Guitar strings play an important role in shaping the sound and feel of your instrument. There are many different types of strings, and knowing a bit about them can help you choose the right ones for your guitar, playing style, and level of experience. Let’s take a look at the different types of guitar strings, the materials they’re made from, and how they affect the sound and playability of your guitar.
Guitar strings generally come in two main categories: wound and plain. Wound strings are thicker and have a metal wire wrapped around them, while plain strings are thinner and are made from a single piece of metal wire. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of strings you’ll encounter:
Plain Strings
Plain strings are typically used for the higher, thinner strings (like the high E, B, and sometimes G strings) on both electric and acoustic guitars. These strings are simply made from metal wire without any wrapping. They produce a higher pitch and are the strings that are used for techniques like bending (when you stretch the string to change its pitch).
- Sound: Bright, sharp tone with more emphasis on higher frequencies.
- Common Use: Found in both electric and acoustic guitar string sets.
- Great For: Beginners who are learning to play because of their ease of use.
Roundwound Strings
Roundwound strings are by far the most common type of strings used on electric and acoustic guitars. They have a round wire wrapped around the core of the string, which gives them a bright, clear sound. These are the thicker strings on your guitar and typically include the low E, A, and D strings.
- Sound: Bright, crisp tone with clear definition.
- Common Use: Used on both electric and acoustic guitars.
- Great For: A wide variety of genres, including rock, pop, and country.
Flatwound Strings
Flatwound strings are a bit more specialized and less common than roundwound strings, but they’re popular for certain music styles like jazz and blues. These strings have a flat wire wrapped around them, which gives them a much smoother, more mellow tone. Because of the flat wrapping, there’s less squeaking when you slide your fingers up and down the strings.
- Sound: Warm, mellow, and smooth with less brightness.
- Common Use: Favored by jazz, blues, and some rock musicians.
- Great For: Those who want a vintage sound or play styles that benefit from smooth, less-sharp tones.
The material used to make the strings affects both the sound and the feel of the guitar. Different materials create different tonal qualities, and some are better suited for specific playing styles. Here are some of the most common materials you’ll find:
1. Steel Strings
Plain strings are often made of steel, and many wound strings use steel as the core material. Steel strings produce a bright, snappy sound and are commonly used in both electric and acoustic guitars.
- Sound: Bright, with a sharp and clear tone.
- Common Use: Found on both electric and acoustic guitars.
2. Nickel-Plated Steel Strings
For electric guitars, nickel-plated steel strings are the most popular choice. These strings are made from steel but are coated with a layer of nickel. This combination provides a smooth playing experience and a balanced tone that isn’t too harsh or too mellow.
- Sound: Balanced, with a rich midrange and smooth highs.
- Common Use: Electric guitars.
- Great For: Rock, blues, and other electric guitar styles.
3. Phosphor Bronze Strings
These strings are often used on acoustic guitars because they produce a bright, bell-like tone. The winding is made from a mixture of copper alloy, tin, and a small amount of phosphorus. This combination gives the strings a unique, clear tone that is great for strumming and picking.
- Sound: Bright and clear with a bell-like tone.
- Common Use: Acoustic guitars.
- Great For: Acoustic players who want a bright and resonant sound.
4. Coated Strings
Coated strings are standard strings that have a thin protective layer applied to them. This coating helps prevent dirt, sweat, and oil from building up on the strings, which can extend their lifespan and keep them sounding fresh for longer.
- Sound: Slightly less bright than uncoated strings but still clear.
- Common Use: Available for both electric and acoustic guitars.
- Great For: Guitarists who play often and want to extend the life of their strings or have sweaty hands.
5. Nylon Strings
Nylon strings are most commonly used on classical guitars. These strings create a warm, mellow sound and are easier on the fingers, which is why many beginners start with nylon strings. They’re perfect for fingerstyle playing and classical music.
- Sound: Warm and mellow, with a softer attack.
- Common Use: Classical guitars.
- Great For: Beginners and classical guitarists.
The term "gauge" refers to the thickness of the guitar strings. The larger the number, the thicker the string, and as you might expect, thicker strings have a different tone and feel than thinner strings. The gauge affects the feel, sound, and playability of your guitar, so it’s important to understand the different options available to find what works best for you and your instrument.
How to Choose the Right Gauge
When choosing a string gauge, consider the following factors:
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Playing Style: If you do a lot of string bending, lighter gauges might be a better choice since they are easier to bend. For rhythm players or those who need a fuller sound, heavier strings may suit your needs.
