What strings to buy for an acoustic guitar for a beginner. Metal strings: types of strings, their purpose, features of selection, installation and tuning on the guitar

It has always been an honor to be able to play the guitar. Even after learning a few chords, you can already play simple songs in the yard or near the fire to lift your mood and morale. But there are times when, due to carelessness or prolonged use, the strings on a guitar break. In order not to cut short the holiday, you should always have a spare set of strings with you. This is where the main question arises: “How to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?”

Types of strings

For an acoustic guitar, you have the choice of installing nylon or metal strings (on the same electric guitar, you can only install metal strings). These are two opposing camps. There is still debate about which strings are best for an acoustic guitar. In fact, it all depends on the person. Acoustic guitar strings sound different. That is why there are such a huge number of them. There are many different sets that differ from each other in various parameters that affect the sound and quality of the game. Don't forget that, among other factors, the acoustic guitar itself also affects playing. What strings are best for beginners?

Strings for Beginners

The first steps in mastering the guitar are always difficult. It is very important that from the very beginning a person enjoys playing the guitar, otherwise he will soon give up. Since the main element of a guitar is the strings, the approach to their selection should be in the first place. For beginners, nylon ones are best suited, since they have all the parameters useful to them.

Pros and cons of nylon strings

For beginners, nylon strings are best, as synthetic strings are much easier to play. Metal is a much harder material than synthetics, so it is more difficult to pluck your first chords on such strings. Synthetics, in turn, are a softer material, so learning to play on them will be many times easier.

For untrained fingers, the first loads will be quite large, so you need to do everything possible to reduce the load on them. In addition, synthetics are not so harmful to the skin: although at first it will be painful to clamp the frets, but then you will quickly get used to it.

But everything is not as simple as it seems. Synthetic is a soft material, which is why it is susceptible to deformation. Because of this property, the acoustics need to be constantly adjusted as the strings stretch. They are also less durable, so you should be careful and try not to tear them.

Nylon on a guitar does not sound as loud as metal. Its sound is more subdued, but soft. Therefore, when playing “forte” you need to put in more effort.

Pros and cons of metal strings

Metal strings are made of a stronger material, which gives them such strength. They are more durable and unpretentious to other conditions. They also don't deform as much. This makes it possible to keep them tight (no need to adjust them every time). The best strings for an acoustic guitar are metal. They are rightfully considered as such, because their sound is more ringing and loud.

But they have a number of disadvantages. Due to their strength, metal strings are made thinner. Especially for beginners, this results in thick calluses on the left hand. If you re-exercise out of a spiritual impulse, your fingers may bleed, and these are not just words. That is why it is important for yourself to choose a norm, several hours a day, in order to avoid overwork and bloody blisters. In addition, pressing chords will be much more difficult than with synthetics, since metal is a harder material. Here you need to use all your strength to make a sound.

Which strings to choose

So what are the best strings for an acoustic guitar? Well, for this it is worth taking into account all the factors. If a person is just starting to study music, then it is better to use nylon strings, since they are the easiest to learn on; if you have experience, then metal strings, because they have a more beautiful sound.

How to change strings on an acoustic guitar

If suddenly the guitar you bought turned out to have a set of metal strings, but you needed nylon ones, it doesn’t matter. The question of how to change strings on an acoustic guitar is resolved very quickly.

The first step is to buy a new set of strings. They are sold in any music store, and there are plenty of them on the Internet. After that, all that remains is to remove the old ones and attach the new ones.

Old strings need to be removed starting with the pegs (those things that are attached to the headstock). By reducing the tension, you can easily untangle them with your fingers and remove them from the peg. Then the knot on the bridge (the base on which the strings are attached near the right hand) is simply untied. Then, following the reverse procedure, new strings are put on, starting from the lower bridge and ending with the pegs.

Valuable advice: it is best to change strings for an acoustic guitar not from top to bottom, but from the sides. That is, first the sixth and first strings are put on, then the fifth and second, and only then the fourth and third. The headstock is made so that pairs of pegs hold the strings in exactly that order. The farthest pair of pegs is responsible for the first and sixth. Same with the middle and third pair of pegs.

In fact, there is nothing complicated here, you just need to practice a little.

