Guitar String Selection Guide
Guitar String Selection Guide - Choose the Right Strings for Your Guitar
Quick Answer
Guitar string selection guide: For electric guitars, use .010-.046 gauge (most popular) with nickel-plated steel for balanced tone. For acoustic guitars, use .012-.053 gauge with phosphor bronze. Lighter gauges (.009) are easier to bend, heavier gauges (.011+) provide fuller tone. Our most popular brands: D'Addario (75% of sales - excellent quality/value), Ernie Ball (bright tone), Stringjoy (custom gauges), and Elixir (coated, 3-5x lifespan). String prices: $16-30 uncoated, $30-40 coated. Call (03) 8360 7799 for personalized recommendations.
Choosing the right guitar strings dramatically affects your tone, playability, and how often you need to change them. This comprehensive guide helps you select strings based on your guitar type, playing style, and tonal preferences.
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Most Popular String Choices at Angkor Music
Electric Guitar
D'Addario EXL110
.010-.046 gauge
Nickel wound
$20-30
Acoustic Guitar
D'Addario EJ16
.012-.053 gauge
Phosphor Bronze
$21-30
Bass Guitar
D'Addario EXL170
.045-.100 gauge
Nickel wound
$55-70
These represent 75% of our string sales - trusted by thousands of players
Understanding String Gauge (Thickness)
String gauge refers to the thickness of the strings, measured in thousandths of an inch. Gauge affects tension, tone, playability, and how the strings feel under your fingers. This is the most important decision when choosing strings.
How Gauge Affects Your Playing
Lighter Gauge Strings
- Easier to bend (great for lead guitar)
- Easier on fingers (better for beginners)
- Brighter, thinner tone
- Less string tension (easier to play)
- Break more easily
- Can buzz if action is too low
Heavier Gauge Strings
- Harder to bend (more finger strength needed)
- Fuller, thicker tone
- More sustain
- Better for rhythm playing and drop tunings
- More durable, last longer
- Higher tension (harder to play)
Electric Guitar String Gauges
| Gauge Name | String Sizes (High E to Low E) | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Light (8s) | .008 - .038 | Beginners, easy bending, bright tone | $16-30 |
| Super Light (9s) | .009 - .042 | Lead guitar, easy bending, versatile | $16-30 |
| Light (10s) ⭐ MOST POPULAR | .010 - .046 | Balanced tone and playability - start here if unsure | $16-30 |
| Medium (11s) | .011 - .049 | Rhythm guitar, fuller tone, blues/jazz | $16-30 |
| Heavy (12s+) | .012 - .054 | Drop tunings, metal, maximum sustain | $16-30 |
Most Popular Choice: .010-.046 (10s) - This is the "Goldilocks" gauge. Not too light, not too heavy. Perfect balance of playability and tone for most players. If you're unsure, start here. D'Addario EXL110 and Ernie Ball Regular Slinky are both this gauge and account for the majority of our electric guitar string sales.
Acoustic Guitar String Gauges
Acoustic guitars typically use heavier gauges than electric guitars because the string vibration directly moves the guitar's top (soundboard) to produce volume. Lighter strings on an acoustic won't project as well.
| Gauge Name | String Sizes (High E to Low E) | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Light | .010 - .047 | Fingerpicking, beginners, vintage guitars | $20-36 |
| Light (Custom Light) ⭐ MOST POPULAR | .011 - .052 or .012 - .053 | Versatile, balanced tone - most popular choice | $20-36 |
| Medium | .013 - .056 | Strumming, flatpicking, fuller tone | $20-36 |
| Heavy | .014 - .059 | Aggressive strumming, bluegrass, maximum volume | $20-36 |
Bass Guitar String Gauges
| Gauge Name | String Sizes (G to E) | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4-string) | .040 - .095 or .045 - .100 | Easier playability, brighter tone, slap bass | $50-150 |
| Medium (4-string) ⭐ MOST POPULAR | .045 - .105 or .050 - .110 | Balanced tone and tension - most versatile | $50-150 |
| Heavy (4-string) | .050 - .115 | Drop tunings, metal, maximum low-end | $50-150 |
String Materials & Their Sound
String material affects tone, brightness, durability, and feel. Different alloys create different tonal characteristics. Understanding materials helps you choose strings that match your desired sound.
