Everything You Need to Know About Acoustic and Electric Guitar Strings

Guitar strings might look simple, but they have a big impact on your sound, feel, and playability. Whether you’re playing blues, classical, or heavy metal, using the right strings for your instrument and style can take your playing to the next level. With so many options, understanding what works best for you is key to getting the tone and comfort you want.

Guitar String Basics: Number, Name & Order

How Many Guitar Strings are There?

Most standard guitars have six strings. However, some guitars have 7, 8, or even 12 strings for extended range or special styles. For beginners and most players, the six-string setup is the norm and offers all the range needed for most genres.

What are the Names of Guitar Strings?

The strings are named based on pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and high E. Starting from the thickest (lowest pitch) to the thinnest (highest pitch), the names go: E, A, D, G, B, E.

What is the Order of Strings?

From the thickest (top when holding the guitar) to the thinnest (bottom), the order is: 6th (Low E), 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), 1st (High E). Knowing the order helps with tuning, learning chords, and following guitar tabs.

Types of Guitar Strings

You can choose guitar strings based on the type of material the string itself is made of, winding type, the type of guitar you own, and string size (gauge). Each factor affects tone, feel, and durability.

String Material

Stainless Steel Strings

Stainless steel strings are bright, crisp, and resistant to corrosion. They’re great for cutting through a mix but can feel a bit rough on the fingers and may produce more finger noise.

Nickel Strings

Pure nickel strings have a warmer, vintage tone. Nickel-plated steel strings are brighter and more balanced. They’re both popular for electric guitars and offer a smooth feel with good sustain.

Nylon Strings

Used on classical and flamenco guitars, nylon strings produce a soft, mellow tone. They’re gentle on the fingers but aren’t made for steel-string acoustics or electric guitars.

Phosphor Bronze Strings

These are warm and bright with strong midrange clarity. They’re perfect for acoustic guitars but can wear quickly and darken in tone over time.

Flat Wound Strings

A type of string that has a smooth, ribbon-like outer winding, unlike the ridged surface of a traditional roundwound string.

How Do I Know Which Guitar Strings to Buy?

Choosing strings by material depends on your guitar type and the sound you want.

• If you play electric guitar, nickel-plated steel strings are the most common and work well for most genres.
• If you’re into blues or vintage rock, pure nickel gives a warmer tone.
• Stainless steel is a good pick if you want a sharp, bright sound with less corrosion.
• For acoustic guitars, phosphor bronze strings offer a rich tone with warmth and brightness.
• 80/20 bronze strings are another option, giving a brighter, punchier sound.
• Nylon strings are only for classical guitars or beginner nylon-string acoustics; never use them on a steel-string guitar.

Overall, match the material to your instrument and your style of music.

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Winding Type

Winding type affects tone and feel, especially for wound strings (usually strings 3–6).

Roundwound Strings

These are the most common type. They’re bright and have a textured feel, but can be noisy when fingers slide across.

Flatwound Strings

Smoother and darker sounding, flatwounds are popular in jazz and blues. They produce less finger noise but feel stiffer. They have a very smooth feel and produce a mellow, warm, and dark tone with less sustain and a more percussive attack.

Half-Round Strings

These are a middle ground. They offer a smoother feel than roundwounds with more brightness than flatwounds, but can be more expensive.

How Do I Choose the Right Guitar Strings?

Start with your genre and comfort level.

• If you play rock, blues, or metal, steel or nickel roundwound strings give you the brightness and bite you need.
• For jazz or studio work, flatwound strings reduce finger noise and give a smooth, mellow tone.
• Half-rounds are great for players who want less string noise but still some of the clarity and brightness of roundwounds.

Consider feel too. Roundwounds are rougher, while flatwounds feel smooth but can be stiffer. If you’re unsure, roundwounds are a safe, versatile starting point for most players.

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Guitar Type

Your guitar determines which string type you need. Using the wrong strings can damage your instrument or ruin your tone.

Bass Guitar Strings

These are thick, low-tuned strings made for bass guitars. They’re available in roundwound, flatwound, or tapewound.

Classical Guitar Strings

Use only nylon strings for these instruments, as steel strings can damage a classical guitar’s neck and body.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Use bronze or phosphor bronze strings, usually with steel cores. Never use nylon or electric strings on an acoustic.

Electric Guitar Strings

Use nickel or stainless steel strings. Acoustic-specific strings won’t work properly with magnetic pickups.

String Size/Gauge

String gauge refers to how thick the strings are. Thinner strings are easier to play; thicker ones are louder and more durable.

Extra Light/Super Light (0.008-0.038)

Very easy to play and bend. Great for beginners or light fingerstyle, but can lack volume and break more easily.

Light (0.009-0.042)

Balanced between playability and tone. Works well for most playing styles and genres.

Medium (0.010-0.046)

Richer tone and more volume, but harder on the fingers. Great for strumming and flatpicking.

Heavy (0.011-0.052)

Very full sound and strong resistance. Good for drop tunings and aggressive playing but tough on fingers and frets.

Which Guitar String Gauge Should You Use?

Your choice depends on your playing style, experience, and guitar.

• Beginners often start with light or extra-light strings for easier fretting.
• Fingerstyle players may prefer lighter gauges for a softer touch.
• Strummers and flatpickers may like medium strings for volume and durability.
• Heavy strings are good for heavy-handed players, slide guitar, or down-tuning.

Keep in mind that switching gauges may require a setup change on your guitar, including adjusting the truss rod or nut. When in doubt, try a light gauge first. It offers good flexibility without giving up too much tone.

