- Looking for the best acoustic guitar strings but don’t know what to pick?
- This guide puts forward guitar strings for various styles and needs
- Our top picks include Martin, D’Addario, Elixir, Ernie Ball, and others
- Also, check out our separate guide to the best electric guitar strings.
When an acoustic sounds good, it increases your confidence in your abilities. It’s a darn good reason every guitar player should invest in the best acoustic guitar strings they can afford.
High-quality strings are an inexpensive way to overhaul the ‘personality’ of your instrument. It’s a cheap experiment and never a bad idea. Except there are countless acoustic string sets on the market, most with overhyped descriptions and underwhelming reviews.
So, we created this guide to help you find the best strings for your acoustic guitar.
Most acoustic strings use one of three types of material; phosphor bronze strings, 80/20 bronze strings, or nylon, each with different sounds, playing feel, and lifespan.
There are less popular departures like White Bronze, Silk ‘n Steel, Aluminum Bronze, and Nickel Bronze alloys.
After years of first-hand experience and a quick refresh of the current market, we put forth the best of the best and highlight how they sound and who should get them.
We reviewed each set based on five attributes – material, tone, playability, durability, and cost.
The Best Acoustic Guitars Strings – Our Top Picks
The D’Addario EJ16s are the best multi-use acoustic guitar strings we’ve ever used. This affordable and versatile set is the best you can get for very little money. Moreover, the breadth of choices in string gauges makes it a top choice for all types of guitars and guitarists.
The Martin Retro Monel Acoustic Guitar Strings are the best-sounding acoustic guitar strings we’ve come across. They last long, mature like wine, and feel great against the fingers. Allow them to settle in, and they may never leave your guitar.
Lastly, we recommend the Elixir Nanoweb set as the best uncoated acoustic guitar strings. They sound great for 3x longer but come at a price point only committed players will consider.
Here are the seven best acoustic guitar strings that can level up your tone and confidence:
- D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Value)
- Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Martin Retro MMM12 Monel Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Overall)
- DR Rare RPM Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best For Strumming)
- D’Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best For Fingerpicking)
- Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Coated)
- Pyramid Western Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Vintage)
1. D’Addario EJ16 PB Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Value)
These strings utilize phosphor bronze wrap wires, contributing a warm and vibrant tone that suits most playing applications. Introduced to the D’Addario line in 1974, Phosphor bronze strings are known for their impressive durability — a trait especially important for players who put in a lot of hours on the fretboard.
- Color-coded ball ends
- Corrosion-resistant packaging
- Exceptional sound
The best acoustic guitar strings for beginners, hobbyists, and pros who want value.
At some stage of your guitar journey, you’ll be curious to find the best strings for acoustic guitars. One name will repeatedly come up when you ask around (online or IRL): D’Addario EJ16.
These phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings are a community favorite for three reasons – they sound great, last long, and come at an attractive price.
Pros
- Clear, bright, transparent tone
- Durable and versatile
- Best acoustic guitar strings for beginners
Cons
- There are better options for fingerstyle players
Review
D’Addario is a giant in the guitar string manufacturing segment, and these top-rated guitar strings bear witness to their excellence. The EJ16s have been around for a while.
They started out as a roaring success and have consistently featured among the bestsellers ever since.
These phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings strike a balance between rounded warmth and lively brightness. They play wonderfully and respond well to fingerpicking and guitar picks.
With basic string maintenance, they will retain warmth and bite for a few weeks of heavy play.
Who should buy this set of acoustic guitar strings?
The EJ16 may not be as refined as other options, but they sound nice and balanced, no matter the guitar. The light acoustic guitar strings are ideal for beginners.
They are particularly good for players who shift between fingerpicking, flat-picking and strumming but opt for the DR Rare strings if you love to dig in.
Verdict
We chose the D’Addario EJ16 acoustic guitar strings because they work for everyone. Their bright, clear tones may not “wow” you, but they are unlikely to disappoint.
These guitar strings are backed by hundreds of glowing reviews, and you get a cut-price deal if you buy in bulk.
