Learning to play acoustic guitar can be an exciting and fulfilling journey, but choosing the right strings can be a daunting task for beginners. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which strings will provide the best balance of tone, playability, and durability.
In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the 10 best acoustic guitar strings for beginners, based on factors such as ease of play, affordability, and overall quality. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current strings, this list will help you find the perfect strings to enhance your playing experience and take your skills to the next level.
10 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners 2024
- D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Light Strings
- Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Fender 60L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- DR Strings VTA-12 Veritas Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- GHS Strings GB-DGF David Gilmour Signature Series Acoustic Guitar Strings
- John Pearse 700M Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Cleartone EMP Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
1. D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.053
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: Uncoated
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Affordable
- Bright and clear tone
- Easy to play and bend
- Long lasting
Cons:
- May require frequent tuning at first
- May not be ideal for players who prefer warmer tones
The D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a great choice for beginners because they offer a balanced and bright tone that is easy to play and bend. The phosphor bronze material provides a bright and clear tone that is perfect for strumming and fingerpicking. The strings are easy to play and require less finger pressure, making it easier for beginners to fret notes and chords.
In addition, these strings are affordable and long-lasting, making them a great value for beginners who are just starting out. The uncoated design provides a natural feel and tone, which can help beginners develop a more authentic playing style.
While some players may prefer warmer tones, the D’Addario EJ16 strings offer a great balance of brightness and warmth that can be suitable for a wide range of musical styles. It’s important to note that these strings may require frequent tuning at first, but they will settle in over time and maintain their tuning stability.
Overall, the D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a great choice for beginners who want to improve their playing skills and develop their own unique sound. With their affordable price, bright tone, and easy playability, these strings are a great starting point for any beginner acoustic guitarist.
2. Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .011-.052
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: Uncoated
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Easy to play
- Warm and balanced tone
- Affordable
- Long lasting
Cons:
- May not be ideal for players who prefer brighter tones
The Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are an excellent choice for beginners who want to develop their playing skills and enhance their tone. These strings feature a light gauge that makes them easy to play and suitable for a wide range of playing styles. The phosphor bronze material provides a warm and balanced tone that is perfect for strumming and fingerpicking.
In addition to their tone, the Ernie Ball Earthwood strings are also affordable and long-lasting, making them a great value for beginners who are just starting out. The uncoated design provides a natural feel and tone that can help beginners develop their own unique sound.
While some players may prefer brighter tones, the warm and balanced tone of the Ernie Ball Earthwood strings is a great starting point for any beginner acoustic guitarist. It’s important to note that these strings may require frequent tuning at first, but they will settle in over time and maintain their tuning stability.
Overall, the Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are an excellent choice for beginners who want to improve their playing skills and enhance their tone. With their affordability, warm tone, and easy playability, these strings are a great starting point for any beginner acoustic guitarist.
3. Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Light Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.054
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: SP (Martin’s proprietary coating)
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Warm and bright tone
- Long lasting
- Reduced finger noise
- Easy to play
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
- May not be ideal for players who prefer heavily coated strings
The Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Light Strings are a premium option for beginners who want to enhance their playing experience and tone. These strings feature a high-quality construction with Martin’s proprietary coating that provides a long-lasting and warm tone. The phosphor bronze material provides a balance of brightness and warmth that is ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking.
In addition to their tone, the Martin SP Light Strings are also easy to play and reduce finger noise, making them a great option for beginners who are still developing their technique. The reduced finger noise can also be beneficial for recording and live performances.
While the Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Light Strings are more expensive than some other options, they offer a high level of quality and durability that can make them a worthwhile investment for serious beginners. It’s important to note that these strings may not be ideal for players who prefer heavily coated strings, as the SP coating is designed to be a lighter and more natural option.
Overall, the Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Light Strings are an excellent choice for beginners who want to enhance their playing experience and develop their own unique sound. With their high-quality construction, warm and bright tone, and reduced finger noise, these strings are a great starting point for any beginner acoustic guitarist who wants to take their playing to the next level.
4. Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.053
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: Nanoweb
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Long lasting
- Enhanced tone and playability
- Reduced finger squeak
- Consistent performance
- Comes in a variety of gauges
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
The Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a premium option for beginners who want to enhance their playing experience and tone. These strings feature Elixir’s patented Nanoweb coating that provides a longer lifespan and enhanced tone and playability. The phosphor bronze material provides a balanced and warm tone that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
In addition to their tone, the Elixir Nanoweb strings also offer reduced finger squeak, which can be beneficial for beginners who are still developing their technique. The consistent performance and variety of gauges also make these strings a great option for players who want to experiment with different sounds.
