The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Guitar Strings

Table of Contents

Introduction

Choosing the right guitar strings is one of the most important decisions a guitarist can make. The strings you use have a huge impact on your instrument’s tone, playability, tuning stability and longevity. Investing time into finding the ideal strings for your guitar, playing style and musical needs can elevate your playing experience.

When selecting strings, there are a few key factors to consider:

Materials – Strings are available in a variety of metals like steel, nickel, bronze and nylon. The material affects the tone, brightness and longevity.
Gauges – This refers to the thickness of each string. Heavier gauges offer more volume and sustain while lighter ones are easier to play.
Winding types – Roundwound and flatwound strings have distinct feels and sounds.
Coatings – Some strings have special coatings to reduce corrosion and extend life.

Understanding how these specifications impact sound and feel will help you zero in on your perfect match. It’s also important to take your guitar type into account, as strings for electric, acoustic and classical models vary greatly.

The goal of this guide is to demystify the process of selecting strings so you can discover the ideal set for your musical needs. We’ll explore all the key specifications, top brands, and genres/styles to consider. Equipped with the right knowledge, you’ll be able to upgrade your guitar’s potential and truly unlock its unique voice. Let’s get started!

Electric Guitar Strings

Electric guitar strings come in a variety of materials, coatings, and gauges to suit different playing styles and genres. The core materials for electric guitar strings include:

Nickel-plated steel – The most common and affordable electric string option. Nickel-plated steel offers bright, crisp highs with a balanced full-bodied tone. They have a smooth feel that’s easy to bend and manipulate.
Stainless steel – More durable than nickel-plated steel with increased output and sustain. Stainless steel strings have a slightly brighter tone with more presence in the upper mids and highs. The increased stiffness can make bending slightly more difficult.
Pure nickel – These strings have a warmer, vintage tone thanks to the softer nickel material. Pure nickel lacks the crisp highs of steel but provides a mellow, round sound. The soft feel makes them extremely playable.
Coated strings – Strings with an extra layer of polymer coating to protect against corrosion, dirt, and skin oils. Popular coated brands include Elixir and Ernie Ball Cobalt. Coated strings last much longer but can feel slightly different under the fingers.

String gauges for electric guitars range from extra light (.008) to heavy (.012). Lighter gauges are easier to play and allow easier string bending, while heavier gauges provide more volume and stability for rhythmic styles like metal and rock. Medium gauges (.010-.046) are versatile for many genres.

Top electric guitar string brands include Ernie Ball Slinky, D’Addario NYXL, Elixir Nanoweb, DR Strings, and Fender Bullet. It’s worth experimenting with different brands and gauges to find your ideal tone and feel. Reading reviews and asking other guitarists is a great way to discover new strings.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic guitar strings come in a variety of materials and coatings, each with their own unique tonal characteristics and playing feel. The most common materials for acoustic strings are phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze. Phosphor bronze strings provide a bright, articulate tone with excellent note definition. The phosphor alloy increases elasticity, reducing string tension while still maintaining tuning stability. 80/20 bronze acoustic strings have a warmer, mellower sound with a smooth playing feel. The 80% copper and 20% zinc blend emphasizes the fundamental and overtones for a rich, complex timbre.

String gauges for acoustic guitars range from extra light (.010-.047) to heavy (.014-.059). Light gauge acoustic strings are easier to fret and strum, making them ideal for beginners and players with smaller hands. The thinner strings produce less volume and projection. Medium gauges (.012-.054) deliver a balanced tone and playability. Heavier gauges add volume and stability for aggressive strumming, though they may be harder to fret and cause fatigue. In general, larger bodied guitars pair well with medium or heavier gauges to help project, while small bodied guitars often sound best with light or extra light strings.

When it comes to top acoustic guitar string brands, Martin, D’Addario, Elixir, Ernie Ball, and John Pearse are leaders in the industry. Martin SP phosphor bronze and MSP 80/20 bronze strings provide the same quality and heritage as their iconic guitars. The D’Addario EXP series leverages advanced corrosion resistance for longer life. Elixir’s coated 80/20 and phosphor bronze strings last 3-5 times longer thanks to the NANOWEB coating. Ernie Ball’s Earthwood line brings out the natural tone of mahogany, rosewood, and spruce acoustic guitars. John Pearse strings are hand-crafted with traditional phosphor bronze for complex vintage tones.

String Gauges Explained

Guitar string gauges refer to the thickness or diameter of each string. Strings come in a wide range of gauges, from extra light to heavy, and the gauge has a significant impact on the overall tone and playability of your guitar.

Lighter gauge strings are thinner and more flexible. Sets labeled "light" are typically .010-.046 for electric guitars and .012-.053 for acoustics. Light strings require less finger pressure to fret notes and bend strings, making them ideal for soloing, shredding, and playing quick chord progressions. The trade-off is that light gauges can sometimes sound thin or tinny, without the full bass response.

Medium gauge strings offer a balanced tone and feel. For electric guitars, .011-.049 sets are common, while .013-.056 is standard for acoustics. Mediums provide a great all-around option for both rhythm and lead playing. The slightly thicker gauges bring out a fuller range and add more volume and projection without being too stiff or hard to play.