Best Strings

You always want to have something of very high quality and reliability. The same applies to strings. As a rule, the strings for an acoustic guitar installed when purchasing it are not of high quality. This is why it is recommended to change the strings after purchasing an instrument. The best option would be the famous guitar brand, Fender. He collected all the best in himself. This pleasure costs more than other strings, but it's worth it.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or just starting to play the guitar, there will come a time when you need to replace the strings for your favorite instrument and then the difficult task of choosing them will arise. In order to choose good, and most importantly “correct” strings, you need to know a few things. We'll talk about them.

Important!!! Strings of different types can only be used on the appropriate instrument. Using strings for other purposes may lead to undesirable consequences, including failure of the instrument.

Today we will talk about how to choose, which is very popular in the musical instrument market, as well. But before that I would like to say a little about what a string is. By and large, any wire or fishing line that can not deform or break after repeated use can be considered a string.

But if all the strings were the same thickness, then the sound of all 6, 7 or 12 strings would be the same. In order to make the sound of each string unique, in the 18th century they began to use winding, which can be made of various metals:

Bronze:

Yellow- a bright clanging sound with good percussion, loud, beautiful, but yellow bronze requires care - it quickly oxidizes, the winding acquires a characteristic greenish color. It is better to store in a case in a dry place.
Phosphorus- there is no such characteristic clanging, but the sound is more even, deep, with clear bass.

Which bronze to choose is an acquired taste, but personally I prefer the first option. I would like to note that if you choose bronze from a good manufacturer, you definitely won’t regret it. Cost from 60 - 100 UAH. average.

Copper- a cheaper string option. Although their sound is clear, with a good midrange, they do not have the same individuality as the bronze ones. In general, they sound approximately the same for different brands.

Silver- quite thin in structure. Their sound also has subtlety and clarity. Voiced, perfect for picking with both fingers and a pick. But, as for me, they do not have as much power when playing in combat as bronze ones.

And also be of different types:

Round winding. These strings have a ringing and bright sound.
Flat winding. These strings have a more matte, slightly muted sound.

In this regard, the sound of the guitars was filled with great power, which guaranteed the performer unforgettable success. In the 20th century, the range of strings became even more diverse. They are starting to be made on a steel cable, synthetic, with profile and multilayer winding, combined, bimetallic.

When choosing strings for your guitar, we must not forget that all strings are divided into 3 types: thin, medium thickness and thick (light tension, medium and strong, respectively)

Thin strings It’s easier to press, your fingers don’t get so tired, but their sound is quieter
Thick sets strings sound more juicy and rich, but they are harder to play.
Average thickness ideal for beginning musicians and combines ease of string clamping and pleasant sound

In terms of thickness, sets 0.10 - 0.48, 0.11 - 0.52 best convey sound. Strings 0.12 - 0.56 add volume, but are very hard, so it is advisable to lower the tuning with them a little.

Synthetic strings are used only for classical guitars, so it is not surprising that such a guitar is recommended for learning by beginning musicians. When playing on such strings, your fingers don’t get so tired and it’s easier to press them to the frets. Typically, the top three strings are synthetic nylon line, and the rest are made of polyfilament backing. Often craftsmen use round wire for winding.

Also, I would like to note that synthetic strings come in higher density. Their inventors are considered to be Japanese scientists, who at the end of the 20th century began to use carbon in their work, which has a density higher than that of nylon. For example, the 3rd string of this type has a diameter of 0.85-0.92 mm. The main disadvantage of such strings is their high price, since such material is 5-7 times more expensive than nylon. But despite this, high-density synthetic strings will provide you with enjoyable guitar lessons that are sure to be productive!

Synthetic (nylon) strings. In such sets, the first three strings are made of nylon fishing line, and the three bass strings are made of many threads of the same nylon and covered with an outer metal winding, mainly copper, sometimes silver or brass (phosphor bronze).
High density synthetic strings. These strings are made from carbon line, which gives them increased density and a thinner diameter. Such strings have a ringing, pronounced sound. The disadvantage is the high price.
Strings on a steel cable. These strings are relatively soft and have different string wraps: the first three are with nylon tape, and the 4th to 6th are with silver plated copper. Such strings hold tuning very well and practically do not stretch. They are not very popular because the price is very high.
Synthalic strings. These are strings that, even at the metal level, are characterized by high brightness of sound and the usual softness, like nylon strings. They tune up very quickly, the winding wears out much less from contact with the frets, and these strings also make it possible to make “braces.” The tune and rich sound remain unchanged for several months.

