fantastic option for guitarists who value bright, crisp tones and effortless playability. Their ultra-thin Polyweb coating reduces finger noise and extends the lifespan of the strings, making them perfect for players who want consistent tone without frequent restringing. These strings excel in fingerpicking and light strumming styles, delivering a sparkling clarity that complements acoustic guitars beautifully.
One of the standout features of these strings is their comfortable, smooth feel. The Polyweb coating adds a silky layer that makes slides easier, reducing fatigue during longer playing sessions. Additionally, the coating minimizes string corrosion, so the strings retain their fresh tone much longer than uncoated options. This makes them ideal for players who live in humid environments or simply want to stretch the time between string changes.
However, these strings do have some drawbacks. The coating slightly dampens their resonance, which might not appeal to players who prefer a more natural or uncoated sound. Additionally, their extra-light gauge isn’t well-suited for heavy strumming or more aggressive playing styles, as they can feel too loose or lack the punch and volume needed. That said, for players seeking long-lasting, bright-sounding strings with a buttery feel, the Elixir Polyweb 80/20 Bronze Extra Light set is a solid choice.
- Gauge: Extra Light (.010, .014, .023, .030, .039, .047)
- Core Material: Steel
- Winding Material: 80/20 Bronze
- Winding Type: Round Wound
- Coated: Yes
Best Acoustic Guitar Strings – Light Gauge
Elixir Strings Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze (Light)
These strings provide a warm, rich tone with excellent durability thanks to their Nanoweb coating. A great choice for versatile acoustic players.
Pros:
- Long lasting
- Excellent tone, clarity, and warmth.
- Good resonance.
- Smooth feel.
- Good packaging.
- Expensive.
- Can be too smooth (slippery) for some.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
The Elixir Strings Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Medium is a set of medium gauge coated strings. It shares the same specifications as other Nanoweb strings, including the type of coating used.
The Nanoweb coat is thinner than Elixir’s Polyweb coat though, which results in minor differences in feel and tone.
The thinner Nanoweb coat dampens the sound less, resulting in a brighter tone compared to Polyweb sets.
Due to its slightly thicker gauge, this set is a bit louder and has a warmer sound compared to lighter guitar strings. It also maintains the longevity provided by Elixir’s string-coating technology.
Elixir assures users that this set offers the same protection from dirt and grime, prolonging the life of the strings.
This longevity is why Elixir strings are considered great value sets. It also offsets their higher price compared to non-coated sets.
If you are looking for a set of medium gauge acoustic strings that lasts long, consider choosing one made by the pioneers of string coating-Elixir Nanoweb Strings.
- Gauge: Light (.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053)
- Core Material: Steel
- Winding Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Winding Type: Round Wound
- Coated: Yes
Acoustic Guitar Strings – Medium Gauge
Elixir Strings Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze (Medium)
Combining robust projection and long-lasting tone, these strings are ideal for players who prefer a slightly heavier feel. Their durability ensures consistent performance over time.
Pros:
- Clear, warm, and fuller tone
- Good sustain
- Less finger squeak
- Reliable and consistent quality
- Good packaging
- Higher tension
- Stiff strings
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
The Elixir Strings Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Medium is a set of medium gauge coated strings. It shares the same specifications as other Nanoweb strings, including the type of coating used.
The Nanoweb coat is thinner than Elixir’s Polyweb coat though, which results in minor differences in feel and tone.
The thinner Nanoweb coat dampens the sound less, resulting in a brighter tone compared to Polyweb sets.
Due to its slightly thicker gauge, this phosphor bronze string set is a bit louder and has a warmer sound compared to lighter guitar strings. It also maintains the longevity provided by Elixir’s string-coating technology.
Elixir assures users that this set offers the same protection from dirt and grime, prolonging the life of the strings.
This longevity is why Elixir strings are considered great value sets. It also offsets their higher price compared to non-coated sets.
If you are looking for a set of medium gauge acoustic strings that lasts long, consider choosing one made by the pioneers of string coating-Elixir Nanoweb Strings.