Caring for Guitar Strings

Improve the lifespan of your strings and improve the way your strings sound by taking care of them properly.

How Do I Care for Guitar Strings?

Keep your strings clean by wiping them down after each use. Oils and sweat can make them corrode faster. Store your guitar in a case to protect strings from humidity and dust.

How Often Should I Replace My Guitar Strings?

If you play daily, change strings every 2–4 weeks. Occasional players can wait 1–2 months. Replace them when they sound dull, feel rough, or are hard to tune.

Can I Boil Guitar Strings to Clean Them?

Yes, boiling can temporarily remove grime and restore brightness, especially on bass strings. But it weakens the metal, so it’s not a long-term solution and we recommend just buying new strings instead.

Why Do My Guitar Strings Keep Breaking?

Common causes include sharp bridge edges, worn frets, over-tightening, or old strings. Make sure your guitar is properly set up and check for sharp spots.

How Do I Replace a Broken String?

• Loosen and remove the broken string.
• Insert the new string through the bridge.
• Pull the string through the tuning peg.
• Leave a little slack, then begin tightening while winding neatly.
• Tune to pitch.
• Stretch the string gently by hand and retune.
• Clip the excess string.
• Repeat for any additional broken strings.

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Choosing the Right String

Pricing

Budget strings can start around $5, while premium coated or custom sets can go over $20. Higher-priced strings often last longer and sound better, but even affordable options can be great depending on your needs.

Playstyle

Light fingerstyle players often prefer lighter strings for comfort. Aggressive strummers or metal players may prefer medium or heavy strings for volume and durability. Genre and feel matter!

Guitar Type

Always choose strings made for your guitar type. Electric strings don’t work well on acoustics, and steel strings can damage a classical guitar. Each guitar is built for specific string tension and material.

Brand

There are many great guitar string brands, each offering something unique.

• D’Addario is known for consistent quality and wide variety. Their strings are reliable, affordable, and used by many pros.
• Ernie Ball offers a bright tone and smooth feel, especially popular with electric guitarists. However, they may wear out a bit faster than coated options.
• Elixir strings are coated for long life and smooth playability. They last much longer but cost more and may feel slightly slick to some players.
• GHS Strings are known for their powerful tone and wide selection, especially for bass players. They’re affordable but not as long-lasting.
• Fender strings are solid, with a classic tone that matches well with Fender guitars. They’re dependable but not as innovative as some other brands.
• NYXL (by D’Addario) are premium electric strings that offer strong tuning stability and break resistance. They’re pricier but great for players who bend and shred a lot.
• Stringjoy makes boutique, hand-crafted strings with customizable sets. They offer excellent tone and feel, but with a higher price tag and limited in-store availability.

Trying different brands is the best way to find what fits your style, tone, and budget.

Guitar String FAQs

Steel vs nylon strings – which is better?

Neither is “better”; just better for you and your needs as a guitarist. Steel is for acoustic and electric guitars with bright, strong tones; nylon is for classical guitars and gives a soft, mellow sound.

How much are guitar strings?

Most sets cost between $5 and $20, depending on quality, type, and coating.

What are the 6 strings on a guitar?

From thickest to thinnest: E, A, D, G, B, E.

What are guitar strings made of?

Guitar strings are made from a variety of materials depending on the type of guitar. Electric guitar strings are usually made of steel, nickel, or stainless steel. Acoustic strings are often made from bronze, phosphor bronze, or brass. Classical guitar strings use nylon or a combination of nylon and silver-plated copper. Each material affects the tone, feel, and durability of the strings.

What is the funny acronym for guitar strings?

A common acronym to remember the order of strings from thickest to thinnest is: Eddie Ate Dynamite; Good Bye Eddie. This helps beginners remember the standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, E.

How to change acoustic guitar strings?

To change acoustic guitar strings:

1. Loosen and remove the old strings.
2. Pull the bridge pins out and remove the string ends.
3. Insert the new string ball end into the bridge and replace the pin.
4. Pull the string through the tuning peg, leaving some slack.
5. Wind the string while tightening it, keeping the coils neat.
6. Tune the string to pitch.
7. Stretch the string gently, retune, and repeat until it stays in tune.
8. Clip the excess string. Repeat for all strings.

Can you put electric guitar strings on an acoustic?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Electric guitar strings are made for magnetic pickups and won’t sound right on an acoustic. They also have lower tension, which can affect the guitar’s tone and feel. For the best sound and playability, use acoustic strings on acoustic guitars.

Does acoustic string gauge make a difference?

Yes, it makes a major difference. Lighter gauges are easier to play and better for fingerpicking, but they can sound thinner and break more easily. Heavier gauges produce a fuller, louder sound and are better for strumming, but they’re harder on the fingers and may require a stronger setup.

How do I choose electric strings?

Start by considering your playing style and tone preference. If you want a bright tone and long life, stainless steel is great. For a warmer sound, try pure nickel. Light gauges are easier to play and bend, while heavier gauges offer more sustain and volume. Also, match your string type to your guitar’s scale length and setup.

Still unsure?

Visit or contact Eddie’s Guitars in St. Louis, Missouri, to schedule an appointment. Our expert team can help you find the perfect strings for your playing style and gear.

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Expert Insight From: Griffin Piazza – Electric & Acoustic Guitar Expert
Griffin has over a decade of experience in the music retail industry and a deep knowledge of both electric and acoustic guitars. His hands-on experience helps ensure our recommendations and insights are grounded in real-world expertise.