Strings for acoustic (pop) guitars:

Monolithic steel strings. It is definitely worth mentioning the strings on a monolithic steel base. They can be seen on acoustic guitars, which are often used in pop music. These strings are based on high strength steel. The winding is most often made of copper or phosphor bronze and varies in hardness and elasticity. These parameters affect the sound of the guitar and the comfort of the fingers.
Steel strings in a thin synthetic sheath Americans are known to us not only for inventing new types of guitars, but also strings. For example, the creation of steel strings in addition to a synthetic shell of bass strings. This means that the bottom layer is made of metal material, covered with synthetic elements. Such a successful selection is ideal for those guitarists who want to engage in musical creativity on their acoustic guitar for a long time.
Steel strings with semicircular or flat winding. Such strings are a type of strings with a monolithic steel base. When sliding your fingers along the string, there is no “whistle” characteristic of ordinary strings. They have a matte sound on the bass strings and a more sonorous sound on the first three, which are without winding.

Note:

- on the frequency of winding turns: Once I bought a rather expensive set of phosphor bronze, which had a more frequent winding. As a result, I got a completely different sound - more dull, with bass and without my favorite clanging.
- on the manufacturer: Choose strings that are more expensive and from well-known brands that have proven themselves in the market - the strings will last longer and you will get more pleasure from playing.
If you are a beginner and do not particularly understand the choice of strings and do not see any fundamental differences in them, you should consult with the consultants in the store. They will be happy to help you choose exactly what suits your guitar best. Very often, beginning musicians mistakenly put strings on the guitar that are not typical for it, as a result of which, at best, you will simply get a low-quality sound, at worst, the guitar will fail.
If you have an idol in music (it is possible that you have an analogue of his instrument), I advise you to find out which strings he plays on. Knowing his preferences, you can always find a lot of useful information about the parameters of his strings and make your choice based on this knowledge. For each style of music you need to select your own set, and who, if not famous guitarists, know better than anyone what is needed for a good game.

In general, choosing strings is a very individual process: look at what companies your idols use, try playing with sets of different thicknesses and different manufacturers, because the best experience is personal. Only after trying many options can you choose the best one for yourself.

P.S. After playing the guitar, run your finger along the bottom of the string, from the nut to the nut. You will see dirt that has accumulated there; it needs to be removed. Do this every time you finish playing - the strings will last you much longer. I do not recommend wiping them with a cloth that is not intended for caring for strings - the micro fibers that remain on the strings accumulate between the turns of the winding and interfere with the vibrations of the string, muffling the sound.

Good luck!

The strings on an acoustic or classical guitar have a huge impact on its sound and playability. If you have looked through the assortment of any online stores, then you have probably seen that they offer a huge variety of strings. Which strings to choose? What to look for? What does the price depend on? This article should answer all these and other questions.

Acoustic guitar strings

Because the typical acoustic guitar has no pickups and is not connected to an amplifier, its strings play a very fundamental role in how it sounds. Therefore, we must carefully consider the structure of the strings and their thickness.

Acoustic guitar and classical guitar: what is the difference?

The first and most significant difference between acoustic and classical is that a classical guitar has nylon strings, while an acoustic guitar has metal strings. In most cases, metal and nylon strings are not interchangeable, as they are designed for a specific musical style. For example, metal strings are intended for rock, blues, and country, while nylon strings are for classical, flamenco, and folk. If you use metal strings on a guitar that was designed for nylon strings, you may cause serious damage to your instrument. The neck and body of a classical guitar are simply not designed to handle the amount of tension that metal strings create. Using the wrong strings can also cause damage to both the frets and the bridge of your instrument.

All about the thickness of guitar strings

Before we get into the specifications of the different types of acoustic and classical strings, let's talk about string thickness as it applies to both types. Strings are manufactured in a range from the thinnest to the thickest. Thickness is usually measured in thousandths of an inch. The thinnest strings are usually .010 inches (or simply "ten"), the thickest are usually .059 inches. The thickness of the strings greatly affects the sound of the instrument.
Thin strings:

They are usually easier to play
Allows you to play bends with less effort
Sounds quieter and produces less sustain
Tend to hit the frets, which gives a very unpleasant sound
Puts the least amount of tension on the neck, which is a safe choice for vintage guitars

Thick strings:

They are usually more difficult to play
Requires a lot of effort when clamping the string and playing bends
Sounds louder and generates more sustain (compared to thin strings)
Places more tension on the bar

String thickness designation

Most string manufacturers define their thickness as either “super thin” or “thin.” While the exact sizes may vary among manufacturers, I want to give you the most typical sizes used.

