Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners

Choosing the best acoustic guitar strings for beginners can be a difficult, and confusing task.

There are so many options, that it’s often confusing, as well as frustrating.

Plus, what if you buy the wrong strings for your acoustic guitar?

No problem, here I’ll explain some stuff, and make some suggestions.
(If you just want to skip all this, see here.)

(If you’re interested in electric guitar strings, see This Post Here.)

Acoustic guitar strings come in 2 basic flavors:
80/20 Bronze and Phosphor Bronze.

Phosphor Bronze is more popular, and has a warmer tone, while 80/20 is bright and bassy and more vintage sounding.

	Phosphor Bronze	80/20 Bronze
General Characteristics	Darker Fuller Tones	Bright, Crisp, Better Projection
Pros	Last Longer Than 80/20	Old School, Traditional Tone
Cons	More Neutral, Flat sound	Typically Last Less Than Phosphor

Additionally, there’s the option of strings being plain or coated.

	Uncoated	Coated
Pros	Less Expensive, Traditional	May Last Longer
Cons	May Degrade Faster	More Expensive May End Up a Sticky Mess

Some people swear by coated strings, other people think they’re an unnecessary expense. If you’re just starting out, stick with uncoated strings for a while.

Feel free to try different types of strings, and experiment.

Now, here are the best acoustic guitar strings available today.

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners: Best Overall

Phosphor Bronze: D’Addario EJ15

If you’re ready for a warm and well balanced acoustic tone then try D’Addario’s EJ15 Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings.

D’Addario is a popular, and well respected brand, and these strings are ideal for beginners than to their easy playability.

Their tone is balanced and dynamic, and their light gauge will help make string bending easier.

You’ll have an easy time playing lead, and still have the tone needed for playing rhythm.

The choice of such a light bass strings won’t give you as deep a sound, but you will find them easier on your fingers.

• Gauge: 10-13-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: Phosphor Bronze

Coated Phosphor Bronze: Elixir Strings Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Extra Light

If you’re into the idea of coated strings and like the phosphor bronze sound, try the Elixir Strings Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Extra Light strings.

They’re meant to feel closer to traditional strings and retain the bright tone of uncoated strings.

With an ultra-thin coating, the entire string is protected, plus the plain steel strings have an anti-rust plating.

Their smooth feel is easy on your fingers and will help reduce finger squeak.

Unfortunately, there have been reports of the coating flaking off, and the strings unravelling. Your mileage may vary.

• Gauge: 10-14-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: Phosphor Bronze

80/20 Bronze: GHS BB10U Bright Bronze Ultra Light

If you’re interested in trying a brighter tone, try some GHS BB10U Bright Bronze Ultra Light strings.

Their special core-to-cover ratio will increase your guitar’s brightness and flexibility.

Since it’s an ultra light gauge, you’ll have an easier time playing notes, and they’ll feel easier on your fingers.

Since these strings are ultra light, you may find your tone lacking a little bass,
If so, you can switch to higher gauge strings once you’ve been playing for a bit.

• Gauge: 10-14-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: Copper-Zinc Alloy

Coated 80/20 Bronze: Elixir Strings Acoustic 80/20 Bronze With Polyweb Coating Extra Light

If you’re looking for long lasting coated strings with a robust and warm tone, try some Elixir Strings Acoustic 80/20 Bronze With Polyweb Coating Extra Light.

They’ve got a “played in” tone that still has clear mid-range tones.

The Polyweb coating provides a soft, slick feel, prevents corrosion, and is easier on your fingers.

Some reviews claim the coating is too thick, and will muffle your tone, so watch out for that.

• Gauge: 10-14-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80/20 Bronze

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners: Best Budget

Phosphor Bronze: Ernie Ball 2151 Rock And Blues Earthwood Phosophor Bronze

If you’re into that warm balanced tone, try some Ernie Ball 2151 Rock And Blues Earthwood Phosophor Bronze guitar strings.

They come with a plain g string, like a set of electric guitar strings and have heavier bass strings, giving you a fuller sound.

They’ll give you a mellow, ringing sound with great clarity while your tone will be rich, and warm.

You’ll also have an easier time bending, and sliding thanks to their slinky design.

