What Are Acoustic Guitar Strings?
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Acoustic guitar strings are the 6 wires that run from the bridge to the tuning pegs of a steel-string acoustic guitar. The sets here are phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze, in light gauges such as 12-53, and the Elixir and D'Addario sets are coated. Each set holds 6 strings tuned E A D G B E.
What an acoustic string set holds
A set holds 6 strings: the low E, A, D, G, B and high E strings, tuned E A D G B E. The gauges here read 12-53 for light sets and 12-54 for the Ernie Ball medium light set. The Ernie Ball set lists each string: plain steel .012 and .016, and phosphor bronze wound .024, .032, .044 and .054.
Phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze
3 sets here use phosphor bronze wrap wire: Elixir, D'Addario and Ernie Ball. The Havendi set uses 80/20 bronze, the classic alloy named in its title. Phosphor bronze wrap wire sits on a steel core, and the Ernie Ball set names a hex-shaped, high-carbon steel core wire. The Havendi set is built for steel-string acoustics.
Coated strings and plain strings
A coated string carries a thin film over the wrap wire. The Elixir set uses NANOWEB coating, and the D'Addario set uses an ultra-thin XS film coating. The Elixir coating protects the string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. Both coated sets are light 12-53.
Light gauge and medium light gauge
Gauge is the thickness of the strings in the set. Light sets here read 12-53: Elixir at 12-16-24-32-42-53, D'Addario at 12-53, and Havendi at 12-53. The Ernie Ball set is medium light at 12-54, with plain steel .012 and .016 and wound .024, .032, .044 and .054. Pick the gauge that fits your guitar and your hands, and check the gauge line on the set you buy.
When to change the strings
Change the strings when they no longer hold tune, look discolored or feel rough under the fingers. The D'Addario set holds tune with its NY Steel core, and the Elixir set protects the string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. The Havendi set has a fast break-in period. Wipe the strings with a soft dry cloth after playing, and keep a spare set on hand.
What you need
Elixir
A light 12-53 phosphor bronze set with NANOWEB coating, in 12-16-24-32-42-53 gauges, for steel-string acoustics.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic Guitar
A light 12-53 phosphor bronze set with an ultra-thin XS film coating and a NY Steel core.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light Phosphor Bronze
A medium light 12-54 phosphor bronze set with plain steel .012 and .016 and wound .024, .032, .044 and .054 strings.
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Havendi 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
A light 12-53 80/20 bronze set for steel-string acoustics, with 3 picks included in the pack.
- 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
What gauge are light acoustic guitar strings?
Light sets here read 12-53: Elixir at 12-16-24-32-42-53, D'Addario at 12-53, and Havendi at 12-53. The Ernie Ball medium light set reads 12-54.
What is the difference between phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze?
Phosphor bronze is the wrap wire on the Elixir, D'Addario and Ernie Ball sets here. The Havendi set uses 80/20 bronze, the classic alloy named in its title. Check the wrap and core lines on the set you buy.
Do coated strings last longer?
The NANOWEB coating on the Elixir set protects the string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. The XS film coating on the D'Addario set gives the longest life of any D'Addario acoustic string. Change the strings when they no longer hold tune or look discolored.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
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