Typical String Sizes

Incredibly super thin:.010 .014 .023 .030 .039 .047
Super thin:.011 .015 .023 .032 .042 .052
Thin:.012 .016 .025 .032 .042 .054
Average:.013 .017 .026 .035 .045 .056
Thick: 014 .018 .027 .039 .049 .059

Metal strings for acoustic guitar

Thickness of metal strings

Let's consider the following factors in order to decide what string thickness to use:

Playing style: Let's take finger playing as an example. Playing with your fingers requires a lot of effort when producing sounds, so it makes much more sense to use thin strings. If you only want to play with a pick, thick strings will sound much better than thin strings. Okay, but what if you want to play with both a pick and your fingers? (after all, that's what most guitarists do). Your choice should be directed towards strings of medium thickness, as they will be the golden mean between ease of play and sound. In simple terms, I will say this: if you are a beginner guitarist, then give your preference to thin strings. It will be easier for you to learn to play on them and you will gradually be able to switch to thicker options. Eventually, you will be able to switch to thick ones completely and get the most benefits from them.

Desired sound: As you might have guessed, thick strings emphasize the bass register of the instrument and create deeper, stronger tones. On the other hand, thin strings will highlight high-frequency notes, which will give a sharper, crunchy sound.

Instrument age and condition: Rare guitars are often quite fragile, so thicker strings can simply move the neck, which will lead to problems with tuning. Therefore, if you have an old instrument, then play it safe and use thinner strings.

Materials used in the manufacture of metal strings

Bronze: It has clean, ringing and bright tones, but is very susceptible to wear due to its tendency to oxidize.

Phosphor bronze: It has a warmer and at the same time darker tone. Adding phosphorus to the alloy significantly extends the life of the strings.

Aluminum Bronze: Produces pronounced bass and crisp highs compared to phosphor bronze.

Copper: It has a bright, ringing metallic tone.

With polymer coating: Resin coated strings have less sustain and brightness than uncoated strings. A significant advantage is the fact that coated strings have anti-corrosion properties, which significantly extends their life.

Jon LeeVaughn of D'Addario Strings shows you how to properly change strings on an acoustic guitar.

Electric-Acoustic Guitar: Do I Need Other Strings?

Most electric-acoustic guitars, including models with nylon strings, are equipped with piezo pickups, which allow you to convert string vibrations into an electrical signal using a built-in preamplifier. This type of pickup does not use magnets (like most electric guitars), so the materials used to make the strings have less impact on the sound. Some manufacturers make strings specifically for acoustic-electric guitars and you might want to compare their sound with standard strings, but for some reason it seems to me that you won’t hear much difference.

If the electric guitar is equipped with a piezo pickup, a microphone or a magnetic pickup above the sound hole, then I would advise you to follow the recommendations from the manufacturer of this pickup rather than the advice from users.

Nylon strings for classical guitar

Characteristics of nylon strings

As a rule, nylon strings are used in such musical genres as: classical, flamenco, bossa nova and folk. Their soft, gentle tone is preferred by many guitarists including jazz and country.

Many beginning guitarists think that nylon strings are easier to play than metal strings due to their soft material and lighter string tension, which is generally true. However, all beginning guitarists experience pain in their fingertips to one degree or another, regardless of whether it is an acoustic guitar with metal strings or a classical one with nylon strings. All these inconveniences will pass when your body adapts to them. Calluses on the tips of the fingers appear quite quickly, within about a month or two, and after this time, pain in the tips of the fingers will cease to be such a significant problem. I highly recommend that you do not choose a nylon string guitar just because it is a little easier to play. This choice should be made only in accordance with your musical preferences, namely: if you want to play rock, blues, country, then metal strings are your all. If you prefer classical, Spanish music, flamenco, folk, then you cannot do without nylon strings.

Also, nylon strings need to be constantly adjusted (much more often than metal ones), especially new ones that have just been installed. All this is due to the fact that they tend to stretch and are very sensitive to atmospheric influences (changes in humidity and temperature).