• Gauge: 10-13-17-30-42-52
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: Copper/Tin/Phosphorous

Coated Phosphor Bronze: DR Strings DSA-10 Dragon-Skin

If you’re on a budget, and want coated phosphor strings, try some DR Strings DSA-10 Dragon-Skin strings.

Their K3 clear coating will increase the lifespan of your strings, and improve your clarity and articulation.

The phosphor bronze wrap wire will deliver exceptional brightness and resonance to your playing.

All 6 strings are coated, unlike some other manufacturers, and the coating won’t dampen string vibration but it will decrease unwanted overtones, and add more projection to your sound.

• Gauge: 10-14-22-30-38-48
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: Phosphor Bronze

80/20 Bronze: D’Addario EJ10 Extra Light 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings

If you’re looking for a crisper tone, and better projection, try some D’Addario EJ10 Extra Light 80/20 Bronze strings.

They’re designed to give you a balance of volume, projection and comfort while retaining a crisp, deep projecting tone.

Their extra light gauge means easy playing, and an extra-bright tone while still retaining a full bass sound.

Some reviewers have complained that these strings lost their tone too quickly as the strings aged.

• Gauge: 10-14-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80/20 Bronze

Coated 80/20 Bronze: D’Addario EXP10 Extra Light Coated Acoustic Strings

Are you looking for coated strings that are durable and easy playing? The D’Addario EXP10 Extra Light Coated Acoustic Strings may be the ones for you.

They’re designed to last 3-4 times as long as regular guitar strings thanks to D’Addario’s EXP coating.

You’ll get a crisp, deep and projecting tone that’s intended to be close to an “uncoated” guitar string.

Plus, your enjoy extra strength and pitch stability thanks to their NY Steel core.

• Gauge: 10-14-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80/20 Bronze

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners: Best Runner-Up

Best Phosphor Bronze: Martin Authentic Acoustic Marquis Silked Guitar Strings

If you’re looking for outstanding tone, response and durability give the Martin Authentic Acoustic Marquis Silked Guitar Strings a try.

They’re designed to provide superior tone and clarity, as well as give your tone more body and projection.

The silk-wrapped ball ends will protect the bridge of your guitar as well as increase string longevity.

You’ll get bright rich tones, excellent tuning stability, and a consistent tone with these strings.

• Gauge: 10-14-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 92/8 Phosphor Bronze

Best Coated Phosphor Bronze: Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Treated Guitar Strings Extra Light

If you’re after a coated phosphor bronze string, give the Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Treated Guitar Strings Extra Light a shot.

You’ll retain your tone and playing feel thanks to Martin’s new, patented anti-corrosion treatment that protects the core and wrap wire.

They’ll give you a rich, bright tone with a softer playing feel along with a warmer and more consistent tone.

The strings have stronger output across all frequencies which will give you a fuller and more balanced tone.

• Gauge: 10-14-23-30-39-47
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 92/8 Phosphor Bronze

Best 80/20 Bronze: Ernie Ball 2006 Extra Light Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings

On a budget, and looking for some 80/20 brightness? Try some Ernie Ball 2006 Extra Light 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings.

These extra light gauge strings will be easier on your fingers, and still give you a great tone thanks to the thicker bottom strings.

They have a brass plated, high carbon steel hex core which provides excellent durability.

You’ll get a crisp ringing sound with pleasing overtones that’s very bright.
They may not have as full a sound as you’d like, due to the very light gauge, but they will be a lot more comfortable to play while you’re learning.

• Gauge: 10-14-20-28-40-50
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80% Copper/20% Zinc

Best Coated 80/20 Bronze: Ernie Ball 2090 Extra Light Paradigm 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

If you’re looking for coated strings that are durable then try the Ernie Ball 2090 Extra Light Paradigm 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings.

They are designed to have more strength, and give you a longer string life while still retaining the Earthwood tone and feel.

the ultra-high strength steel in the wound, and unwound strings will provide superior tensile strength so you’ll be able to break the strings in sooner and retain tuning stability as they age.

Their Everlast nanotreatment and plasma enhanced wrap wire will provide you with added corrosion resistance and reduce debris buildup from playing.

• Gauge: 10-14-20-28-40-50
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80% Copper/20% Zinc

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners: Best for Sore Fingers

Ernie Ball Earthwood Silk and Steel Extra Soft Acoustic Set

If you’ve got sore fingers, and want some strings that’ll help, try the Ernie Ball Earthwood Silk and Steel Extra Soft Acoustic Set.