Heavy or extra heavy gauges have thicker diameters and higher tension. Popular heavy electric sets are .012-.052 and up, while acoustic can go up to .014-.059. Heavy strings are favored for stability and reduced fret buzz when playing with aggressive picking or strumming styles. The thick strings also accommodate lower tunings and hold their pitch better. However, heavy gauges are more challenging to fret and control for fast lead work.

When selecting the ideal gauge for your guitar and playing style, consider the tones you want to achieve, your finger strength, whether you play leads or rhythms more, and what tuning you use. Be willing to experiment with different gauges to find the perfect balance of rich tone and comfortable playability tailored to your personal preferences.

Coated vs Uncoated Strings

Coated and uncoated guitar strings each have their own unique pros and cons that make them suitable for different playing styles and situations. Understanding the key differences can help you choose the right option for your needs.

Pros of Coated Strings:

Extended string life – The coating prevents corroding, building up gunk, and deadening over time. You can play coated strings much longer before needing a change.
Consistent tone – The coating helps coated strings retain their tone and sound the same throughout their lifespan. No degradation over time.
Smoother feel – Many coatings give coated strings a slicker, smoother surface that makes sliding and bending easier.
Reduced finger squeak and noise – The coating dampens the finger noise that can occur with uncoated strings.

Cons of Coated Strings:

Decreased brightness – Due to the coating, coated strings can sound slightly more muted and less bright compared to uncoated sets.
Coating can flake off – Excessive bends and playing over time can cause the coating to chip and flake off in spots.
More expensive – Coated strings tend to cost $5-10 more per set compared to uncoated strings.
Different feel – Some players dislike the slicker feel of coated strings.

Pros of Uncoated Strings:

Maximum brightness – Without a coating, uncoated strings offer the brightest, liveliest sound possible.
Traditional feel – Many players prefer the natural, raw feel of uncoated strings.
Less expensive – You can get quality uncoated sets for $5-10 less than coated alternatives.
Easy string changes – Uncoated strings are simple to put on and break in quickly.

Cons of Uncoated Strings:

Shorter lifespan – Uncoated strings start showing deadened tone within days or weeks due to corrosion and dirt buildup.
Inconsistent tone – The highs and tone of uncoated strings degrade as the strings age and corrode.
More finger noise – Without a coating, uncoated strings generate more finger squeak and noise.
Need frequent changes – To keep bright tone, uncoated strings need changes at least every 1-2 months.

When to Use Coated Strings

Coated strings are ideal if you:

Only change strings every few months
Want to maintain consistent tone during long tours
Prefer silky smooth bends and slides
Dislike frequent string changes
Play for hours daily and wear strings out quicker

When to Use Uncoated Strings

Uncoated strings are better if you:

Prefer super bright tone
Like a more textured, organic feel
Frequently change strings out within 1-2 months
Mainly record in the studio
Appreciate the vintage tone of fresh steel strings

The choice between coated and uncoated strings comes down to your playing style, tone preference, and how often you change strings out. Try sets of both to see what feels and sounds best on your instrument. Many players use coated strings on their main gigging guitar and uncoated strings in the studio for maximum brightness.

Nylon vs Steel Strings

Nylon and steel strings have distinct differences in tone, feel, and application. Nylon strings are composed of nylon and other synthetic materials, while steel strings contain steel wrapped in various other metals.

Nylon strings have a warmer, mellower, and more rounded tone compared to the brighter, louder sound of steel strings. Nylon is also much softer on the fingers than steel, making it the standard choice for classical and flamenco style guitars. The main downside of nylon is that it lacks the projection and volume that steel strings provide.

Steel strings are found on almost all acoustic and electric guitars outside of classical/flamenco. The crispness and cut of steel strings allow for clearer articulation when strumming or fingerpicking. Steel also provides louder volumes which make it ideal for live performance situations. The increased tension of steel requires more finger pressure and can be harder on the fingers over long practice sessions.

In summary, nylon strings are preferable for classical and flamenco playing where a soft touch and warm tone are desired. Steel strings work better for other genres where more volume, articulation, and brightness is wanted. There are coated steel string sets available that are designed specifically for nylon-string guitars to provide added volume while retaining a smooth feel.

Caring for Your Guitar Strings

Properly caring for your guitar strings is one of the best ways to maximize their life and keep them sounding their best. Here are some tips on cleaning and maintaining both electric and acoustic guitar strings:

Cleaning Your Strings

Wipe down strings with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after each time you play. This removes dirt, skin oils, and grime that can corrode the strings over time.
Use isopropyl alcohol on a cloth to disinfect your strings and remove stubborn buildup. Be careful not to get alcohol on the fretboard or guitar body.
For coated strings, use a specialized coated string cleaner like the Ernie Ball Wonder Wipe or the Dunlop 65 Guitar String Cleaner. Avoid regular cleaners which can damage the coating.

