Strumming and bending are some of the most essential techniques in acoustic guitar playing, allowing guitarists to create a wide range of rhythms and sounds. But to get the best sound recording and feel when strumming or bending, it’s important to choose the right strings.
With so many options available, however, it can be overwhelming to know which strings to choose.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best acoustic guitar strings for strumming, bending, or recording. It’s important to take into consideration factors such as tone, feel, durability, and playability. These strings are sure to enhance your strumming, bending, and recording experience and take your playing to the next level.
10 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Strumming, Bending, & Recording
- D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Lifespan 2.0 Treated Strings
- Ernie Ball 2146 Earthwood Medium Light Acoustic Phosphor Bronze String
- Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Fender 70L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- DR Strings Rare Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings
- Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- GHS Strings M3045 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Cleartone EMP Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- John Pearse 700M Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
1. D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light (.012-.053)
- Coating: None
- String Winding: Round
- Core Material: Steel
Pros:
- Warm, balanced tone
- Easy to play and bend
- Durable and long-lasting
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- May not be ideal for players who prefer a brighter or more complex tone
D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a popular choice among guitarists of all levels, particularly those who enjoy strumming. With a warm, balanced tone and a light gauge that makes them easy to play and bend, these strings are versatile and well-suited for a variety of musical styles. The phosphor bronze material also provides a longer-lasting lifespan compared to other types of strings.
2. Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Lifespan 2.0 Treated Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light (.012-.054)
- Coating: Lifespan 2.0 Treatment
- String Winding: Round
- Core Material: Steel
Pros:
- Extended lifespan due to Lifespan 2.0 Treatment
- Warm, clear tone
- Comfortable playability
- Consistent sound and tension
Cons:
- Higher price point than some other options
The Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Lifespan 2.0 Treated Strings are designed to provide a long-lasting, high-quality playing experience. The Lifespan 2.0 Treatment gives these strings an extended lifespan compared to other types of strings, making them a great choice for those who play frequently or need reliable strings for performances.
When it comes to strumming, the Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Lifespan 2.0 Treated Strings offer a warm, clear tone that complements the sound of chords and rhythmic playing. The light gauge and round winding make them easy to play and bend, while the steel core provides consistent tension across all strings.
3. Ernie Ball 2146 Earthwood Medium Light Acoustic Phosphor Bronze String
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Medium-Light (.012-.054)
- String Winding: Round
- Core Material: Steel
Pros:
- Bright and well-balanced tone
- Comfortable playability
- Long-lasting
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- May break more easily than some other options
The Ernie Ball 2146 Earthwood Medium Light Acoustic Phosphor Bronze String is a popular choice among guitarists who enjoy strumming. These strings are designed to offer a well-balanced and bright tone that complements chord progressions and rhythmic playing. The medium-light gauge and round winding also provide a comfortable playing experience.
4. Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light (.012-.053)
- String Winding: Nanoweb Coating
- Core Material: Steel
Pros:
- Long lifespan due to Nanoweb coating
- Warm and well-balanced tone
- Comfortable playability
- Reduced finger noise
Cons:
- Higher price point than some other options
The Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a great option for strumming due to their warm and well-balanced tone, comfortable playability, and reduced finger noise. The Nanoweb coating on the strings not only adds to their lifespan but also provides a smoother playing experience with less finger noise, making them ideal for strumming and chord progressions.
5. Fender 70L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light (0.012-0.052)
- Coating: Nanocoating
Pros:
- Bright and clear tone with good sustain
- Long-lasting due to the nanocoating
- Good for strumming and picking
Cons:
- Some players may find them a bit too bright
- Higher price point than some other options
Fender 70L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a great option for players who prioritize a bright and clear tone. The nanocoating helps to prolong the life of the strings, making them a good investment for players who play frequently. These strings are well-suited for both strumming and picking, making them a versatile choice. However, some players may find the tone a bit too bright for their taste, and the higher price point may not be feasible for everyone. Overall, the Fender 70L Phosphor Bronze strings are a solid choice for players who want a durable, versatile, and bright-sounding set of strings.
6. DR Strings Rare Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Medium (0.013-0.056)
- Coating: None
Pros:
- Warm and rich tone with good projection
- Good balance between bass, mids, and treble
- Good for strumming and fingerpicking
Cons:
- May not last as long as coated strings
- May require more frequent changing for players who play frequently
DR Strings Rare Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings are a great option for players who prioritize a warm and rich tone. These strings have a good balance between bass, mids, and treble, and offer good projection for strumming.
7. Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light (0.012-0.053)
- Coating: None
Pros:
- Balanced tone with good clarity and sustain
- Great for strumming and flatpicking
- Made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship
Cons:
- May not last as long as coated strings
- More expensive than some other options
Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a top-of-the-line option for players who prioritize quality and tone. These strings offer a balanced tone with good clarity and sustain, making them ideal for strumming and flatpicking. They are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring a consistent and reliable sound.
8. GHS Strings M3045 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light (0.012-0.054)
- Coating: None
Pros:
- Balanced tone with good projection and sustain
- Ideal for strumming and fingerstyle playing
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- May require some break-in time
- Some players may prefer a brighter tone
GHS Strings M3045 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a great option for players looking for a balanced tone and good projection for strumming.