Materials used in the manufacture of nylon strings

Calling nylon strings nylon strings is a bit of a misnomer. As will be described below, a variety of materials are used to make this type of string, so it would be more accurate to simply call them “classical guitar strings.” You will also notice that the principle of making bass strings is a little different from the rest.

And now a little history. Before the 1940s, classical guitar strings were made from cow or sheep intestines. The bass strings (E, A, D) had a core of silk thread on which animal intestines were wound. The rest, the so-called high-frequency strings (E, B, G) were made from pure guts (without the use of other materials).

Modern manufacturers use pure nylon, fluorocarbon or other synthetic threads to make high-frequency strings. Bass strings have stranded, nylon cores with various metals or nylon wound around the top.

Materials and tonal characteristics of high-frequency strings

Pure Nylon: The most popular material, which is made from pure nylon monofilament. Much appreciated for its rich, clear tone.

Refined Nylon: It is also made from pure nylon, which is then sanded to create a smooth surface along the entire length of the string. It has a gentle, even tone than pure nylon.

Black nylon: Made from a different nylon composition. It has a warm, clear sound with prominent high-frequency overtones. Very popular among folk performers.

Bass String Materials and Tonal Characteristics

As stated above, bass strings have stranded cores that are wrapped in various types of metal windings.

Bronze 80/20: Made from 80% copper and 20% zinc. This alloy has a pronounced shine and projection. Some manufacturers call these strings “gold”.

Silver Plated Copper: The material is very smooth to the touch and produces a fairly warm tone. Some manufacturers call such strings “silver”.

Some guy shows how to properly change strings on a classical guitar

Signs that it's time to change strings

It is becoming increasingly difficult to tune and maintain an instrument
You see that there is rust on the strings
The braid of the bass strings seemed to begin to “unravel”
Dissonance and instability appear even in the way you tune the instrument
You can't remember the last time you changed your strings

How often should you change your strings?

Unfortunately there is no definite answer to this question, but there are some factors that shorten the life of your strings:

Sweating. When you play a lot, your fingers produce a lot of sweat, which simply corrodes the strings.
You play very aggressively, i.e. use a lot of bends and a hard attack when playing.
Frequent playing of the instrument will also wear out the strings.
You use different guitar tunings and often change the instrument.

Keep your strings clean. After each gaming session, take the time to take a dry, clean rag and simply wipe them from your sweat, pieces of skin from your fingers and dirt. This procedure will allow you to significantly extend the life of your strings.
Wash your hands before each play on the guitar, which will slightly slow down the oxidation process of the strings.
Invest in a tool for winding strings onto pegs. It will help you significantly reduce your time when changing strings.
Buy strings in 5-10 sets. This way you will save your money by buying them at wholesale prices.
You may need to urgently replace a broken string at a rehearsal or performance, so keep a spare set or individual strings in your case or case.

How to choose guitar strings

Material. The material from which they are made plays a significant role when choosing.

It is worth noting that some types of guitars are used exclusively with polymer (plastic) strings, while others are used with metal strings (Spanish and pop guitars). This is the determining factor that people pay attention to.

Diameter. Only models with diameters between 0.010 and 0.012 inches are considered as this is more common. Such characteristics primarily affect the timbre and richness of the guitar sound.

The thicker the strings, the louder and more colorful the resulting sound at the output.

It is difficult to press thick strings against the fingerboard, so this factor should be taken into account by beginners just learning to play the guitar. It is better for them to choose a small diameter in order to get used to the classic playing techniques at first.

Winding method. There are two types of winding: flat and round. Round winding allows you to get a bright, rich sound, while flat winding allows you to get a more muffled sound.

In a noisy company, round-wound strings will perform well; in a quiet circle, it is better to prefer the flat-wound option so that the sound does not seem too harsh and unnatural.

Sound. Metal produces a bright and distinct sound, while nylon produces a muted sound. Therefore, before choosing the options you are interested in, make sure which type is suitable for a particular guitar, and what sound you get as a result.

You shouldn’t take much into account the country and the manufacturing company. You need to understand that the quality does not directly depend on the country where they were manufactured.

This parameter has a much better impact on the final cost, since there is an extra charge due to transportation. Instead, before purchasing another kit, make sure that the packaging and kit are intact.