A layer of silk between the wrap and the steel core will give you a more mellow sound, while reducing finger discomfort and making the string more comfortable.

This means you should be able to play your guitar for longer, with less discomfort.

Your tone will be bright, and balanced with plenty of clarity, and a natural feel.

• Gauge: 10-14-20w-28-40-50
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80% Copper/20% Zinc

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners: Best Guitar Strings for Intermediate Players

Phosphor Bronze: Dean Markley Blue Steel Medium Light

If you’re ready to step up to the next level of acoustic guitar strings, the some Dean Markley Blue Steel Medium Light Strings.

They’re cryogenically frozen using liquid nitrogen, giving you a more consistent string with a better sound and longer life.

You’ll get a rich and resonant tone that’s very responsive, ring true, and will last.

Since they’re 12 gauge strings, they may take some getting used to at first, but the effort will be well worth the increase in overall tone.

• Gauge: 12-16-25-32-42-54
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 92/8 Phosphor Bronze

Best Coated Phosphor Bronze: D’Addario EXP16 Coated Phosphor Bronze Strings

Are you ready to step up to coated strings that are bright and durable? Then try D’Addario EXP16 Light Coated Phosphor Bronze Strings.

They’re D’Addario’s most popular set of light gauge acoustic guitar strings, and have D’Addario’s EXP coating giving your strings and extended lifespan. Up to 4 times as long as regular strings!

You’ll enjoy a warm, bright, well balanced tone thanks to the coating bonded to the wire wrap before it’s wrapped around the core.

Definitely worth checking out, and may be easier on your fingers thanks to the coating.

• Gauge: 12-16-24-32-42-53
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: Phosphor Bronze

80/20 Bronze: Ernie Ball 2003 Medium Light Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings

If you’re searching for a brighter sound, with more projection, try some Ernie Ball 2003 Medium Light Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings.

They’ll give your playing a crisp, ringing sound that’s very bright and has plenty of overtones.

Plus, you’ll enjoy a fuller low end, thanks to the increased gauge of the lower strings, and a more fuller sound overall.

These are definitely a step up in tension, so be prepared to give your fingers a little time to get used to them, especially if you like bending your strings.

• Gauge: 12-16-25-32-44-54
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80/20 Bronze

Best Coated 80/20 Bronze: Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Light

Ready for some coated strings that are gonna step up your tone? Try some Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Light.

They’ll give you a warm and robust tone that sounds “broken in”, but still retains your clear mid-range tones.

Their Polyweb coating will give you a smooth, softer playing feel, as well as protect your strings since it covers the entire string, including the tiny gaps between the windings.

The light gauge is enough of a step up that you should experience a fuller tone, without shocking your fingers into thinking you’re playing steel cables.

• Gauge: 12-16-24-32-42-53
• Core Shape: Hex
• Wrap Material: 80/20 Copper Zinc

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners: FAQ

• I just want to know what strings to buy!!
  • Here’s what to do
    1. Start with Phosphor Bronze strings.
    2. Play them until you get used to how they sound.
    3. Try the 80/20 Bronze if your tone’s not bright enough.
    4. If you’re looking for a smoother feel, or longevity is a concern, try the coated version.

• When Should I Change My Strings?

A professional who plays for three hours every night will change his strings a lot more often than someone who only plays an hour a week.

At a minimum, you probably want to change your strings every few months.

• Why Do I Need To Change My Strings?

Guitar strings start to degrade the second they come out of the packaging.

Once out of the package, they’ll slowly become harder to keep in tune, and start to look darker.

Metal fatigue, oxidation, sweat/dirt from your hands all contribute, until your strings either break, or start to sound less bright, and full.

(This is one of the arguments for coated strings: They’ll stay cleaner, last longer, and degrade slower.)

• Aren’t coated strings better overall?

No, for a number of reasons.

1. The coating can break down, and cause a sticky mess.
2. The tone of your strings can be affected by the coating.
3. The price of coated strings is 2 or 3 times as much as regular guitar strings.

All this will be different from person to person. If you’ve got sweaty hands, the coated strings may break down faster, or it may make playing easier.

You’ll probably be better off with regular stings if you’re worried about your tone. Or you may preferred the coated tone.

If you’re just starting off, skip the coated strings until you’re more familiar with how your guitar sounds.