What are the best alternatives to consider? The Martin MA540 and Ernie Ball 2146 Earthwood sets are excellent acoustic guitar strings for the money. Try DR Rare RPMs if you like to dig in.
2. Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings feature more projection and clarity than traditional bronze strings, while also providing improved corrosion resistance. These Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Strings are made with Ernie Ball Maraging Steel hex cores and Aluminum Bronze wrap wire which provides more pronounced lows coupled with crisp brilliant highs.
- Durable
- Bright, clear, loud tones
- Excellent clarity
The best acoustic guitar strings for long-lasting performance and an increased presence.
It’s only been a few years since their launch, but the Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze (AB) set has enough die-hard fans to qualify as a cult. These strings use a steel hex core with an aluminum-bronze wrap wire, which gives them a unique sound.
They have a longer wear time, but the strings don’t last as long as monels or treated/coated strings.
Pros
- Deep bass and crisp high-end
- Great clarity and projection
- Mature quickly and last fairly long
- One-of-their-kind acoustic guitar strings
Cons
- Rough texture (not slinky)
- Not as loud as Phosphor Bronze strings
Review
These aluminum bronze acoustic guitar strings take an hour or two to settle in and age gracefully over weeks of heavy play. They have higher tension than PB strings and are coarser and more brittle than other uncoated guitar strings.
These Ernie Ball acoustic guitar strings have loads of clarity but less warmth and volume than standard PB or bronze sets. Expect deep lows, slightly scooped mid-range, and rounded highs.
Moreover, the unique alloy has a distinctly perky tone with loads of depth.
Who should buy this set of acoustic guitar strings?
These guitar strings are a great match for OM, dreadnaught, Grand Concert, or Grand Auditorium-style guitars, especially if you want a more pronounced low end.
You can pair them with various tonewoods (Sitka, Sapele, mahogany, ovangkol) to bring out more warmth.
Verdict
Aluminum bronze acoustic guitar strings offer a very different flavor of tone. Many players love them to bits, and others disregard them completely. It’s best to pick sides after you try the Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Guitar Strings, the only AB set in the current market.
You pay $11 for the experiment but may end up with a keeper, as many others have.
What’s the next best alternative to consider? Ernie Ball has patented the alloy, so you will have to experiment with other unusual alloys to find something comparable.
3. Martin Retro Monel Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Overall)
The MM12 Retro acoustic guitar strings represent yet another quality, vintage-inspired set of strings in Martin’s Retro line. These strings harken back to the 1930s when nickel ruled the acoustic world. Made from Monel, a solid nickel/copper wrap, the MM12s let your acoustic’s natural wood tone ring through with a full low end, a high-end snap, and a solid midrange.
- Superior acoustic tone
- Monel nickel/copper alloy wrap wire
- Strings produce a crisp sound
The acoustic strings you buy on a whim and can’t stop talking about in the green room.
The Martin Retro Monel Set consists of round core strings with two steel strings (high E and B) and four monel-wound strings. Monel refers to the nickel-copper alloy, which gives these strings retro character and corrosion-resistant properties.
They are arguably the most balanced, if not the best sounding acoustic guitar strings we’ve laid our hands on.
Pros
- Sounds are even, balanced, and clear
- Corrosion-resistant strings
- Excellent durability and playing feel
- The best strings for all-mahogany acoustic guitars
Cons
- Strings take time to settle in
Review
There are four reasons most guitar players rave about these acoustic guitar strings – a) they bring out the intricacies of your playing, b) the strumming sounds are very balanced and clear, c) they handle amplification well, and d) less breakage and rusting.
Without getting into the mechanics of the design, these guitar strings really milk the finesse out of an instrument. It means they work with the tonewood instead of injecting their own tone into it. Their sounds get woody as the strings age but do not become dull for weeks.
These acoustic guitar strings have a full-bodied sound, and they deliver a superlative balance of brightness and warmth. The sounds are neither mellow nor as bright are PB or 80/20 strings either, no matter the volume. Plus, the strings are stable (tuning-wise) and settle in quickly.
Who should buy the Martin Retro Monel Acoustic Guitar Strings?