Defects appear regardless of the brand and country of the proposed kit during transportation or under incorrect storage conditions.

Do not look at the guitar where the selected kit was installed. More often in stores, a consultant suggests that you look at the model already installed on the selected guitar.

This is not always good, because there are tricks to achieve a ringing sound (raised saddles, etc.).

The best option would be to study on your own. It will be useful to consider the packaging and read reviews from other customers.

Best Strings for Acoustic Guitar

An excellent option for those who want to get a stable, even sound, without the buzzing bottom of the sound range. The model is distinguished by the strength of the material, rich sound and high-quality, dense winding.

In addition, this model is actively used as a universal solution for performing various musical styles.

This choice is a good prospect in cases where you need to play different compositions of different genres using different options.

Characteristics

Calibers: 10-14-23-30-39-47
Tension: Extra Light
Material: bronze 80/20

Why choose this model

Today, the Elixir nanoweb11002 10-47 model enjoys very impressive success in musical circles.

Pros: high-quality sound, extended service life, the presence of an ultra-thin Nanoweb protective coating, which increases the resistance of the winding and core to abrasion

Cons: high price (4-6 times higher than the cost of ordinary strings), presence of a rustling top of the sound range.

The opinions of people who use Elixir nanoweb11002 10-47 agree that this is a high-quality and interesting product that pays for the price in terms of sound and service life. It is especially noted that when installed, the strings are very flexible.

A good option for those who experiment with sound or appreciate the opportunity to perform different musical genres on one guitar.

An affordable and high-quality sample that can please its owner with a pleasant sound and at the same time beautiful appearance. This model is resistant to both the influence of the external environment and the tension of the bar. They will retain their presentation for a long time.

Characteristics

Instrument: acoustic guitar, 6
Calibers: 10-14-20-28-38-50
Tension: Extra Light
Material: silver plated bronze 80/20

Why this model was chosen

This model represents the golden mean between high quality and low cost. They can easily survive the aggressive type of game, and at the same time they do not hit the buyer’s wallet when purchasing.

They will also be good for beginners who have little playing experience and may accidentally damage the instrument.

Pros: low price, high-quality winding, presence of a protective coating.

Cons: short service life.

People agree that the strings are comfortable, sound good, and don't irritate the fingers. It is noted for its low price and unpretentiousness both for storage and during use.

A beautiful nylon example that will impress even the most demanding guitarist. Full opening of both the bottom and top rows, soft and pleasant to the touch. Any composition on these strings will sound in bright and rich notes.

Characteristics

Instrument: acoustic guitar, 6
Calibers: standard
Tension: Medium (Hit)
Material: black nylon

Why this model was chosen

The stable and soft sound with balanced upper and lower rows is admirable and allows you to appreciate the true sound of the guitar.

Pros: low price, soft coating, rich sound.

Cons: black color of the strings (can blend in with the color of the fretboard and create visual inconvenience for playing), not too long service life.

Owners of classical Spanish guitars are delighted with this model. They are resistant to various playing techniques, produce an excellent undistorted sound and are pleasant to the touch on the fingertips.

Despite the rapid wear and tear, this model is well distributed on the musical instrument market, and purchasing a set will not be difficult due to its large production volumes.

Acoustic Guitar Strings Comparison Chart

Strings/ Characteristics
Sound	+	–	+
Price	–	+	+
Appearance	+	+	–
Coating	+	+	+

Based on the presented table of results, it can be seen that each string model is famous for both its advantageous advantages and some disadvantages.

To make a choice, you need to decide what the buyer will get from the strings and choose a model that meets these criteria. For some, it’s the sound of the strings, while others would prefer that they last a long time and wear out little.

The best strings for bass guitar

Musicians of all genres and styles among the choice of bass guitar strings highlight the D`Addario EXL 170-5 45-130 set.

The preference is explained by the fact that this model has many advantages: high-precision, bright and resonant sound, nickel winding, excellent magnetic properties.

Characteristics

Instrument: bass guitar XL series, 5
Calibers: 45-65-80-100-130
Tension: Regular Light
Material: Nickel plated steel

Why this model was chosen

Among other strings, this model stands out for its aesthetics and rich appearance. The creators have made efforts to achieve sound and aesthetic results.

