Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by AG
Maintaining the sound quality of your acoustic guitar is crucial to your overall musical experience. Over time, the accumulation of dirt, sweat, and other residues on the strings can dull their tone and cause tuning issues. The simplest and most cost-effective solution is to replace the strings with a new set of the best acoustic guitar strings.
By doing so, you’ll immediately notice a difference in the guitar’s sound quality. You’ll experience a brighter and more vibrant tone, with increased clarity and volume. Not only that, but restringing can also solve any tuning and intonation problems you might have encountered.
It’s recommended to do it regularly to keep your instrument in top condition. With so many brands on the market, finding the right set of strings can take some trial and error, but here we will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
From beginner players to experienced musicians, there is a set of steel acoustic strings that will meet your needs. Whether you’re looking to restring for the first time or simply want to switch things up, our hand-selected list of the best acoustic guitar strings on the market will help you find the perfect match of steel strings for your instrument.
TOP 13 PICKS FOR THE BEST ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS:
Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Strings play a crucial role in the sound and overall performance of an acoustic guitar. Over time, exposure to changes in temperature and humidity, as well as friction from playing, can take a toll on their condition. To address this, some string manufacturers offer coated strings to prevent corrosion. However, these coated options may not be ideal for all players.
The Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze acoustic guitar strings offer an alternative solution by using aluminum oxide winding instead of coating. This unique feature protects against environmental elements while maintaining a bright and vibrant sound. These strings are suitable for all types of players, whether they prefer fingerpicking or strumming. They are some of the most versatile acoustic guitar strings out there.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Steel core
- Aluminum bronze winding
- Uncoated
PROS:
- Offers premium protection
- Suitable for all types of players
- Bright sound
CONS:
- May be too bright for some players
D’Addario Nickel Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
If you’re looking for a string that offers unparalleled clarity and crispness, then the D’Addario Nickel Bronze strings might be exactly what you need. Unlike coated strings, these uncoated strings let the natural sound of your guitar shine through. While they may not have the longevity of coated strings, they are still an excellent investment, especially considering the affordable price.
The D’Addario Nickel Bronze strings are crafted with a steel core, wrapped in nickel-plated phosphor bronze. Typically used for electric guitar strings, nickel bronze provides a warm and balanced tone, emphasizing the mid-range frequencies of an acoustic guitar. This makes them ideal for full-band performances where you want the guitar to blend with other instruments.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- High carbon steel core
- Nickel-plated phosphor bronze winding
- Uncoated
PROS:
- Enhanced mid-range frequencies
- A clear and crisp sound
CONS:
- Maybe not as durable as coated strings
D’Addario XT Acoustic Guitar Strings
D’Addario is a brand recognized for its commitment to innovative guitar strings, and its XT collection showcases the best of its advancements.
These expertly crafted strings bring together D’Addario’s brightest ideas, including high-carbon NY Steel, fusion twist technology, and vibrant colored ball ends, as well as a new string coating that extends the string’s lifespan and offers a feel similar to uncoated strings.
Available in both steel and nylon options, these strings offer improved strength and tuning stability, with up to 42% stronger construction and 131% better tuning stability compared to standard strings. So if you are looking for optimal Strength and Stability, these could be your match.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- High carbon steel core (steel option)
- available as Phosphor bronze strings and 80/20 bronze strings
- Coated strings
PROS:
- Innovative string coating
- Versatile options to suit all playing styles
- Exceptional tuning stability
CONS:
- The coating isn’t preferred by everyone
Martin ‘Clapton’s Choice’ Acoustic Guitar Strings
Eric Clapton, one of the greatest guitar players of all time, has put his seal of approval on this set of signature strings.
This phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings boast consistent tone and clarity that lasts longer than other options on the market. They are so reliable that they have earned the endorsement of the legendary guitarist himself. They are available as lighter gauge strings and thicker strings, so it should be easy to find the best acoustic strings for you.