Consider the Martin Retros if you find traditional acoustic strings too brittle or zingy. The cutting brightness is gone without sacrificing clarity across the tonal palette.
They are an excellent choice for vocal accompaniment as they can sit lower in the mix when needed. You can use them on an inherently loud/bright acoustic to tame it with a touch of warmth.
Verdict
Martin Monel strings were all the rage in the 1940s before they were phased out. We owe it to Tony Rice, who urged Martin to bring them back. Frankly, these strings will appeal to a wide range of acoustic guitar players as they are loud with ample clarity on either end. But definitely consider this set for dreads, all-mahogany guitars, and archtops. You won’t regret it.
What’s the next best alternative to consider? The SIT Monels acoustic guitar strings and D’Addario Nickel Bronze sets have comparable warmth and fundamental-dominating tones.
4. DR Rare RPM Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best For Strumming)
DR developed Rare Phosphor Bronze strings as part of a quest to invent an alternate fresh voice for acoustic guitars. Rare strings add an extra bold splash of volume, sustain, and low-end definition and are a solid pick for solo or group players looking for a wider tone with the retained warmth of bronze strings.
- Lively and loud, with great fundamental tones
- Great bass response
- Strings are long-lasting
The best acoustic guitar strings if you love to dig in or strum up a storm.
The DR Rare series does not get much attention, but these underdogs can make guitars roar and ring with conviction. We picked RPM-12 – a phosphor bronze set with one forthright claim – to produce a bold and strong voice.
You can buy sets in various gauges and for 12’vers; either way, consider these no-frills acoustic guitar strings if you love to play with conviction.
Pros
- Lively and loud, with great fundamental tones
- Great bass response
- Strings are long-lasting
- Best guitar strings for big-body acoustics
Cons
- Less overall warmth
- Not easy to bend
Review
At $18 for a 3-pack, the DR acoustic guitar strings deliver high-quality sounds at an attractive price. They offer the familiar warmth of bronze but with added definition, volume, and sustain. That’s why these strings appeal to a wide range of players, both classical and modern.
On the right acoustic guitar, the DR strings render loud, warm, and fat sounds. Responsive to fingertips and pick attack, they ring out firmly until restrained. Though not the ‘best’ for fingerstyle, the strings respond reasonably well to softer styles of guitar playing.
Who should get these acoustic guitar strings?
Consider this set of acoustic guitar strings for strumming, thumb-picking, or percussive fingerstyle guitar. They are well-suited for big-bodied guitars and carved arch-tops, particularly those made from rosewood and maple.
The strings can also improve the brightness, sustain, and projection of darker tonewoods.
The string-gauge ranges from 0.010 to 0.013 for low E, which means you can find the best guitar strings for your playing style. The Rare-Series also has a Bluegrass set (12-56), a high-value pick for dreadnaught, mini-jumbos, or slope-D guitars.
Verdict
These are among the best acoustic strings for guitar players who want a majestic tone, rich sustain, and clear sounds. They are super versatile, meaning they are as handy in a studio as in a campfire jam.
Durability-wise, these strings don’t sound dull for weeks. Moreover, you can strum a whirlwind without tinny harshness or a loss of low-end definition.
What are the best alternatives to consider? The DR Sunbeams Phosphor Bronze set (round core) has better overtones and is easier on the fingers.
5. D’Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel Acoustic Strings (Best For Fingerpicking)
By coupling silver-plated copper wrap wire with silk, D'Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel acoustic guitar strings produce a warm, mellow tone that's ideal for fingerstyle playing. These strings are excellent for smaller-body acoustic guitars.
- Great for folk guitarists
- Mellow, warm, and pleasing tonality
- Silky feel and reduced finger noise
The best acoustic guitar strings for beginners with soft digits and fingerpickers, too.
Traditional acoustic strings consist of a steel core wire and the outer wrap wire made from an alloy (Phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze). Silk and steel strings sport a thin layer of silk filament between the core and outer wrap wire.
Imaginably that changes the playability and tonality and moves it close to acoustic, classical guitar strings.