Electric Guitar String Materials
Nickel-Plated Steel ⭐ MOST POPULAR
Our #1 seller - balanced, versatile tone
- Warm, balanced tone
- Smooth feel under fingers
- Works with all pickup types
- Good sustain and output
- Most common choice worldwide
Examples: D'Addario EXL, Ernie Ball Regular Slinky
Pure Nickel
Vintage tone - warmer, mellower sound
- Warm, vintage 50s/60s tone
- Softer, more mellow
- Less output than nickel-plated
- Great for blues, classic rock
- Popular with vintage guitar owners
Examples: D'Addario Pure Nickel, Thomastik-Infeld
Stainless Steel
Bright, aggressive - modern tone
- Very bright, cutting tone
- Maximum output
- Extremely long-lasting
- Can wear frets faster
- Popular for metal/hard rock
Examples: Ernie Ball Stainless Steel
Cobalt
Enhanced magnetic response
- Stronger magnetic field
- Higher output
- Enhanced clarity
- More expensive
- Preferred by some metal players
Examples: Ernie Ball Cobalt
Acoustic Guitar String Materials
80/20 Bronze
Bright, crisp tone - traditional choice
- 80% copper, 20% zinc
- Bright, ringing tone
- Classic acoustic sound
- Oxidizes (darkens) over time
- Great for new string brightness
Examples: D'Addario 80/20 Bronze
Phosphor Bronze ⭐ MOST POPULAR
Warm, balanced - #1 choice for acoustics
- 92% copper, 8% zinc with phosphor
- Warmer, mellower than 80/20
- Longer lifespan
- Most popular acoustic choice
- Great all-around tone
Examples: D'Addario EJ16, Ernie Ball Earthwood
Coated vs Uncoated Strings
Coated strings have a microscopically thin polymer coating that protects against corrosion, dirt, and skin oils. This extends string life significantly but affects tone slightly. This is one of the most important decisions after choosing gauge.
Uncoated Strings
Advantages:
- Brightest, most natural tone
- More responsive feel
- Lower cost ($16-30 per set)
- Traditional string feel
- Preferred by tone purists
Disadvantages:
- Shorter lifespan (2-4 weeks heavy use)
- Corrode faster (especially for sweaty hands)
- Need changing more frequently
- Higher cost over time
Best for: Players who change strings frequently, prefer brightest tone
Popular: D'Addario EXL, Ernie Ball Regular Slinky
Coated Strings
Advantages:
- 3-5x longer lifespan
- Resist corrosion and dirt
- Stay bright longer
- Smooth, slippery feel (faster playing)
- Better value over time
Disadvantages:
- Slightly less bright than uncoated
- Higher upfront cost ($30-40 per set)
- Some players dislike the feel
- Coating can wear off over time
Best for: Sweaty hands, infrequent string changes, value over time
Popular: Elixir Nanoweb, D'Addario XS, Ernie Ball Paradigm
Cost Analysis: Uncoated strings at $18 changed monthly = $216/year. Coated strings at $35 changed every 3 months = $140/year. If you play regularly, coated strings actually save money while requiring less maintenance. However, many professional players prefer uncoated for the slightly brighter tone and traditional feel.
Popular String Brands at Angkor Music
We stock all major string brands, but these are our most popular based on customer sales and feedback. D'Addario represents 75% of our string sales due to excellent quality-to-price ratio and consistent performance.
D'Addario ⭐ #1 SELLER
75% of Our String Sales
Why it's our #1: Exceptional quality-to-price ratio, incredibly consistent manufacturing, wide range of options, and trusted by professionals worldwide. Excellent balance of tone, feel, and longevity.