While the Elixir Nanoweb strings are more expensive than some other options, their enhanced tone, playability, and long lifespan can make them a worthwhile investment for serious beginners. It’s important to note that these strings may not be ideal for players who prefer uncoated strings, as the Nanoweb coating provides a distinct feel and tone.
Overall, the Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are an excellent choice for beginners who want to enhance their playing experience and tone. With their enhanced performance, reduced finger squeak, and consistent quality, these strings are a great starting point for any beginner acoustic guitarist who wants to take their playing to the next level.
5. Fender 60L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.052
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: Uncoated
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Affordable
- Balanced tone
- Easy to play
- Good durability
- Suitable for a wide range of playing styles
Cons:
- May not be ideal for players who prefer brighter tones
The Fender 60L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are an excellent choice for beginners who want to improve their playing skills and tone without breaking the bank. These strings feature a light gauge that makes them easy to play and suitable for a wide range of playing styles. The phosphor bronze material provides a balanced tone that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
In addition to their tone, the Fender 60L strings are also affordable and durable, making them a great value for beginners who are just starting out. The uncoated design provides a natural feel and tone that can help beginners develop their own unique sound.
While some players may prefer brighter tones, the balanced tone of the Fender 60L strings is a great starting point for any beginner acoustic guitarist. It’s important to note that these strings may require frequent tuning at first, but they will settle in over time and maintain their tuning stability.
Overall, the Fender 60L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are an excellent choice for beginners who want to improve their playing skills and enhance their tone. With their affordability, balanced tone, and easy playability, these strings are a great starting point for any beginner acoustic guitarist.
6. DR Strings VTA-12 Veritas Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.054
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: None
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Balanced and warm tone
- High volume and projection
- Good durability
- Consistent performance
- Easy to play
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
The DR Strings VTA-12 Veritas Acoustic Guitar Strings are a premium option for beginners who want to enhance their playing experience and tone. These strings feature a high-quality construction with a unique design that provides a balanced and warm tone. The phosphor bronze material provides a bright and warm sound that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
In addition to their tone, the DR Strings VTA-12 strings offer high volume and projection, which can be beneficial for beginners who want to be heard in a group setting. The consistent performance and good durability also make these strings a great option for players who want strings that will last.
While the DR Strings VTA-12 are more expensive than some other options, their enhanced tone and performance can make them a worthwhile investment for serious beginners. It’s important to note that these strings may not be ideal for players who prefer coated strings, as the uncoated design provides a more natural feel and tone.
7. Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.053
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: None
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Warm and bright tone
- Good durability
- Easy to play
- Balanced across all strings
- Suitable for a variety of playing styles
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
The Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a premium option for beginners who want to improve their tone and playing experience. These strings feature a high-quality construction with a unique design that provides a warm and bright tone. The phosphor bronze material provides a balanced sound that is perfect for a wide range of playing styles.
In addition to their tone, the Gibson Masterbuilt strings offer good durability, making them a great value for beginners who are just starting out. The easy playability and balanced feel across all strings also make these strings a great option for players who want to improve their technique.
8. GHS Strings GB-DGF David Gilmour Signature Series Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.054
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: None
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Signature sound of David Gilmour
- Warm and bright tone
- Good durability
- Easy to play
- Suitable for a variety of playing styles
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
The GHS Strings GB-DGF David Gilmour Signature Series Acoustic Guitar Strings are a premium option for beginners who are fans of David Gilmour’s signature sound. These strings feature a high-quality construction with a unique design that provides a warm and bright tone. The phosphor bronze material provides a balanced sound that is perfect for a wide range of playing styles.
In addition to their tone, the GHS David Gilmour strings offer good durability, making them a great value for beginners who are just starting out. The easy playability and balanced feel across all strings also make these strings a great option for players who want to improve their technique.
While the GHS David Gilmour strings are more expensive than some other options, their enhanced tone and performance can make them a worthwhile investment for serious beginners who want to achieve the sound of David Gilmour. It’s important to note that these strings may not be ideal for players who prefer coated strings, as the uncoated design provides a more natural feel and tone.
9. John Pearse 700M Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .013-.056
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: None
- Core: Steel
Pros:
- Warm and balanced tone
- Good durability
- Easy to play
- Suitable for a variety of playing styles
Cons:
- May be too heavy for some beginners
The John Pearse 700M Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a great option for beginners who want a warm and balanced tone with good durability. These strings feature a high-quality construction with a unique design that provides a smooth and consistent tone. The phosphor bronze material provides a balanced sound that is perfect for a wide range of playing styles.
In addition to their tone, the John Pearse 700M strings offer good durability, making them a great value for beginners who are just starting out. The easy playability and balanced feel across all strings also make these strings a great option for players who want to improve their technique.