Pros
- Mellow, warm, and pleasing tonality
- Silky feel and reduced finger noise
- Low tension makes it easy to finger chords
- Best acoustic guitar strings for folksy pursuits
Cons
- Limited gauge choice (mostly 10 or 11)
- Not for Dreadnaught or Jumbo Acoustic Guitars
Review
I’ve tried silk-wrapped acoustic guitar strings by Martin, Pyramid, GHS, John Pearce, and others. The D’Addarios were (IME) the best strings for a mid-sized acoustic guitar.
That’s because the EJ40 set feels great against the fingers, has lower string tension, and is reasonably priced.
These light-gauge acoustic strings are intended for smaller-body sizes OM, 000, 00, or parlor guitars. They sound warm/mellow and are very responsive to touch. There is very little string noise when you move around the neck or change chords.
Since they are inherently mellow-sounding, you can dig in without getting a bright initial attack.
Who should buy the D’Addario EJ40 Acoustic Guitar Strings?
The D’Addario EJ50 acoustic guitar strings are best suited for fingerpicking guitarists and folk-sized acoustics.
These low-tension strings have additional flex and are soft on the digits, which makes them a top choice for students, electric guitar players (who occasionally play acoustics), and people who suffer from arthritis or chronic muscle soreness.
Are silk and steel acoustic strings good for strumming?
Yes, silk and steel acoustic strings lend well to strumming, but they have a warm, played-in tone – neither bright nor dark. They don’t have the top-end sparkle or “zing” you hear with 80/20 or phosphor bronze strings.
Verdict
The D’Addario EJ40 Acoustic Guitar Strings are a wise investment if you play fingerstyle, prefer a lighter gauge, or primarily play an electric but need acoustic guitar work here and there.
I would also recommend the Martin MA130FX Flexible Core Set, which has a thinner core for added flex and comfort.
What are the best alternatives to consider? Martin Silk & Steel, Thomastik-Infeld Plectrums, and GHS Silk & Bronze are excellent changeovers.
6. Elixir Nanoweb PB Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Coated)
Elixir Acoustic Nanoweb strings don’t just sound great; their micro-thin coating keeps them sounding great for much longer than average strings. If you want to keep your guitar tone consistently great day in and day out, then the Elixir Acoustic Nanoweb strings are the way to go!
- Clear sound and balanced tone
- No break-in period
- Reduced finger noise and squeaks
The best coated acoustic guitar strings for beginners and pros.
People who shift from 80/20 and bright PB acoustic strings may need a moment to accept the awesomeness of coated acoustic guitar strings. But many guitar players have successfully made this shift.
Most go around forums brandishing why everyone should take the plunge too.
Pros
- Clear sound and balanced tone
- No break-in period
- Reduced finger noise and squeaks
- The best long-lasting acoustic guitar strings
Cons
- Playing feel can be hit-or-miss
- Pricey
Review
Elixir acoustic guitar strings are an acquired taste, meaning you may struggle with a few things initially – a) the tactile feel of strings, b) the perceived tension of the high strings, and c) the slightly dark sound because nanoweb coating blocks the high-end frequencies.
But if you endure the cognitive discomfort, there are many pros to enjoy. The Elixir acoustic strings cut down finger noise, stay in tune well, and last LONG.
Additionally, coated acoustic guitar strings are a wise choice for players with sweaty or “acid hands.”
Who should get the Elixir Nanoweb PB Acoustic Guitar String Set?
The Elixir strings sound snappy for longer than their uncoated counterparts. They are ideal for gigging musicians who’d otherwise change sets twice a week.
These strings sound bright and clear for several months, particularly if you play with clean hands and wipe them after each session. They are also the best acoustic guitar strings for players with acidic hand chemistry.
Verdict
There is a whole range of Elixir Nanowebs to choose from. They are an excellent choice if you want coated acoustic guitar strings because they last longer and sound consistent till the last minute.
The strings are pricey, and the coating does dampen the top end slightly. But the extended lifespan vindicates the asking price and is a blessing for players with acidic chemistry.
What are the best alternatives to consider? The DR Veritas and Martin MA540T are other best-selling coated/treated acoustic guitar strings to consider.