Pros: Clear top and bottom sound, flexibility, extended service life.

Cons: this model is not suitable for all playing styles, the strings stretch over time when used, overpriced.

According to reviews, the sound is not satisfactory: clear, without distortion. The top row is balanced with the bottom. But there are also some disadvantages. They stretch when used and sometimes need to be tightened.

Quality and style allow you to get the most out of your guitar playing experience. Pleasant tactile sensations, design and clear sound are combined in this model.

Characteristics

Instrument: bass guitar series, 5
Calibers: 45-65-85-105-135
Tension: standard
Material: galvanized bright steel

Why this model was chosen

The choice among the middle class of strings is made difficult by the fact that the models do not have distinctive features.

Element 45-130 is a middle price class, but its characteristics are in no way inferior to expensive models. The model is a must-have for beginners and experienced guitarists.

Pros: affordable average price, quality of winding, choice of model configuration.

Disadvantages: the musical string produces rattling, the strings require regular maintenance.

Buyers note that the strings emphasize a clear sound when playing and are convenient for musical compositions, but they are not suitable for non-standard options. Therefore, new musical styles cannot be played.

The Elixir15433 Nanoweb Medium model, despite its low popularity, has gained recognition among the community of guitarists who are looking for a new sound.

Characteristics

Instrument: bass guitar single, 5
Calibers: 45-65-80-100-130
Tension: Medium B

Why this model was chosen

Thanks to the steel core and nickel plating, the strings stand out for their clarity and midrange density. The special coating creates a natural feel for the guitarist.

Pros: low cost, smooth engagement, clear, balanced sound.

Cons: short service life, the strings are hard to press against the fingerboard and require considerable effort when playing.

Reviews agree that the strings are designed for experienced guitarists. Due to lack of experience, it is difficult to properly hook thick strings and press them against the fingerboard. High-level sound: low and high range of sound without distortion. Low price.

Comparison table of bass guitar strings

Strings/ Characteristics
Sound	+	–	+
Price	–	+	+
Appearance	+	+	+
Coating	+	+	+

What are the best acoustic guitar strings to buy?

As a result of comparing the considered options, it follows that the best option for a bass guitar is Elixir 15433 Nanoweb Medium.

The best strings for an electric guitar

D'Addario EJ47

One of the best models for bold musical experiments is the D’Addario EJ47. The presented version is able to withstand any elements of guitar playing. Can easily play musical pieces of varying complexity.

Characteristics

Instrument: electric guitar, 6

Calibers: 09-12-16-34-44

Tension: Normal

Material: nickel plated steel

Why this model was chosen

Pros: low cost, high degree of stretch, small winding thickness.

Cons: low service life, corrosion, plaque, soft winding hardness.

If you have already purchased an acoustic guitar for yourself and want to take a set of spare strings for it, but still don’t know which ones to choose or have no idea about them at all, then in this article I will try to reveal all the secrets to you and answer such an important question: how to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?

What do you need to know first?

When choosing strings for your guitar, I would advise you to be careful about the opinions of the so-called “experts”. This is especially true for unfortunate salespeople in music stores, who for the most part are not particularly professional and want to push you the most expensive or stale product in the window, but are not as interested in helping you choose strings for an acoustic guitar.

I am sure that during his creative life any guitarist will try more than a dozen different strings and change his preferences more than once, because a person’s requirements and taste change over time, and string production technologies also do not stand in one place. Quite often, professionals have several different guitars and, accordingly, for each they select a separate set of strings that are best suited in terms of physical and sound parameters. Therefore, it makes no sense to give any advice on choosing certain brands of strings. But on the other hand, I will try to introduce you to modern types of strings and their design differences.

Deciding before purchasing

As I already talked about in the article, you first need to decide what kind of guitar you will master. Whether it is a classical guitar or an acoustic one, the strings will also be different; in fact, the strings are almost the whole difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar.

When choosing strings for your acoustic guitar in a store, you will definitely encounter a problem that did not exist when you were choosing your instrument. I’ll tell you what this problem is now. Before purchasing, you will not be able to listen to how the strings sound in order to choose the most suitable ones for yourself. Therefore, first, consult with friends or acquaintances of guitarists who have experience behind them before you decide to buy strings.