Popular Sets:
- EXL110 (Electric): .010-.046, nickel wound - $16-21
- EJ16 (Acoustic): .012-.053, phosphor bronze - $20-24
- EXL170 (Bass): .045-.100, nickel wound - $50-70
- XS Series (Coated): 3-4x lifespan - $30-35
- NYXL Series: High carbon steel, extra strength - $27-35
Ernie Ball
Second Most Popular
Known for bright tone, consistent quality, and rock heritage. Popular with players who want a slightly brighter sound than D'Addario. Used by countless professionals.
Popular Sets:
- Regular Slinky: .010-.046 - $16-21
- Super Slinky: .009-.042 - $16-21
- Paradigm (Coated): 3-5x lifespan - $30-35
- Earthwood Phosphor Bronze: Acoustic - $20-25
Elixir
Best Coated Strings
Industry leader in coated string technology. Lasts 3-5x longer than uncoated strings. Worth the premium price if you play frequently or have sweaty hands. Smooth feel.
Popular Series:
- Nanoweb: Smooth feel, bright tone - $30-40
- Polyweb: Warm tone, ultra-smooth - $30-40
- Optiweb: Natural uncoated feel - $30-40
Stringjoy
Custom Gauge Specialist
Premium American-made strings with custom gauge options. Build your perfect tension balance. Higher price point but exceptional quality. Popular with players who need specific gauges for alternate tunings.
Features:
- Custom gauge combinations
- Premium materials and manufacturing
- Great for drop tunings
- $21-35 per set
Bass Guitar String Brands
D'Addario ⭐
Most Popular Bass Strings
EXL series, NYXL for extra strength, wide range of gauges. Consistent quality. $35-45 per set.
Ernie Ball
Bright, Modern Tone
Slinky series, bright tone, popular with rock players. Cobalt series for extra output. $35-45 per set.
La Bella
Flatwound Specialist
Premium flatwound strings, smooth feel, warm vintage tone. Jazz and vintage bass players. $45-60 per set.
Thomastik-Infeld
Premium Austrian Quality
High-end flatwound and roundwound. Exceptional clarity and long lifespan. Jazz standard. $60-80 per set.
How to Choose Strings - Decision Guide
Quick Selection Tool - Start Here
If you're a beginner or have weak fingers:
Electric: 9s (.009-.042) - D'Addario EXL120 or Ernie Ball Super Slinky
Acoustic: Extra Light (.010-.047) - D'Addario EJ15
Why: Easier to press, better for learning, less finger fatigue
If you're intermediate and unsure what to try:
Electric: 10s (.010-.046) - D'Addario EXL110 or Ernie Ball Regular Slinky
Acoustic: Light (.012-.053) - D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze
Bass: Medium (.045-.105) - D'Addario EXL170
Why: Most popular choices, balanced tone and playability, industry standard
If you play lead guitar with lots of bending:
Electric: 9s or 10s - Nickel-plated steel - D'Addario or Ernie Ball
Why: Easier bending, bright tone perfect for lead work and solos
If you play rhythm guitar, use drop tunings, or play metal:
Electric: 11s or 12s - Heavier gauge maintains tension in drop D, C, etc.
Consider: Stringjoy custom gauges for perfect tension balance
Why: Fuller tone, tighter low end, better for rhythm and alternate tunings
If you have sweaty hands or change strings infrequently:
Any guitar: Coated strings - Elixir, D'Addario XS, or Ernie Ball Paradigm
Why: 3-5x longer lifespan, resist corrosion, stay bright longer, save money over time
If you want vintage 50s/60s tone:
Electric: Pure nickel strings - D'Addario Pure Nickel or Thomastik-Infeld
Why: Warmer, mellower tone like classic recordings, authentic vintage sound
If you play jazz bass or want smooth feel:
Bass: Flatwound strings - La Bella or Thomastik-Infeld
Why: Smooth feel, no finger noise, warm vintage tone, perfect for jazz/vintage
String Selection FAQs
How often should I change my strings?
