How to Choose Strings for a Steel Acoustic Guitar

Whether you have a guitar that still has the factory-supplied strings on it and you're wondering which strings you should buy to replace them, or you're simply looking to experiment with a different style and size of string than the ones you've been using for awhile, there are a few things to consider when choosing steel strings that are compatible with both you and your instrument.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consider your playing style. If you're nimble-fingered and like to bend strings while playing lead lines, you'll likely appreciate a lighter-gauge string. These offer less resistance to the fingers which makes the instrument feel easier to play. The trade-off is that lighter strings tend to have less volume, sustain and tone than heavier ones.
   If you're more likely to stick to strumming chords than playing intricate lines, then a heavier-gauge string might work better for you, since they offer a more ringing, full-bodied tone.

2. Examine the action on your guitar. If it's comfortable for you to play right now, you may not want to drastically change the gauge of your strings because it may alter the action and intonation of your instrument. If, for example, you're currently using extra-light gauge strings and are happy with a nice, low action on your fretboard, be aware that although putting heavy strings on your guitar may give you a richer sound, it will also probably raise the action somewhat, due to the increased tension that heavier strings impart. Conversely, if the action is currently a little high and you're using heavy strings, restringing with a light gauge string with its decreased tension will probably lower the action a little, which may improve the playability of your guitar.

3. Consider how often you play your guitar and in what capacity. If you'll be playing live on a regular basis, you'll likely be changing your strings quite often. In this case, regular bronze wound strings may make more sense to you than they would for a casual player who may only play once in awhile. Bronze strings are very bright-sounding strings when they are new, but tend to lose their sparkle fairly quickly.
   Phosphor bronze strings are not as initially bright as regular bronze, but tend to hold their tonal qualities longer, which might make them a good bet for a casual player. With these kind of strings, the guitar is liable to sound better tonally for a longer period of time.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're a keen finger-picker and your fingers don't hold up too well with regular steel strings, it might be worth considering "silk & steel" strings. The bottom four strings of a silk & steel set are made of a silver-plated copper wire wound around a silk and steel core and offer a sweet, mellow sound, and are very easy on the fingers. They're a good choice if you don't mind sacrificing a little volume. Whatever brand of string you use, it's always a good idea to get into the habit of using a cloth to wipe off the strings after every use. The buildup of residue on strings can cause them to lose their tone more rapidly.
• If your guitar is a vintage model and you're a little concerned about using heavier-gauge strings on it, it's a good idea to take it to your local guitar shop and have them inspect it for structural deficiencies, and to see if any truss rod adjustments need to be made in order for it to successfully accommodate a heavier gauge string. The last thing you need is to have an old and delicate guitar that's used to light strings, be strung with heavy strings and have the resulting extra tension bow the neck.

Resources

• Guitar String Guide
• Video: Restringing an Acoustic Guitar
• Review of Elixir Guitar Strings