What Type of Strings for an Acoustic Guitar?
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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For a steel-string acoustic guitar, use a 6-string set of phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze strings in a light gauge such as 12-53. The set matches standard tuning E A D G B E. Coated sets add a thin film over the wrap wire, while uncoated sets leave the wrap wire bare.
Match the set to a steel-string acoustic
Acoustic guitar strings use a wrap wire wound around a steel core. Phosphor bronze is one wrap wire material, and 80/20 bronze is another alloy used for the same job. Both are made for steel-string acoustic guitars, so check that the set names acoustic guitar before you buy it. A set made for a nylon-string guitar uses different strings, so do not fit a steel set to one.
Read the gauge numbers on the set
The gauge is the set of numbers printed on the pack, such as 12-53 or 12-54. The first number is the thinnest string and the last number is the thickest string, so a set that starts with a higher number has heavier strings. Light is a gauge name on the sets shown here, and medium light is a gauge name on one of them. A heavier gauge puts more pull on the neck, so check the guitar maker's own guidance before you move to a heavier set.
Decide between coated and uncoated strings
A coated set has a thin film over the wrap wire, and an uncoated set leaves the wrap wire bare. The film covers the wrap wire, so your fingers touch the film rather than the wire itself. An uncoated set puts your fingers straight on the wrap wire. The gauge and the coating are separate choices, so settle the gauge first and then choose the coating.
Check the string count and the pack
A standard acoustic guitar takes a 6-string set, so check that the pack says 6-string before you buy it. One of the sets shown here also includes picks in the pack. Count the strings in the pack when you open it, and check that each string matches the gauge numbers printed on the pack. If a string is missing, ask the seller for a replacement set.
What you need
Elixir
A 6-string light gauge phosphor bronze set with a NANOWEB coating, marked 12-53 with gauges 12-16-24-32-42-53.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic Guitar
A light gauge phosphor bronze set in 12-53 with an ultra-thin XS film coating over a NY Steel core.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light Phosphor Bronze
A medium light phosphor bronze set in 12-54, with plain steel strings at .012 and .016 and wound strings at .024, .032, .044 and .054.
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Havendi 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
A light gauge 80/20 bronze set in 12-53 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
How do I know what gauge my acoustic guitar needs?
Start with a light gauge such as 12-53, which is the gauge named on the sets shown here. Check the guitar maker's own guidance for the gauge range it accepts, and move to a heavier gauge only when the maker allows it.
How often should I change acoustic guitar strings?
Change them when they look discolored or feel rough, when rust appears, or when the strings no longer hold tune. How fast that happens depends on how much and where you play, so watch the strings rather than the calendar.
What is phosphor bronze on acoustic guitar strings?
Phosphor bronze is the wrap wire material named on the sets shown here. The wrap wire is wound around a steel core, and the material is printed on the pack so you can check it before you buy a set.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
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