Maximizing String Life

Keep your strings clean! Regular wiping and cleaning will prevent corrosion and gunk buildup which shortens string life.
Apply string lubricant like Big Bends Nut Sauce or Music Nomad F-One Oil. This reduces friction and protects against dirt accumulation.
Wipe down strings thoroughly after playing and avoid touching them unnecessarily to minimize skin oil transfer.
Change your strings regularly. Old strings lose their tone and elasticity. In general, change them every 1-2 months.
Avoid exposing strings to direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes which can accelerate corrosion.
Consider coated strings like Elixir Polyweb or D’Addario EXP which resist corrosion and last 3-5x longer.

Proper string care rewards you with longer life, better tone, and minimized costs on replacements. Take a few minutes after each playing session to wipe down and maintain your strings.

Electric Strings for Different Genres/Styles

Choosing the right electric guitar strings for your preferred musical style and genre can have a big impact on your tone and playing experience. Here are some recommendations for popular genres:

Heavy Metal and Hard Rock

For heavy metal, hard rock, and downtuned styles, heavier string gauges are recommended. The increased string tension allows for better articulation and helps keep the strings taut when tuning down. Popular gauges for metal include 10-52 and 11-56. Brands like Ernie Ball, D’Addario, and GHS offer string sets in these heavier gauges. The added tension also helps with pinch harmonics, fast alternate picking, and palm muting. Pure nickel and stainless steel strings tend to work well for the brighter, aggressive tones desired in metal.

Blues and Classic Rock

Medium-light electric guitar string gauges are ideal for blues and classic rock playing. The slightly reduced tension allows for easier string bending, vibrato, and expression, which are essential techniques in these genres. Popular sets for blues include 9-42 and 10-46. Brands like Fender, Gibson, and DR Strings offer great options for vintage blues and rock tones. Pure nickel strings are a popular choice, providing warmth and smooth sustain. Stainless steel options also work well when a bit more brightness is desired.

Shred and Technical Playing

For lead guitarists focused on speed, fast soloing, and technical precision, extra light string gauges are recommended. The thinner strings have less tension, allowing greater freedom of movement and reduced finger fatigue over long practice sessions. Popular shredder sets include 8-38 and 9-42. Brands like D’Addario, Ernie Ball, and Dean Markley provide extra light options tailored for virtuosic lead playing. Stainless steel strings are common for the bright, articulate tone they provide when precise picking and fast runs are required.

Acoustic Strings for Different Body Shapes/Styles

Dreadnought/Jumbo: Dreadnought and jumbo body acoustics are known for their deep, booming bass tones and projection. Their larger bodies and scale lengths require slightly heavier string gauges to maintain tension and articulation. Medium or medium-light gauges around .012-.053 are recommended for dreadnoughts and jumbos. The extra tension helps bring out the full bass response these guitars are prized for, while still allowing great dynamics when strumming or picking.
Concert/Orchestra: Smaller-bodied concert and orchestra model acoustics benefit from lighter string gauges. Their compact shape and shorter scale length mean they don’t require as much tension to resonate properly. Light or extra-light gauges around .010-.047 allow these guitars to sing with excellent note definition and "quick response" when plucked. The lighter tension also enhances the delicate, intimate tone of concert-sized acoustics.
Fingerpicking/Light Strumming: For fingerstylists or those with a light strumming touch, extra-light acoustic strings are ideal. The reduced tension allows for easy bending, beautiful sustain, and intricate articulation. Custom sets with a wound 3rd string, like D’Addario’s EJ15 sets, provide a bit more punch in the midrange while still retaining fingerstyle flexibility. Regular extra-lights can sound thin when fingerpicked, so a custom light set balances tone and playability.
Bluegrass/Heavy Strumming: Aggressive pickers and hard strummers need robust strings that can handle some abuse. Medium or medium-heavy gauges around .013-.056 have the heft and tension to withstand energetic playing. They produce loud, bright tone with enhanced midrange that cuts through the mix. The heavier gauges also help prevent tuning issues from excessive bends and powerful rhythmic playing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right guitar strings for your instrument and playing style is an important decision that can greatly impact your musical experience. When selecting strings, it’s key to consider factors like string gauge, coating, material composition, and preferred tone. Heavier gauges typically provide more volume and firm tension while lighter strings are easier to play and allow more articulation. Coated strings last longer but some guitarists feel they dampen brightness. Uncoated sets have maximum vibrance but degrade faster. Ultimately, personal preference rules.

The guitar strings journey requires experimentation to find your ideal set. Be adventurous and try different brands, materials, and gauges. Sample a variety of tones to discover what you love best. There are so many options available today. Don’t be afraid to explore and be surprised at the sounds you may unearth. You never know what magic combination you’ll stumble upon!

Proper string care and maintenance is also paramount. Wipe strings down after playing, clean them periodically, and replace them as soon as you notice degradation. Well-cared for strings last longer, hold tuning better, and sound their absolute best. Treat your strings with respect and they’ll sing back to you.

Follow your ears, keep an open mind, and trust your personal taste as you seek your perfect guitar string soulmate. The journey will be fun and rewarding. Let the music play on!