9. Cleartone EMP Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauges: .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
- Coating: EMP (Enhanced Molecular Protection)
Pros:
- EMP coating increases string life and prevents corrosion and rust
- Bright and clear tone with good sustain, ideal for strumming
Cons:
- Coating may affect the tone and feel for some players
- More expensive than some other options
Cleartone EMP Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a great choice for strumming due to their bright and clear tone and good sustain. The EMP coating also provides enhanced protection against corrosion and rust, which helps extend string life. However, some players may find that the coating affects the tone and feel of the strings. Additionally, the Cleartone EMP strings are more expensive than some other options on the market.
10. John Pearse 700M Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Specifications:
- Gauge: Medium
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Core: Hexagonal high carbon steel
- Coating: None
- String Tension: 170.4 lbs
Pros:
- Provides a warm and balanced tone suitable for strumming
- Made with high-quality materials for durability and consistency
- Offers a good balance between playability and tone
Cons:
- May not be as bright as some other strings on the market
- Tension may feel too high for some players
John Pearse 700M Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are a popular choice among strummers for their warm and balanced tone. These medium gauge strings are made with high-quality phosphor bronze material and hexagonal high carbon steel core, ensuring durability and consistency in sound. While they may not be as bright as some other strings, they provide a good balance between playability and tone. The tension on these strings may feel too high for some players, but those who prefer a little more resistance may find them to be an excellent choice.
Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Strumming, Bending, & Recording FAQ
Here are some common questions you may have about the best acoustic guitar strings for strumming, bending, & recording.
What are the best guitar strings for strumming?
Here are the 10 best guitar strings for strumming:
- D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Martin Authentic Acoustic SP Lifespan 2.0 Treated Strings
- Ernie Ball 2146 Earthwood Medium Light Acoustic Phosphor Bronze String
- Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Fender 70L Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- DR Strings Rare Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings
- Gibson Masterbuilt Premium Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- GHS Strings M3045 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Cleartone EMP Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
- John Pearse 700M Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
These strings are all known for their bright tone, sustain, and excellent projection, making them perfect for strumming. It’s important to consider the gauge, material, and coating when choosing guitar strings for strumming, as this can affect the sound and feel. Ultimately, the best guitar strings for strumming will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.
How do you pick strings for strumming?
When picking strings for strumming, consider the following factors:
- Gauge: Lighter gauge strings are generally easier to strum and create a brighter, more responsive tone. Heavier gauge strings require more force to play but produce a fuller, richer sound.
- Material: Phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze are popular materials for acoustic guitar strings. Phosphor bronze produces a warm, balanced tone while 80/20 bronze strings have a brighter, more vibrant sound.
- Coating: Coated strings last longer than uncoated strings and can resist corrosion from sweat and oils in your hands. However, coated strings can also sound less bright and responsive than uncoated strings.
- Brand: Different brands have their own unique sound and feel, so it’s important to try out different brands to find the one that suits your playing style and preferences.
What is the best pick thickness for strumming?
The best pick thickness for strumming depends on personal preference, playing style, and the type of guitar strings being used. Generally, picks with a thickness between 0.70mm and 1.00mm are preferred for strumming. However, some players may prefer thinner or thicker picks.
Can you bend acoustic guitar strings?
Yes, you can bend acoustic guitar strings, but they are generally thicker and have higher tension compared to electric guitar strings, making it harder to achieve the same level of bend as with an electric guitar. However, bending acoustic guitar strings can add expression and emotion to a performance. It is important to note that excessive bending can cause the strings to break or cause damage to the guitar.
How can I make my guitar strings bend better?
To make your guitar strings easier to bend, you can try the following:
- Stretch the strings: After installing new strings or changing tunings, gently pull and stretch each string up and down the fretboard a few times to remove any initial stiffness.
- Lower the action: High action can make bending more difficult, so adjusting the height of the strings at the nut and bridge can make a difference.
- Use lighter gauge strings: Lighter gauge strings are generally easier to bend, as they require less tension to reach higher notes.
- Improve hand strength: Practicing finger exercises and building up hand strength can also make it easier to bend strings.
- Use a lighter pick: A lighter pick can help reduce resistance when playing and make it easier to bend strings.
- Play with proper technique: Make sure you are using proper technique, with a firm grip on the neck and enough pressure on the string to ensure it rings out clearly before attempting to bend.
Are 9 gauge strings good for bending?
Yes, 9 gauge strings are generally good for bending as they are thinner and have less tension than thicker strings, making them easier to bend. However, the ease of bending also depends on factors such as your playing style and the guitar setup.
Are thinner strings better for bending?
Yes, generally thinner strings are easier to bend compared to thicker strings. This is because thinner strings have less tension and require less force to push them out of their original position.
Thicker strings have more tension and require more force to bend, which can be difficult for some players. However, the trade-off is that thinner strings may not have as full a tone and may be more prone to breaking. Ultimately, the best string gauge for bending depends on the player’s personal preference and playing style.
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