- Gauge: Medium (.013, .017, .026, .035, .045, .056)
- Core Material: Steel
- Winding Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Winding Type: Round Wound
- Coated: Yes
Acoustic Guitar Strings – Heavy Gauge
D’Addario EJ18 PB (Heavy)
These heavy-gauge strings offer bold, resonant tone with enhanced stability for aggressive playing styles. Designed for players who demand maximum volume and durability.
Pros:
- Big and fat tone
- Increased harmonic content, projection, and resonance.
- Good for the drop, half-step down tuning, and other alternate tunings.
- Hard to break.
- Consistent quality from D’Addario.
- Good packaging.
- Can be used for baritone guitars.
- Sounds a bit metallic and unpleasant.
- Stiff strings require extra fretting and playing effort.
- Not for smaller / lighter acoustics because of increased string tension.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Heavy gauge strings are not as popular because they are harder to play and can possibly damage guitars not designed for high string tension.
As I mentioned in the intro, acoustic guitars are made with the string gauge in mind. Not all guitars can handle thicker strings. So, it’s best to check with the manufacturer to see if your acoustic guitar is compatible with heavy gauge sets.
Despite the drawbacks, some players still use heavy sets for extra projection and resonance. This set provides a big, fat sound that lighter strings can’t match.
Experienced players, especially those into flat-picking and heavy strumming, know when and how to use this set to achieve the warmth, sustain, and harmonics it offers.
However, you could always down-tune your guitar to reduce the tension. For a more familiar feel, use a capo. This will enable you to play first-position chord shapes in standard tuning.
The EJ18 from D’addario is made with the same stainless steel core and quality standards as their other popular string sets.
It also comes in corrosion-resistant packaging, which is great as it can be stored for an extended period and not deteriorate in quality.
If you’re aiming to achieve a higher volume on your acoustic guitar and are into mostly strumming, then the EJ18 should be your top choice. But, be sure to confirm its compatibility with your guitar first.
- Gauge: Heavy (.014, .018, .027, .039, .049, .059)
- Core Material: Steel
- Winding Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Winding Type: Round Wound
- Coated: No
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
There’s more to choosing acoustic guitar strings than just grabbing whatever’s on the rack. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right set of strings can completely change how your guitar sounds and feels. To get there, though, you’ve got to understand how string gauge and material interact with your specific guitar. It’s all about finding that balance between the tone you love and the feel that fits your playing style.
Single Sets vs. Buying in Bulk
In this guide, I’ve focused on single sets for clarity, but almost all of these are available in multi-packs. If you go through strings regularly, buying in bulk is definitely the smarter move—you’ll save a few bucks per set, and the savings add up fast with larger packs.
Most brands offer three-set bundles, but some, like Ernie Ball, even go up to 10-packs. Sure, you’re paying more upfront, but if you play a lot or like to keep backups on hand, it’s well worth it.
And don’t worry about strings going bad just sitting in the box. As long as they stay sealed, they’ll last for years. It’s really your fingers—specifically the oils and sweat—that wear them out once they’re on the guitar. A quick wipe-down after each session can go a long way in keeping them fresh longer.
Acoustic Guitar String Gauges Explained
You’ve probably seen terms like “light,” “medium,” or “heavy” on string packs. These refer to guitar string gauges, basically, how thick or thin the strings are.
Heavier strings give you more volume and a rounder, warmer tone, which works great for players who strum hard or play with a slide. But they also require more finger strength and can be tough on your hands if you’re not used to them. Lighter strings, on the other hand, are easier to fret and bend, and they give you a brighter, more detailed sound—but they’re also more prone to breaking if you really dig in.
If you’re not sure where to start, light gauge strings are a solid middle ground. They’re widely considered the best strings for an acoustic guitar because they strike a good balance between tone and playability. Extra-lights are even easier on the fingers, which makes them a great option for beginners or for soloists who need smooth bends and effortless fretting. Just know that they tend to lean toward the trebly side of the tonal spectrum, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
Here’s a general rundown of the common gauge categories: extra-light, custom light, light, medium, and heavy. These range from thinnest to thickest. Keep in mind that what one brand labels “light,” another might call “extra-light.” There’s a bit of inconsistency across manufacturers, so it’s worth checking the actual gauge numbers rather than relying only on the label.
