Guitar String Gauge Explained
Updated Nov 10, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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String gauge is the thickness of strings in a set. A set lists the thinnest string first and the thickest last, so 12-53 runs from a 12 to a 53 and 10-46 runs from a 10 to a 46. Thicker strings need more tension to reach the same pitch, so gauge changes the tension and how the strings hold tune.
What the numbers on a string set mean
The two numbers on a set name the thinnest string and the thickest string, in that order. A 12-53 set starts at a 12 and ends at a 53, a 10-46 set starts at a 10 and ends at a 46, and a 9-42 set starts at a 9 and ends at a 42. Some sets list every string in between, such as 12-16-24-32-42-53, which names the gauge of each string from the thinnest to the thickest. Read the numbers on the pack before you buy, since the name on the front does not tell you the gauges inside.
Light, regular and super light sets
Gauge names differ by maker, so read the numbers on the set. The D'Addario EJ16 set lists Light at 12-53, and the Elixir set lists Light at 12-53 with the full set 12-16-24-32-42-53. The Ernie Ball Regular Slinky lists 10-46, and the Super Slinky lists 9-42. A lower first number means a thinner first string, so compare the numbers across sets instead of the names.
Match the gauge to the guitar
Buy the set that names the guitar type on the shelf. The D'Addario and Elixir sets here list acoustic guitar as the instrument and use phosphor bronze wrap wire, and the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky and Super Slinky list electric guitar and use nickel wound wire. Standard tuning runs E A D G B E from the thickest string to the thinnest, so the thickest string sounds the low E and the thinnest sounds the high E.
When the strings need changing
Change strings when they look discolored or rough, when rust shows, or when they no longer hold tune. How fast they wear out depends on how much and where you play, so watch the strings rather than the calendar. Wipe the strings with a soft dry cloth after playing, and keep a spare set on hand so a broken string does not end a session.
What you need
D'Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
A phosphor bronze acoustic set at 12-53 in a 3-pack, with precision wound wrap wire over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core.
- Sets in pack: 3
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Elixir
A coated phosphor bronze acoustic set at 12-53 with NANOWEB coating, in a single pack with the full set 12-16-24-32-42-53.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A nickel wound electric set at 10-46, the Regular Slinky gauge, in Element Shield packaging.
- Material: Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A nickel wound electric set at 9-42, the Super Slinky gauge, in Element Shield packaging.
- Material: Nickel Wound
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What does 12-53 mean on a string set?
It lists the thinnest string first and the thickest last, so a 12-53 set runs from a 12 to a 53. The numbers are the gauge of each string, and the full set lists every string, such as 12-16-24-32-42-53.
Can I put electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar?
The sets here name the guitar type they are made for, so use the set that names the guitar on the shelf. Electric sets use nickel wound wire, and the acoustic sets here use phosphor bronze wrap wire.
How do I know when to change my strings?
Look for discolored or rough strings, rust, and strings that no longer hold tune. How often they wear out depends on how much and where you play.
Do coated strings last longer than uncoated strings?
The Elixir set here uses a NANOWEB coating that protects the string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. The D'Addario set lists a coated finish, while the Ernie Ball sets list an uncoated finish.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
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