7. Pyramid Western Acoustic Guitar Strings (Best Vintage)
The Pyramid Western strings are the ideal semi-light acoustic strings for those looking for a clean and evenly developed tones. They stay in tune over long periods and are gentle on the fingers.
- Mellow and smooth tone
- They mature very well
- Affordable price
We’ll call it a day with the German-made Pyramid Western set, which is one of the best-selling acoustic guitar strings on the other side of the pond. This is a full set of round wound phosphor bronze strings with a hex core, available in all string gauges.
P.S. You can also find a similar set of strings with a round core that is easier on the digits.
Pros
- Mellow and smooth tone
- They mature very well
- Affordable price
- Best acoustic guitar strings for singer-songwriters
Cons
- Lack of top-end ‘zing’
Review
These acoustic guitar strings are famous for producing warm, mellow tones with exceptional articulation.
The strings stay in tune well and feel good to the fingers. So, committed players can confidently experiment with a set to check if they are the best fit for their musical instrument.
The Pyramid Western strings aren’t bright or zingy, so they are a poor fit if you like sparkling sounds. However, they have an old-school charm with lots of depth and overtones.
The guitar strings settle seamlessly and sound warmer as they age, usually after a week of heavy use or more.
Who should get these acoustic guitar strings?
Consider these strings if you dabble in jazz, indie, folk, or singer-songwriter genres. They are a great way to tame the bass response of a guitar and are worth considering for DADGAD or other open tunings.
Conversely, skip them if you are into jangly strumming or top-end shimmer.
What are the best alternatives to consider? Try the GHS PB or Martin Monel sets if these guitar strings don’t work for you.
Verdict
The Pyramid Western Acoustic Guitar Strings have a ’boutique’ reputation but aren’t priced like upper-range string sets.
We’ve tried these strings on a handful of guitars, and the results were admirable. They are a shoo-in for any acoustic guitar player seeking warm tones with clarity.
FAQs
What Is The Most Common Acoustic Guitar String Gauge?
12-gauge strings are the most common acoustic guitar string gauge since most modern guitars ship with 12-gauge stock strings. They are the standard for any off-the-rack acoustic you see in a music store.
However, the 10-47 and 11-52 sets are the best acoustic guitar strings for beginners because they are easy on the fingers.
Which Strings Are Best For An Acoustic Guitar?
We recommend the D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze set as the best non-coated guitar strings for a wide range of guitars (shapes/tonewoods) and playing styles (strumming, flatpicking, and fingerstyle).
The Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 are the best acoustic guitar-coated strings.
Which Acoustic Guitar Strings Are Easiest On The Fingers?
Generally, an uncoated light-gauge set of phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings are the easiest on the fingers.
Silk and steel acoustic guitar strings like D’Addario EJ40, Martin MA130, and Ernie Ball 2047 Earthwood (80/20) sets are considered the best-sounding acoustic guitar strings for fingerpicking and fingerstyle players.
How Often Should You Change Acoustic Guitar Strings?
The frequency of replacing your acoustic guitar strings depends on how much you play your instrument.
Performing musicians replace acoustic guitar strings once a week, and students can replace them once a month to three months. As a thumb rule, the best time to change guitar strings is when there is a noticeable decline in the quality of the tone and sustain.
What Acoustic Guitar Strings Are Best For Strumming?
The best strumming sounds are individual, so no one string will sound perfect on every type of guitar.
We can point to some of the best-sounding acoustic guitar strings for strumming, which are the DR Rare, DR Sunbeams, Pyramids Western, and GHS Bronze and Silk acoustic guitar string sets.
Do Thicker Acoustic Guitar Strings Sound Better?
Thicker acoustic guitar strings sound different (not better) than thinner strings. The thickness is determined by four acoustic guitar string gauges – 10, 11, 12, and 13-gauge.
Thick strings sound louder and beefier, and light acoustic guitar strings have a brighter tonality and are easier to bend.
The best sound boils down to personal preference and the demands of the musical style you play.
Before you go, check out our guide to the 11 Best Acoustic & Electric Guitar Slides (Metal, Glass & Ceramic)!