Choosing Acoustic Guitar Strings

Obtaining the best sound from an acoustic guitar is a combination of equipment, talent, technique and practice. Choosing appropriate strings is integral to overall quality and time invested is rewarded by excellence of sound.

Factors When Choosing Strings for Acoustic Guitar

There are fundamental factors to be taken into account when deciding upon strings for an acoustic guitar, each important in choosing the suitable string.

• Price
• Type of String
• Gauge of String
• Tone Required
• Age of Guitar

The understanding of these factors will provide relevant knowledge and instill confidence in the player when determining the appropriate acoustic guitar string to purchase.

Price

A basic but fundamental consideration when purchasing guitar strings. Paying more than is necessary for the appropriate strings can be avoided by basic research. Experienced guitar playing friends, a recommended music shop and the Internet are examples of resources to be mined to secure the best deal available.

Type of String

For the beginner, nylon strings are recommended. These are softer and provide less strain for the fingers. If the player is playing classical guitar, continue using nylon strings.

For folk players, ball end nylon strings are recommended. Such strings are heavier than regular nylon and are conducive to a strumming playing style.

For finger picking playing, silk and steel stings are recommended for their sharp sound. Acoustic steel stings should not be used on a classical guitar due to the high tension they generate.

Gauge of String

The gauge of a string refers to its diameter. For the acoustic guitar there are four main gauge options.

• Extra light 10 – 46. Easiest to play and least tension. Good for beginners but prone to producing a thin sound.
• Custom Light Gauge 11 – 52. Ease of playing maintained and produces slightly richer fuller sound.
• Light Gauge 12 – 54. Popular with professional musicians. Higher tuning stability. Not recommended for budget guitar due to higher tension.
• Medium Gauge 13 – 56. One of the highest gauges. Very big, rich tone but difficult to play on some guitars due to high tension.

Tone Required

Players may seek a particular guitar tone. Although a subjective feeling there are general qualities attributed to particular strings.

• Bronze String Type – Clear and bright tone but tendency to fade.
• Phosphor Bronze String Type – Warm tone with longer hold.
• Coated String Type – Rich tone with long retention and life.

Age of Guitar

A new guitar is generally robust enough to allow the player the option of a variety of strings. If the player is in possession of a vintage instrument more care should be taken. Older guitars were designed to be strung with gut string and require a very light gauge.

It is recommended that a vintage instrument be inspected professionally for structural soundness before new strings are purchased to ensure no problem with neck tension when strings are applied.

How Often Should Guitar Strings Be Changed?

To maintain ease of playing, tone and quality of sound change strings every five to six weeks. Players can experiment with different gauge and string type to obtain preferred tone and optimise guitar sound to fullest extent.

Strings For An Acoustic Guitar

Choosing appropriate strings will aid technique, enhance quality and improve confidence of the player. Time invested in this aspect of guitar maintenance will add pleasure for player and listener alike.