Lightest Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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The Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light runs 12-54. Light gauge means thinner strings across the set, so check all 6 figures before you buy.
What the numbers on a string set mean
A set has 6 figures, a figure per string, from the thinnest to the thickest. A 12-54 set runs .012, .016, .024, .032, .044 and .054, with heavier wound strings at the low end. Read all 6 figures, since sets can share a 12 start and differ at the low end.
Light gauge and string tension
Light gauge sets here run 12-53, and the Ernie Ball Medium Light runs 12-54. Thinner strings pull with less tension at the same pitch, so ask a repair shop to check the setup when the gauge changes. The Ernie Ball set has plain steel strings at .012 and .016, and wound strings from .024 to .054. A coated set adds a thin film over the wrap wire: the Elixir uses NANOWEB coating and the D'Addario XS uses an ultra-thin XS film coating.
What a coating does
A coating is a thin film over the wrap wire. The Elixir NANOWEB coating protects the entire string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. The D'Addario XS film coating gives the longest life of any D'Addario acoustic string, with no fraying, peeling or tonal dampening. The Havendi set is coated as well, and the Ernie Ball set ships in Element Shield Packaging to keep strings fresh.
Check the set before you buy
Each set here fits a steel-string acoustic guitar. The Elixir, D'Addario and Havendi are Light 12-53, and the Ernie Ball is Medium Light 12-54. Check the gauge on the pack, since a set marked Light can still differ at the low end. The Havendi set includes 3 picks, and the D'Addario set comes in a resealable VCI bag.
What you need
Elixir
Phosphor bronze strings with NANOWEB coating, Light 12-53, with a smooth feel and a coating that guards against sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic Guitar
Phosphor bronze strings with an ultra-thin XS film coating, a NY Steel core and Fusion Twist technology, staying in tune 131% better than standard acoustic strings.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light Phosphor Bronze
Medium Light phosphor bronze strings, 12-54, wound on a hex-shaped high-carbon steel core, in Element Shield Packaging.
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Havendi 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
80/20 bronze strings, Light 12-53, with 3 picks included, for steel-string acoustics.
- Sets in pack: 1
- Material: 80/20 Bronze
These come from our ranked list Best Acoustic Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do light gauge strings need a setup change?
Thinner strings pull with less tension at the same pitch, so a gauge change can shift the setup. Ask a repair shop to check the setup when the gauge changes.
How do I know when to change acoustic strings?
Change a set when the strings look discolored or feel rough, when rust shows, or when the strings no longer hold tune. Wipe the strings with a soft dry cloth after playing.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
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