Typical String Gauge for Acoustic Guitar from High E to Low E
Standard String Gauge for Acoustic Guitar from High E to Low E
| String | E | B | G | D | A | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Light | .010 | .014 | .023 | .030 | .039 | .047 |
| Custom Light | .011 | .014 | .023 | .032 | .042 | .052 |
| Light | .012 | .016 | .025 | .032 | .042 | .054 |
| Medium | .013 | .017 | .026 | .035 | .045 | .056 |
| Heavy | .014 | .018 | .027 | .039 | .049 | .059 |
Most Commonly Used String Materials
When it comes to acoustic guitar strings, the material makes a big difference in both tone and feel. Over the years, I’ve played with just about every type you can imagine, and I’ve learned that the string alloy you choose should work with—not against—your guitar’s natural voice. While there are plenty of niche options out there, most players stick to four common types, each with its own character.
Phosphor Bronze
Phosphor bronze is a go-to for a reason. It’s a bronze alloy that delivers a warm low-end, rich mids, and a balanced high-end that works well across almost any genre. If I’m recommending a first set to someone, this is usually where I start. These strings just have a way of sounding full without being muddy. They’re a solid choice whether you’re playing solo fingerstyle or strumming along in a full band. Some players end up switching to 80/20 or silk and steel depending on tone preference, but phosphor bronze is about as all-purpose as it gets.
80/20 Bronze (Brass)
80/20 bronze, often called brass, brings a noticeably brighter tone than phosphor bronze. It’s got less low-end, which means it helps your guitar cut through the mix—especially handy when you’re playing with a band or recording alongside other instruments. The only catch is that if your guitar already leans bright, these might push it too far and make things sound a little thin. I’ve found they work best on larger-bodied acoustics like dreadnoughts, where the natural bass helps round things out. If you want something in between, nickel bronze strings offer a slightly mellower alternative that still keeps good clarity.
Silk and Steel
Silk and steel strings are kind of like the acoustic equivalent of a hybrid tire—they sit between the rugged feel of steel strings and the softness of nylon. These have a mellow, almost vintage tone, and they’re incredibly easy on the fingers. Their layered construction—metal wrap, silk or nylon core, and a central wire—reduces tension, which makes them a favorite among fingerstyle players and folk guitarists. They’re not as widely used as phosphor bronze or 80/20, but if you’re after a softer touch and warmer tone, they’re absolutely worth a try.
Coated vs. Non-Coated
If you’ve ever heard someone talk about “coated strings,” they’re referring to strings treated with a polymer coating that helps them last longer. They’re usually more expensive—sometimes double the price—but in my experience, they also hold up way better over time. For players who don’t want to change their strings too often, coated sets are a great option.
I’ve also noticed coated strings tend to tame the high end a bit, which can be a good thing if your guitar is overly bright. On the flip side, if your instrument already has a dark voice, uncoated strings might preserve more clarity and sparkle. Like anything else in tone chasing, this all comes down to your gear and your preferences. There’s no wrong answer here—it’s just about what works best for you.
How to Match Your Strings to Your Playing Style
One thing I always tell acoustic players: you can’t rely on pedals or amp EQ to shape your tone the way you can on an electric. Your strings matter—a lot. They influence everything from projection and warmth to how responsive your guitar feels under your fingers. That’s why choosing the right set means looking at both your tone goals and your playing style.
So what kind of player are you? If you’re mostly a strummer, heavier strings usually work better. They push more air, add warmth, and give your sound more presence—perfect for rhythm-heavy styles or backing vocals. If you like to mix in melodic runs or play a lot of lead lines, a medium gauge often hits the sweet spot between volume and playability. Fingerstyle players tend to go for lighter gauges because they’re easier to fret, especially when tackling more intricate patterns and alternate tunings.
Lighter strings are also easier on beginners. The reduced tension means less effort when fretting or bending, which makes practice feel more inviting and less painful. That’s why I often recommend light gauges as the best strings for acoustic guitar learners.