However, it’s important to note that the 700M gauge may be too heavy for some beginners, especially those who are just starting out or who have smaller hands. If you find that the strings are too heavy for you, consider trying a lighter gauge.
10. Cleartone EMP Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: .012-.053
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Coating: EMP (Enhanced Molecular Protection)
- Core: Hexagonal high-carbon steel
Pros:
- Long-lasting coating for extended string life
- Clear and bright tone
- Reduced finger squeak
- Easy to play
- Suitable for a variety of playing styles
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
The Cleartone EMP Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a premium option for beginners who want a long-lasting and clear tone. These strings feature a high-quality construction with an EMP coating that provides enhanced molecular protection and extended string life. The phosphor bronze material provides a clear and bright tone that is perfect for a wide range of playing styles.
In addition to their tone and durability, the Cleartone EMP strings also feature a reduced finger squeak, making them a great option for players who want a smooth and consistent sound. The easy playability and balanced feel across all strings also make these strings a great option for players who want to improve their technique.
While the Cleartone EMP strings are more expensive than some other options, their extended string life and enhanced tone and performance can make them a worthwhile investment for serious beginners who want to take their playing to the next level. It’s important to note that these strings may not be ideal for players who prefer a coated feel, as the EMP coating provides a more natural feel and tone.
Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners FAQ
Here are some common questions you may have about the best acoustic guitar strings for beginners.
Which guitar strings is best for beginners?
The best guitar strings for beginners are those that are easy to play, produce a clear and balanced tone, and have good durability. Some popular options include D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze, Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze, and Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Light strings.
What are the easiest acoustic guitar strings to play?
The easiest acoustic guitar strings to play are typically lighter gauge strings, which require less pressure to fret and bend. Some examples of light gauge strings that are easy to play include Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Light, D’Addario EJ15 Phosphor Bronze, and Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze.
Which acoustic guitar strings are easiest on fingers?
Acoustic guitar strings that are easiest on the fingers are typically those with a light gauge and a smooth or coated surface that reduces finger squeak and friction. Some examples of acoustic guitar strings that are easy on the fingers include Elixir Nanoweb and Polyweb strings, Martin Retro Monel strings, and Cleartone EMP coated strings.
These strings tend to have a smoother feel and a reduced finger noise, making them a comfortable option for players with sensitive fingers or those who are just starting out.
How do I pick the right guitar strings?
Here are some steps you can take to pick the right guitar strings:
- Determine your guitar type: Acoustic, electric, and classical guitars require different types of strings, so make sure you choose the right type for your instrument.
- Consider your playing style: The type of music you play and your playing style can affect the type of strings you need. For example, if you play fingerstyle or strumming, you may prefer lighter gauge strings.
- Choose the right material: Guitar strings can be made of different materials, including nickel, steel, phosphor bronze, and more. Each material can produce a different tone and feel, so it’s important to choose the one that matches your desired sound.
- Decide on the gauge: String gauge refers to the thickness of the strings, and can affect the playability and tone of the guitar. Lighter gauge strings are easier to play, while heavier gauge strings can produce a thicker tone.
- Consider your budget: Guitar strings can vary in price, so it’s important to choose a set that fits your budget and provides the quality you need.
Which size pick is best for acoustic guitar beginner?
For acoustic guitar beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with a medium thickness pick, which is around 0.71mm to 0.81mm. This thickness is easy to hold and provides a good balance between flexibility and precision, allowing for a comfortable and accurate playing experience.
As the player gains more experience and develops their own playing style, they may want to experiment with different pick thicknesses to find the one that suits their preferences. Ultimately, the best pick size for a beginner depends on the individual’s playing style, hand size, and preferences.
What gauge guitar strings are easiest to play?
Light gauge guitar strings are generally the easiest to play as they require less finger pressure to fret and bend. Common light gauge strings for acoustic guitars are typically .010-.047 or .011-.052, while light gauge strings for electric guitars can range from .009-.042 to .010-.046.
What are the softest guitar strings on fingers?
The softest guitar strings on fingers are typically those with a light gauge and a smooth or coated surface that reduces finger squeak and friction. Some examples of acoustic guitar strings that are soft on the fingers include Elixir Nanoweb and Polyweb strings, Martin Retro Monel strings, and Cleartone EMP coated strings.
How often should a beginner change guitar strings?
For a beginner, it’s generally recommended to change guitar strings every 3-6 months or as needed. This can depend on several factors, including how frequently the guitar is played, the type of strings being used, and the player’s personal preferences. As a general rule, if the strings start to sound dull or lose their brightness, feel sticky or rough to the touch, or begin to break more easily, it may be time to change them. Regular string changes can help maintain the tone and playability of the guitar, and can also prevent issues such as intonation problems or buzzing.
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