Find the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginner Players

The acoustic guitar is one of the instruments many people use because of its special sound and outstanding advantages.

However, during playing, the guitar strings frequently break due to unstable-quality strings or a range of other reasons. Therefore, players should note the instructions for choosing the best classical guitar strings and what are the best acoustic guitar strings for beginners through this article.

How to Choose the Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners

There are many different types of acoustic guitar strings, with brands like Martin, Elixir, D’Addario, and Ernie Ball all famous and used by many around the world. So how to pick up the right acoustic string for your instrument?

You should attempt to try some types of strings until you find an acoustic string that sounds good and fits your playing style. In fact, buying guitar strings is like choosing your first guitar, you should not choose the first one you see.

A cheap set of acoustic strings usually won’t last very long, but buying a good set of strings that fits your playing style will bring a lot of fun and great benefits.

1. Sound quality

Do you know the sound quality of an acoustic guitar is partly made by the strings? Strings with good material and stable tension definitely make your guitar become perfect than ever. In addition, directly experiencing the guitar sound will help you feel what kind of strings are right for you.

However, suppose you do not have experience in this. In that case, you should consult experienced guitar players or the consultants at the instrument shop to be able to buy the best acoustic guitar strings.

2. Tension

Each type of guitar string is designed with different materials and sizes. Normally, the guitar’s sound will be louder with big strings with high tension. However, the player must use more strength when playing this acoustic guitar, which might make it difficult for beginners.

It is very easy to bend for lighter gauge strings, which is suitable for beginners and fingerstyle players. In contrast, heavier guitar strings will be harder to play, but they will produce a louder and firmer sound. A dreadnought-style acoustic guitar with a good resonator would be best suited for using medium or heavier strings for a bigger sound.

3. Materials

The material of the strings has a very important impact on the guitar’s sound. Today’s two most common materials used for acoustic guitar strings are copper and phosphor copper. You will often see copper called 80/20 copper because it is made of 80% copper and 20% zinc.

The 80/20 strings provide a bright and sharp sound. Phosphorus copper wire tends to last longer because the metal is protected from oxidation. Phosphorus copper wire creates a warmer sound than 80/20 copper wire.

The coating of the strings plays an important role in the playing feeling and the sound of the strings. Some brands – especially Elixir and D’Addario’s EXP – have very thin coatings that help protect the string from oil, moisture, dirt, and rust, lengthening its life.

Although these strings are usually more expensive, they have 5 times longer usage time so that you can save money and save time because you do not have to change often.

What Kind of Acoustic Guitar Strings Should I Get?

When it comes to instruments, it is essential to look for the right type of strings for your acoustic guitar. These strings come with various feels and responses.

If you use the wrong guitar strings, it may be detrimental. We will give you a basic idea of what kind of acoustic guitar string you should get if you need a particular response. Also, you will discover different construction methods used in strings.

80/20 Bronze Strings

If you are looking for the brightest strings, you can choose the 80/20 bronze strings. These strings are popular on jumbo and dreadnought body guitar. They are ideal for livening up darker sounding acoustic. Also, these strings can deliver more presence a bit.

Phosphor Bronze Strings

If you are looking for a fuller and warmer tone, you should choose phosphor bronze strings. They offer a comparatively responsive bass. However, they can last longer compared to the 80/20 strings.

These guitar strings are great for those who are looking for a tone showing off the guitar’s natural characteristics.

Coated Strings

You can find coated strings from a lot of manufacturers. These guitar strings offer you more longevity. They also offer a slightly deader tone compared to ones of standard phosphor bronze guitar strings. However, they offer less output, as well as sustain compared to their uncoated ones.

Core Shape

Core shapes are available in two types, including hex core and round core. The round core is the standard one utilized by all string makers. You will get better tuning stability from hex cores.

Also, they are known for their durability. They preferred a more pronounced top end. Nowadays, most guitarists choose hex core strings. They are the best choices for acoustic guitars.

What gauge acoustic guitar strings should a beginner use?

Most steel-string guitars come with steel strings. However, they use the 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze after that. When selecting a string gauge, the light gauges and super light ones are highly recommended for most players.

However, medium gauges are ideal for players who look for as much projection as possible. Extra light gauges are perfect for those who are going for flexibility.

Extra Light Gauge Strings (10-47)

They are the simplest strings to play. However, these strings come with the thinnest and softest sound. If you use a pickup, you can consider choosing these gauge strings. They are also ideal for those who want to prevent further stress on the bridge and neck.

Super Light Gauge Strings (11-52)

These units are great for those who are looking for lighter strings. These strings allow you to maintain the heavier bass strings. They seem not to be quite as a set of Mediums. However, these guitar strings are favored for how well the strings resonate.