These strings offer durability and stability, making them a great choice for any musician looking for a trusted set.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Steel core
- phosphor bronze winding
- uncoated
PROS:
- Endorsed by a guitar legend
- Consistent tone and clarity
- Durable construction
CONS:
- Phosphor bronze strings may not be your match if you are looking for a bright sounding, zingy tone
D’Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Made with high-carbon NY steel, these strings are designed to be durable and stay in tune. The wound strings feature an ultra-thin coating, and the unwound strings are treated with a unique polymer for a fresher, more balanced sound. The thin coating promises to extend string life without sacrificing the feeling of uncoated strings.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Phosphor bronze winding
- Hex core
- Thin coating
PROS:
- Long-lasting
- Provides a smooth playing experience
- Offers a balanced tone
Cons:
- A bit pricier for frequent string changes
Fender’s Dura-tone Acoustic Guitar Strings
Coated strings often come at a cost of sacrificing tone quality, but Fender’s Dura-tone strings offer a perfect balance of both. Fender’s patented micro-coating, Dura-tone, extends the life of the strings up to five times longer than regular, uncoated strings.
They offer two options for players – a cost-effective 80/20 Bronze string and a premium strings wrapped with Phosphor Bronze, both with Dura-tone coating. Choose the one that suits your style and budget. Fender prides itself that with these strings optimal tone meets endurance.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Steel Core
- Phosphor Bronze Winding
- Dura-tone Coating
PROS:
- Exceptional durability
- Available in various gauges
- Affordable
CONS:
- The coating may affect the feel
Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Strings
The Ernie Ball Earthwood series is a highly sought-after brand of acoustic guitar strings renowned for their warm and clear tone. These strings are made from a brass-plated steel core and phosphor bronze winding, resulting in a balanced sound between the treble and bass frequencies. This makes them ideal for solo performances or any other musical endeavors.
The Earthwood series is the choice of many prominent musicians such as John Mayer, Paul McCartney, and Brad Paisley, which speaks to their quality and reliability. These phosphor bronze strings may not be the cheapest on the market, but they are worth the investment for those who want to elevate their acoustic sound.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Brass-plated steel core
- Phosphor bronze winding
- Uncoated
PROS:
- Endorsed by top musicians
- Warm and clear tone
- Balanced treble and bass frequencies
CONS:
- Higher price point compared to other brands
Elixir 80/20 Bronze with Nanoweb
The strings feature a patented Nanoweb coating, which protects against wear and tear without sacrificing tone quality. The nanoweb acoustic guitar strings produce a clear and rich sound that enhances the overall performance of your guitar while being highly playable and reducing the amount of “finger squeak“. Which makes them a great choice for players of all skill levels.
With a steel core and 80/20 bronze winding, this coated acoustic guitar strings are designed to last longer than uncoated strings, making them an excellent investment for players who want to maintain the quality of their strings sound for longer. However, this level of protection does come at a cost, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a purchase.
Overall, the Elixir bronze nanoweb acoustic guitar strings are a top-notch choice for acoustic guitar players who want to enjoy a premium playing experience.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Steel core
- 80/20 bronze winding
- Nanoweb coated strings
PROS:
- Long-lasting performance
- Very easy to play
- Great tone
- High-quality build
CONS:
- More expensive compared to alternative brands
Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings
For those seeking a classic, reliable acoustic guitar string, Martin’s Authentic Acoustic line has a well-deserved reputation. Whether you prefer the classic 80/20 bronze or the rich tone of phosphor bronze, the Superior Performance set is a solid starting point. The high-tensile strength core wire is tin-plated on all six strings for maximum corrosion resistance, ensuring tuning stability over time.
Martin offers a wide range of options to choose from, including the Retro pack with its Monel wrap wire and even custom gauges designed for Tommy Emmanuel.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tin-plated steel core
- 80/20 or phosphor bronze winding
PROS:
- Multiple options to choose from
- Tunings remain stable over time
- Protection against corrosion
CONS:
- May not be the most innovative choice
Gibson Acoustic Strings
As a brand known for producing iconic acoustic guitars such as the J-45 and Hummingbird, it’s only fitting that Gibson offers a range of strings that complement the quality of their instruments. The Gibson Acoustic Strings are designed to meet this expectation, delivering a potent combination of clarity, purity, and longevity in tone.