Now, when it comes to material, I like to match the tone to the vibe of the music. Bright, punchy styles—like Bluegrass—usually benefit from 80/20 bronze strings, which help solos and rhythmic picking stand out. If you’re playing more mellow acoustic songs or solo fingerstyle arrangements, phosphor bronze tends to bring out the warmth and subtle dynamics without being too harsh.
At the end of the day, string choice isn’t just about specs. It’s about how your guitar reacts, how it feels under your fingers, and how it supports the kind of music you’re trying to make. Your preferences will evolve, and so will your string choices—and that’s part of the fun.
If you’re still not sure where to start, don’t worry. I’ve put together a quick reference chart to help you match your playing style to the string material and gauge that’s most likely to give you the sound and feel you’re after.
| Genre | Gauge | String Material |
|---|---|---|
| Folk | Medium to Heavy | Phosphor Bronze or Silk and Steel |
| Bluegrass / Country | Light to Medium | 80/20 Bronze/Brass |
| Finger Style | Extra-Light to Light | Phosphor Bronze or Silk and Steel |
| Jazz | Medium to Heavy | Phosphor Bronze |
| Singer Songwriter / Misc | Medium to Heavy | Phosphor Bronze |
Best Guitar Strings for Acoustic Selection Methodology
The first Edition was published in 2017. This current edition was published in July 2025.
There are well over a thousand different bundles of acoustic string sets available to buy online just in the USA, let alone the rest of the world. This fact makes this one of the most challenging music gear categories to provide professional guidance. In order to tame the massive numbers involved, we used a tight statistical sampling approach. We only short-listed string sets with very high ratings at a select group of leading online American retailers and only those with a comparatively large number of rating sources.
Our selection criteria included:
- Single sets for 6-string acoustic guitars—individual strings—and sets for 12-string guitars were not included.
- Had to be designed for guitars with a standard register; EG: Baritone strings were excluded.
- Custom or mixed-gauge sets were excluded.
- Had to be available from a major online retailer based in the USA.
This resulted in a manageable shortlist representative of the most popular brands. Some highly regarded but lesser-known brands were therefore not included. You can browse most of the strings we’ve rated in the Music Gear Database.
This edition’s shortlist included 42 sets of strings from the following brands: Cleartone, D’Addario, DR, Elixir, Ernie Ball, Fender, GHS, Godin, Ibanez, John Pearse, and Martin. This entailed the collection and analysis of over 132,400 sources. It includes ratings, reviews, and forum discussions. We processed it with the Gearank Algorithm to produce a rating score out of 100 for each short-listed set. We chose only the highest-rated options to recommend in each of the following gauges: Extra Light, Light, Medium, and Heavy.
Also featured in this guide is the Author’s Pick section, which features my current string choice.
You can read bout the other acoustic guitar string that I use in my full review of the GHS BB20X.
For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Supplemental Writing and Product Research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using photographs of the Martin MA540, Ernie Ball 2006 Earthwood, Elixir Polyweb 80/20 Bronze Extra Light, D’Addario EJ10, and Martin Lifespan MA540T string sets.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
More Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Captivating Tone & Effortless Play Related Posts
Comments:
11 responses
-
As a result of publishing our November 2022 Edition, the following sets of strings came off the recommended list above:
-
The following sets of strings were removed from our recommended list when we published the June 2022 Edition:
-
Publication of our December 2021 Edition resulted in the following string set coming off the recommended list above: D’Addario EJ12.
-
Our February 2021 update resulted in the following sets of strings coming off the recommended list above:
-
The Gibson SAG-MB10 Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings have been removed from the recommended list above due to being discontinued.
-
The following sets of strings came off our recommended list as a result of our February 2020 update:
-
-
The following strings have been removed from the recommended list above due to being discontinued:
-
The following have been removed from the recommended list above due to a lack of availability:
-
This article is about best known strings or the best acoustic guitar strings? Thomastik Infeld strings anyone?
-
As mentioned in the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings Selection Methodology section above we only put a set of strings on our short-list if they had both high ratings and a large number of ratings – so popularity did play much more of a role than it usually does in our guides.
Thomastik have made it onto short-lists for other types of strings and we have recommended them in our guide to The Best Bass Strings.
-
Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
Disclosure
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
Leave a Reply