Uncoated strings: Every 2-4 weeks with regular playing (1+ hours/day), or every 1-2 months with light playing. Change when strings sound dull, feel rough, or show visible corrosion.
Coated strings: Every 2-4 months with regular playing. Coated strings stay bright 3-5x longer than uncoated. Many players using Elixir or D'Addario XS report 4-6 months of use before needing replacement.
Will changing string gauge require a setup?
Changing by one gauge (9s to 10s, or 10s to 11s) usually doesn't require a full setup, though minor truss rod adjustment may be needed. Changing by two or more gauges (9s to 11s) definitely requires a professional setup ($155) because string tension changes significantly, affecting neck relief and intonation. We can perform the setup when you purchase new strings.
Can I mix string gauges (hybrid sets)?
Yes! Many players use hybrid sets - for example, lighter top strings (9s) for easy bending with heavier bottom strings (11s or 12s) for fuller rhythm tone. This is popular for drop tunings. Stringjoy specializes in custom hybrid sets. Both D'Addario and Ernie Ball also offer pre-packaged hybrid sets, or you can buy individual strings to create custom gauges. Ask us for recommendations based on your tuning and playing style.
What gauge for drop tunings (Drop D, Drop C, etc)?
Standard tuning: 10s work fine
Drop D: 10s or 11s
Drop C: 11s or 12s minimum
Drop B or lower: 12s or 13s
Heavier gauges maintain string tension when tuning down, preventing floppy strings and maintaining tone. Many metal players use 11-54 or 12-56 sets for drop tunings. Stringjoy offers optimized sets specifically for drop tunings.
Do coated strings sound different than uncoated?
Yes, but the difference is subtle. Coated strings are slightly less bright than brand-new uncoated strings, but they maintain consistent tone much longer. Uncoated strings sound brightest when new but dull quickly (within days for heavy players). Coated strings sound "good" for months. Most players find coated strings sound "fresh" longer, making them better overall despite the slight initial brightness difference. Professional players who change strings weekly often prefer uncoated for maximum brightness; regular players usually prefer coated for longevity.
Which strings last longest?
Longest lasting: Elixir Nanoweb or Polyweb (3-5x normal lifespan, often 4-6 months)
Also very durable: D'Addario XS (3-4x), D'Addario NYXL (high carbon steel), Ernie Ball Paradigm (3-5x)
Material advantage: Stainless steel strings also last longer than nickel due to corrosion resistance
If string longevity matters most (sweaty hands, infrequent changes, budget over time), coated strings are worth the higher upfront cost. A $35 set of Elixir lasting 4 months is cheaper than four $18 sets of uncoated strings.
What's the difference between roundwound, flatwound, and halfwound bass strings?
Roundwound: Most common (D'Addario EXL, Ernie Ball Slinky). Bright, aggressive tone. Rough texture. Great for rock, metal, slap bass. $55-70.
Flatwound: Smooth, warm, mellow tone (La Bella, Thomastik-Infeld). Smooth feel with less finger noise. Perfect for jazz, vintage tone, fretless bass. $120-180
Halfwound/Groundwound: Compromise between round and flat. Smoother than roundwound but brighter than flatwound. Good middle ground. Less common.
Why do you recommend D'Addario strings so often?
D'Addario represents 75% of our string sales because customers consistently report excellent quality-to-price ratio. They offer exceptional consistency (every set feels the same), wide range of options, competitive pricing, and are used by professionals worldwide. They're not necessarily "better" than Ernie Ball or other brands - it's personal preference - but they offer the best overall value and reliability, which is why they're our top seller. That said, many players prefer Ernie Ball's slightly brighter tone, and Elixir is unbeatable for coated longevity.
Still Not Sure Which Strings to Choose?
Our team can recommend the perfect strings for your guitar type, playing style, and tonal preferences. We stock all major brands including D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Elixir, Stringjoy, Thomastik-Infeld, and La Bella.
Angkor Music Melbourne - Your String Headquarters
Uncoated strings from $16, Coated strings from $30, Bass strings from $35