Made with a phosphor bronze winding, these strings have a slightly thicker gauge compared to other brands. But the resulting tone is well-balanced, combining the benefits of brightness and longevity. For those seeking even more high-end brightness, Gibson also offers an 80/20 bronze version of these strings. And for added durability, coated acoustic guitar strings are also available.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Steel core
- Phosphor bronze winding
- Uncoated
PROS:
- Bright tone
- Long-lasting
CONS:
- Thicker gauge than some strings
Dean Markley Blue Steel Acoustic Guitar Strings
The innovative Blue Steel acoustic strings from Dean Markley are made with a distinctive process – they are cryogenically frozen using liquid nitrogen to -320 degrees before packaging. According to the manufacturer, this process tightens the molecules and minimizes the microscopic spaces where dirt and sweat can accumulate.
While the scientific benefits of this process are still being evaluated, one thing is for sure: these strings sound fantastic and have a longer lifespan compared to regular uncoated strings. So this steel acoustic guitar strings might be for you, if you like how uncoated strings sound.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Hex-core made from mandolin wire
- Nickel-plated steel outer wrap
- Uncoated
PROS:
- Innovative production process
- Great sound
- Long-lasting durability
CONS:
- The extra production step may seem like a sales pitch to some
DR Strings Dragon Skin Acoustic Guitar Strings
If you’re someone who sweats frequently while playing, you’ll love the DR Strings Dragon Skin. These strings boast a unique coating that the manufacturer claims is extremely durable while preserving the string’s vibration.
Unlike other softer coatings that can dull the sound or produce unwanted overtones, the Dragon Skin coated strings provide clarity and crispness.
Thanks to their highly-resistant properties, these version by DR strings remain protected against corrosion, ensuring a long-lasting performance with clear and articulate sound. The ideal acoustic guitar strings for musicians with sweaty hands.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Steel core with phosphor bronze winding
- Coated with K3
PROS:
- Resistant to corrosion
- Perfect for musicians with sweaty hands
CONS:
- More expensive compared to other options.
Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
Choosing the best acoustic guitar strings is all about your preferences and nothing that can be stated universally for everyone, so it may take a few tries to find the perfect fit. Just see it as a journey to better get to know your acoustic guitar and yourself.
If you haven’t thought about what you are looking for and are at the beginning of your search, our article about choosing the right guitar strings may help. There you’ll find information about what string gauges mean and what else you need to know before you start testing acoustic guitar strings.
Are Strings for Electric and Acoustic Guitars the Same?
Technically it is possible to use electric strings on an acoustic guitar (with steel strings), but they often won’t produce the sound you are looking for, due to the difference in metal composition.
Acoustic guitar strings are typically composed of a metal core, usually stainless steel, with thinner metal windings around the thicker four strings. The windings are usually made of bronze or copper, while electric guitar strings are usually wound with steel or nickel for improved interaction with the magnetic field generated by pickups.
Strings for classical guitars are totally different. So be sure to use the appropriate steel strings for your steel string acoustic guitar. And don’t try fitting steel acoustic guitar strings on a classical acoustic guitar that is made for nylon strings. This can and probably will cause damage to your acoustic guitar, because of the increased strain for the guitar neck.
So fitting steel strings on a nylon string guitar is not the way to go, if you are looking for a steel-string guitar.
How Often Do I Need to Change Acoustic Guitar Strings?
The frequency of restringing an acoustic guitar varies depending on usage and whether you are using uncoated or coated strings.
If the guitar is played regularly, it’s recommended to restring every 6-8 weeks to keep it in good condition. If the guitar is played more frequently, or played live, restringing may be needed more often.
For acoustic guitars that are played less frequently, looking for visible wear is a good indicator for changing your string.
So if you are still not sure where to start here are some recommendations. The Ernie Ball aluminium bronze acoustic strings are a great all-around choice, delivering clear and balanced sound for both fingerpicking and strumming.
If you want something a little longer lasting, try the coated strings by Elixir they preserve the bright, newly-restrung sound for up to 3-5 times longer than non coated strings.
And if you want something different, Martin offers a good range of strings to cater to different playing styles. Just remember, it is fortunately not a choice for life, so if your current set of acoustic guitar strings wasn’t your perfect match, try something different for the next restringing.
