12-String Guitar String Gauges Explained
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A 12-string guitar uses pairs of strings, and the gauge numbers name the thickness of each string in thousandths of an inch. Light sets like 10-47 and 9-46 use thinner strings, while medium sets like 11-52 use thicker ones. The first number in the range is the thinnest string, and the last is the thickest.
Read the gauge numbers
A string set lists its gauges from the thinnest string to the thickest. The Elixir light sets run 10-14-23-30-39-47. The Ernie Ball medium set lists pairs: 11-11, 15-15, 24w-10, 30-14, 42-22w and 52-28. The Ernie Ball light set lists 9-9, 12-12, 20w-9, 26-12, 36-20p and 46-26. A w after a number means a wound string, and a p means a plain string.
Light gauges versus medium gauges
Light sets like 10-47 and 9-46 use thinner strings than medium sets like 11-52. Thinner strings pull less on the neck, while thicker strings pull more, so the gauge you choose changes the pull on the neck. If your guitar came with light strings, stay with light strings unless the maker says otherwise.
Phosphor bronze versus 80/20 bronze
The wrap wire decides much of the tone. Phosphor bronze gives the Elixir set a rich and full tone and the Ernie Ball light set a warm, rich tone. 80/20 bronze gives the Elixir set a bright and focused tone and the Ernie Ball medium set a bright, balanced tone. The Ernie Ball medium set uses 80 percent copper and 20 percent zinc wire wrapped around a high-carbon steel core, and the light set uses phosphor bronze wound on a hex-shaped high-carbon steel core.
Coated strings versus uncoated strings
The Elixir sets use a NANOWEB coating that protects the entire string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust, so they are made for less frequent string changes. The Ernie Ball sets are uncoated, and their Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings fresh.
What you need
Elixir
A light 10-47 phosphor bronze set with a NANOWEB coating, for a rich and full tone on a 12-string.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
Elixir
A light 10-47 80/20 bronze set with a NANOWEB coating, for a bright and focused tone on a 12-string.
- Coated strings
- Material: 80/20 Bronze
- Gauge: Light
Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Medium 80/20 Bronze
A medium 11-52 80/20 bronze set with paired gauges from 11-11 to 52-28, for a bright and balanced tone.
- Material: 80/20 Bronze
- Gauge: Medium
Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Light Phosphor Bronze
A light 9-46 phosphor bronze set with paired gauges from 9-9 to 46-26, for a warm, rich tone.
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
These come from our ranked list Best 12 String Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What gauge are 12-string guitar strings?
It depends on the set. Light sets here run 10-47 and 9-46, and the medium set runs 11-52. The numbers name the thinnest and thickest strings in the set.
What is the difference between phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze?
Phosphor bronze gives the Elixir set a rich and full tone and the Ernie Ball light set a warm, rich tone. 80/20 bronze gives the Elixir set a bright and focused tone and the Ernie Ball medium set a bright, balanced tone.
Are coated strings better for a 12-string?
The Elixir sets are made for less frequent string changes, with a NANOWEB coating that protects the strings from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. The Ernie Ball sets are uncoated, with Element Shield Packaging that prolongs string life.
How do I read a 12-string gauge chart?
Read the pairs from the thinnest string to the thickest. The Ernie Ball medium set lists 11-11, 15-15, 24w-10, 30-14, 42-22w and 52-28, where w means a wound string.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
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