String thickness

You need to decide what thickness of strings suits you best. Keep in mind that to play thick strings confidently, you must have well-trained fingers on your left hand. As a rule, the diameter of the 1st string in different sets can vary from 0.008 to 0.013 inches. The thicker the strings, the richer and more voluminous the guitar will sound.

Winding material

Copper or its various alloys. These strings are the most common and most often used on acoustic guitars and are therefore less expensive.

Silver coating. This metal has little effect on the sound, but has a good effect on aesthetic qualities. Strings with this coating do not fade, look beautiful and do not leave dark marks on the fingers.

Brass or phosphor bronze. Such strings will be more durable and, unlike copper ones, will have a slightly different sound.

String winding type

Round winding. Strings with such a winding will have a ringing and bright sound, especially immediately after replacement, but not for a long time.

Flat winding. When choosing such strings, keep in mind that their sound will be dull, as if muffled.

The 1st and 2nd strings are always made without winding. The 6th, 5th and 4th bass strings are always wound. The 3rd string most often comes without a winding, but in thicker sets with a winding, which gives its sound a more beautiful and rich sound, but it also has a drawback. Due to the fact that the winding is very thin, it often breaks and becomes unusable, and because of this it is necessary to change the entire set.

Classical Guitar Strings

Synthetic (nylon) strings. The first three strings consist of nylon fishing line, but the bass strings are made of a large number of threads of exactly the same nylon and have an external metal winding, most often made of copper, less often of silver or brass (phosphorus bronze).

High density synthetic. These strings, unlike nylon strings, are made of carbon fishing line, and at the same time have an increased density and a thinner diameter. Such strings are characterized by a ringing, pronounced sound. The disadvantage is the high price.

Strings on a steel cable. The strings are relatively soft and have different windings: the first three are with nylon tape, and the 6th, 5th and 4th are with silver-plated copper. These strings have virtually no stretch and change pitch quite quickly when the pegs are turned. They are less popular due to their high price and are quite unusual.

Synthallic strings. They are characterized at the metal level by high sound brightness and the usual softness like nylon. They tune up quickly, the winding does not wear out so much from contact with the frets, and these strings also allow you to make “braces.” Maintains tune and rich timbre for several months without changing.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Monolithic steel strings. The core of these strings consists of high-strength, so-called “piano steel”, from which the first three strings are also made. Alloys based on copper or phosphorus bronze are most often used as windings, and the windings differ in hardness and elasticity, while imparting different rigidity to the strings. This in turn affects the sound of the instrument and the comfort of playing with your fingers.

Steel strings with semicircular or flat winding. Such a winding can lie flat side out. These strings are a type of string with a solid steel base. When sliding fingers along the coils, the windings do not make a “whistle”. They are characterized by a more matte sound on bass strings and a more ringing sound on unwound strings.

Steel strings covered with thin synthetic material. There are two types of them. The first type includes strings in which on top of the metal winding there is another additional thin tape winding consisting of Teflon - a synthetic material that has low friction and good wear resistance. Protects the twisted string from dirt and moisture and reduces wear from contact with the frets. The second type differs in that, according to the technology, the wire winding the strings is already enclosed in a plastic sheath. Disadvantage - the gaps between the turns are less protected from contamination and sweat from the fingers, but they more effectively reduce wear from contact with the frets. These two types of strings are quite expensive and lack the iridescent sound that is characteristic of round wound strings.

Let's sum it up

When choosing strings for an acoustic guitar, you need to decide what sound you personally like, what kind of guitar you have and, not least, what kind of music you will play or already play. But for beginner guitarists who have no experience, I would advise the following:

Try to always tune the strings using a tuner or tuning fork, because the instrument will not be able to sound fully if it is not tuned correctly. Do not over-tighten the strings so as not to deform them or break them at the most inopportune moment. Also, you shouldn’t tighten the strings loosely, because the sound will be less dense and loud, and the tuning will “float.” Keep in mind that even if you take the most expensive strings, but don’t tune them correctly, they will sound much worse than cheap ones, but correctly tuned and matched to the hands and guitar of a particular player.

Perhaps this is the most important information for those who asked the question: “How to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?” I hope that I was able to help you in some way and will be glad if you write a comment, adding your information to this article. Don't forget to share with your friends on social networks, they might also be interested in knowing this. The next article will be about how to choose strings for an electric guitar. So, if anyone is interested, wait for updates on the site. Good luck to you!