The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Strings: Finding Your Perfect Match

 

Full list of gauges and materials and how they sound at the bottom of this article

The cheapest way to change your sound

Choosing the right guitar strings can transform your playing experience. You might be chasing the warm tones of jazz, the punchy attack of rock, or the bright resonance of classical music, whatever star your chasing, the right strings make all the difference in getting you there.

In this guide, we’ll break down string types by style and explore the choices of iconic guitarists to help you find your perfect match. At the bottom, you'll find a detailed list of gauges, metal types, and what they sound like. 

Guitar Strings Are More Than Just Strings

If you’ve ever bought a set of guitar strings in a rush, slapped them on, and wondered why your guitar suddenly sounds like it’s been dropped down a well, you’re not alone. For many people strings can feel like an afterthought—something you replace when one snaps or when the playability of your guitar starts to feel akin to that an instrument salvaged from the ocean floor. 

But the truth is, strings are the soul of your guitar. They’re the difference between sounding like Rory Gallagher at the Royal Albert Hall or your uncle at a family BBQ after five pints of lager.

Looking towards your heroes 

When it comes to string choices, it’s tempting to copy your favourite guitarist. If Jimi Hendrix played Fender 150XLs, then surely you should too, right? Not necessarily. Hendrix also tuned down half a step, covered his guitar in lighter fluid, and set it on fire—do you want to do that as well? Because I know I would, but that's not the point.

Think about the sound you want and how to get there. Stevie Ray Vaughan played heavy-gauge strings (13s!-the sadist) for his thick, bluesy tone, but unless you’ve got hands made of steel and the grip strength of your drunk uncle as he shakes your new partners hand at that BBQ, you might prefer something a bit lighter. 

The lesson here? Learn from the greats, but adapt to what works for you.

When in Doubt, Try Everything (Without Breaking the Bank)

If you’ve ever walked into a music shop and stared blankly at a wall of string packs, welcome to the club. The choice can feel overwhelming—coated, uncoated, light, heavy, bronze, phosphor bronze—and that’s before you even get to brands. But here’s tip: buy a few different packs and test them. One week you’ll be sliding around on Ernie Ball Slinkys, the next you might be digging into D’Addario NYXLs and wondering where they’ve been all your life. Changing strings is one of the cheapest ways to experiment with your sound, so treat it like a science experiment. Bonus tip—always keep the packs so you can remember what worked (and what didn’t) and if you're a true nerd, make some notes on the packs. 

You don't have to buy a new guitar to get a new sound. You don't have to go grab your soldering iron and replace your pickups. You can just change your strings. 

It’s Not Just About Sound—Feel Matters Too

Strings aren’t just about sound—they’re about feel. If you’re wrestling with strings that are rusted, you’re not going to enjoy playing, no matter how good they sound and if you're not enjoying the playing, you're not doing the practice. 

Some strings, like Elixir Nanowebs, are coated for smoothness, perfect for those of us who play for hours and want to avoid finger pain. Others, like flat wound strings, are smooth to play and ideal for jazz, where slides need to be seamless. Whether you’re after the resistance of heavy strings for heavy rhythms or the silk like feel of lighter gauges for fast solos, think about how they feel as much as how they sound.

 Your Strings, Your Sound

The perfect set of strings won’t just improve your sound—they’ll change how you play. They’ll make bends easier, chords richer and your solos sing out. But finding the right set takes time, and what works for someone else might not work for you. The fun part is in experimenting. Try new gauges, brands, and materials. Listen, tweak, and test. Most importantly—play.

Because no string, no matter how expensive, can make up for time spent practicing.

 Ready to learn more? Join one of our group classes  where we’ll not only teach you the ropes but also help you experiment with strings and techniques until you find your perfect match.

Where to buy strings from

Strings direct are great 

Here's a list of string types. gauges and what they sound like. Refer back to it as you do your experimenting.