Light Gauge Strings (12-54)

They are perfect for those engaging in a wide range of picking. They are standard ones for acoustic guitars. Also, these strings are great for most steel-string fingerstyle ones.

Medium Gauge Strings (13-56)

If you need a bigger sound, you can get these strings. They are ideal for those who play bottleneck slides since these strings can prevent fret rattle.

Heavier Gauge Strings (14-59)

They are suitable for people who need maximum output. Also, they allow you to get a fat tone. Moreover, you can also decrease tension with these strings. Depending on your requirements, you can determine how heavy you can go.

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners

D’Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

These strings are famous in the music industry. They are perfect for beginners. They are built with a high-carbon steel core so that they can last long. Moreover, they also offer you six strings of various gauges.

They are sure to give you a comfortable experience when playing. They can last longer than many other brands since the manufacturer uses steel, carbon, and phosphor bronze to make these strings.

Elixir 16052 Strings Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

There are many benefits you can get from the Elixir 16052 strings. They promise to give you everything from rich notes to high-end clarity. These strings are excellent for those looking to play a wide range of music.

Their coatings are made to improve their lifespan. Moreover, they also give you a realistic feel. These strings also allow you to maintain the feel of a traditional string. Plus, they also offer a crisp, clear, and good-quality sound.

Ernie Ball 2146 Earthwood Medium Light Acoustic Phosphor Bronze String Set

If you are looking for affordable guitar strings for beginners, you should consider getting this string set. It is also popular for its great value. The strings are a mixture of phosphorus, tin, and copper.

Although these strings cannot last as long as the Elixir sets, they can keep their bright and clear tone. Moreover, they are ideal for people who like fingerpicking or lead acoustic.

Martin SP 7100 Phosphor Bronze Lifespan Coated Acoustic Strings

These strings are designed to last longer than something like the Ernie Ball Earthwood sets. Moreover, they are ideal for lead acoustic playing or melody picking. These strings come with a light gauge to support fingers to slide better.

Besides, these strings are also cheaper than the Elixirs. They operate well in rock style as well as a lead blues. However, they seem to be a bit like a poor man’s NANOWEB.

Martin MEC13 Clapton’s Choice Phosphor Bronze

These strings include a steel middle wire wound with bronze. They are cheap strings. Therefore, they are ideal for guitarists who have a tight budget. Although they come with a simple bronze construction, they can still offer great sound.

They offer a similar tone to Lifespan. However, these strings are better for rhythm. They allow you to pick with ease. However, there is no strong treatment.

GHS Strings BB10U Bright Bronze

The GHS strings are bright acoustic strings. There is a mixture of zinc and copper. They are available in three different sizes: Ultra-light, light, and medium. Many guitarists choose them instead of Ernie Ball, Elixir, or other popular manufacturers.

If you are looking for affordable guitar strings for beginners, they are just for you. They offer you a great price point. However, they don’t have string or coated treatment.

Fender 60L 0730060408 Acoustic Guitar Phosphor Bronze

These strings offer a balanced natural tone. They are ideal for most acoustic setups. Moreover, they are an excellent consideration for acoustic guitar beginners. They offer you both an uncoated and coated version.

Besides, you will get some grit due to its Bronze construction. These strings are perfect for strumming. Plus, they are budget-friendly. However, they are still one of the more expensive units.

Dean Markley Signature Vintage Bronze Acoustic Strings

Like other famous wire brands, Dean Markley also has several Acoustic strings. Some popular items such as Helix, Helix Phos. If you want to experience something different, try Markley’s Blue Steel strings.

Dean Markley uses cryogenic technology to increase the strength and sound balance of the strings. As for the 12-string guitar, Dean Markley also has the Vintage Bronze line.

Ernie Ball Ernie Ball Earthwood Light 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Set

Ernie Ball is the largest string manufacturer in the world. It gives us more choices than any brand, only for Acoustic strings, there are dozens of them to choose from.

You can experience to choose for yourself the best acoustic strings. In addition, Ernie Ball also has acoustic piano strings, banjos strings, mandolin, violin strings, cello, etc.

Augustine Classical Guitar Strings

This is one of the most famous guitar production brands in the world, Augustine’s product is so popular that almost every guitarist knows the brand.

Augustine’s strings often bring a deep, warm sound, very good musical expression, but another advantage of this string is that at an affordable price, buyers are able to own the outstanding quality strings.

What’s more, the string is soft, easy to play, helps you not to spend too much effort when playing your instrument, very suitable for those who are new to the acoustic guitar.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to acoustic strings for the first time or purchased strings for 100th, keep an eye out and try out new strings on the market, from a new string, new material, or new overlay. It is important to keep experimenting until you find your favorite type of strings.