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Tone Preference: Heavier strings produce a deeper, fuller tone, while lighter strings offer a brighter, sharper sound. Acoustic players, in particular, may prefer heavier strings for their fuller tone.
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Musical Genre: The genre often determines string choice. Blues, rock, and metal benefit from heavier strings, while folk or fingerpicking styles often prefer lighter strings.
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Hand Strength: Beginners may want to start with lighter strings, as they’re easier to press down and bend. Heavier strings will require more finger strength, and may feel uncomfortable at first.
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Guitar Type: The type of guitar you play can influence your choice of strings. Acoustic guitars often use heavier strings for better resonance, while electric guitars can handle a wider range of string gauges due to the amplification.
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String Tension: Higher tension means tighter strings and a fuller sound. They’re harder to play but hold better tone when de-tuned. Lower tension makes them easier to bend and press but may lack the fullness of heavier strings.
Electric Guitar String Gauges
Electric guitar strings come in a wide variety of gauges, and there are endless combinations of string sets. Some guitarists even create custom sets by selecting individual strings based on their preferences. Most brands offer the following standard gauge sets:
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Extra Light (8-38): These strings are super soft on the fingers and great for beginners. However, if you play too hard or don’t control your picking hand, they can sound a bit out of tune or “sloppy.”
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Light (9-42): The “set of nines” is the most common choice for electric guitarists, especially those who enjoy bending strings often. They offer a good balance between ease of play and tone.
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Medium (10-46): These are often referred to as the “middle ground” and are favored by many guitarists. They provide a nice balance for lead work and rhythm playing, making them a versatile choice for a variety of music styles.
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Heavy (11-48): Heavier strings can be more challenging to play, especially when it comes to bending notes. These strings provide a fuller, thicker tone and are great for rhythm players or those who prefer a more substantial feel to their playing.
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Extra Heavy (12-56): These strings are typically used for drop tuning and are popular among metal players. They provide the necessary tension to keep the guitar in tune during heavy tunings, but they can be quite tough on your fingers if you’re used to lighter gauges.
Fun fact: In the UK, blues players visiting from the U.S. influenced a shift in string choices, particularly the unwound (plain) G string, which allowed for easier bending of the G string in the same way players bend the B and E strings.
Acoustic Guitar String Gauges
When it comes to acoustic guitars, string choice is even more important than on electric guitars because the strings play a huge role in shaping the overall tone of the instrument. Heavier strings resonate the body more, making the sound louder and more full-bodied, while lighter strings tend to have a more delicate sound and are easier to play.
Here are some common gauge sets for acoustic guitars:
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Extra Light (10-47): These are the lightest gauge for acoustic guitars, making them perfect for beginners or players who prefer a softer feel and less finger strain.
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Light (12-53): Light gauge strings provide a nice balance between playability and tone. They’re a great option for most guitarists and can be used for a variety of musical styles.
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Medium (13-56): These strings offer a fuller, richer tone and are great for players who want more volume and resonance. However, they require more hand strength and can be tougher on the fingers.
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Heavy (14-59): Heavy strings give a deep, warm tone and resonate very well, but they are also harder to play. They’re great for musicians who need more power and sustain, but beginners might find them challenging.
Changing strings is a fairly easy process (...once you've done it a few times.)
Follow the links below for how-to videos that explain the process.
String Change Tips from the Experts
To keep your guitar sounding its best, change your strings regularly—about every 2-3 months or after 100 hours of play. Fresh strings maintain better tone and make playing easier.
As you try new strings, record how each string set feels and sounds for future reference. Save the packaging to know exactly what to buy when it’s time to replace your strings.
To avoid putting too much stress on the neck, change strings one at a time. This helps maintain the guitar’s proper setup and keeps things manageable. Also it reduces the chance of installing the string in the wrong place.
When tightening the new strings, don't go too fast or over-tighten them, as this can break the string or cause tuning issues. Slowly bring the string to pitch.
A string winder makes the process of loosening and tightening the strings faster and more efficient. It’s a small investment that saves a lot of time!
After installing new strings, gently pull them away from the fretboard to stretch them. This helps them settle in quicker and stay in tune longer.
While changing strings, take a moment to clean your guitar. Dust and oils from your fingers can build up, so wipe down the fretboard, neck, and body. A bottle of guitar polish will last a long time and keep your instrument in top shape.
Strings can break at the worst moments, so always have a spare set handy. It’ll save you a lot of frustration when you're in the middle of a jam session!