Here’s a question I often get asked by our students: “Which guitar strings should I use?”
It’s a fair question. There are different gauges, materials and brands, and it can be a lot to take in, especially if you’re buying a new set for the first time. But once you understand a couple of basics, choosing the right strings becomes much easier.
At Do Re Mi Studios, my advice to beginners is almost always the same: choose comfort over heavier strings. If you’re fighting the strings just to hold down a basic chord, you’re making things unnecessarily harder for yourself.
What Type of Guitar Do You Have?
Before choosing a gauge or brand, the first thing to check is what type of guitar you have. Acoustic, electric and classical guitars all use different types of strings. Therefore, you can’t simply buy any packet labelled “guitar strings”.
From left to right, you can see an acoustic guitar, a classical guitar and an electric guitar.
Steel-string acoustic guitars use steel strings, while electric guitars use strings designed specifically for electric guitar pickups. Classical guitars use nylon strings, which are quite different from the steel strings used on acoustic and electric guitars.
If you’re simply replacing the strings already on your guitar, checking the type of strings currently fitted is a good starting point. If you’re not sure, ask your teacher or a guitar shop before buying a new set.
So What Is “String Gauge,” Anyway?
Gauge just means thickness. When you see strings labelled light, medium or heavy, that’s what they’re referring to. However, it’s worth knowing that the exact thickness can vary a bit from one brand to the next.
You may also see numbers such as .010–.046 on a packet. These numbers refer to the thickness of the individual strings, measured in thousandths of an inch. The first number is the thinnest string and the last is the thickest.
Roughly speaking:
- Light strings are thinner, and your fingers won’t have to work as hard to press them down.
- Medium strings sit in the middle — a nice balance of comfort, tone and volume.
- Heavy strings are thicker, so your fretting hand will have to press harder on the strings.
You’ll notice the difference straight away, especially when you’re learning your first chords.
Should Beginners Use Light Strings?
I recommend light strings for people just starting out. Your fingers are still building strength and calluses, and if you’ve got smaller hands, light strings can make that whole process feel easier.
Learning guitar isn’t simply about building stronger fingers. A lot of it comes down to coordination, finger placement and learning how much pressure you actually need to use. If you’re pressing much harder than necessary, even a perfectly suitable set of strings can feel difficult.
One thing though: if you’ve been playing consistently for a month or so and your fingers still feel unusually sore or the strings just don’t feel right, that’s worth a chat with your teacher. Maybe a lighter gauge is a better fit for you.
Some fingertip tenderness is normal when you’re getting used to playing guitar, particularly in the beginning. But ongoing pain isn’t something you should simply put up with. Your teacher can check your technique, while a guitar technician can check things such as the guitar’s setup and string height if needed.
But there’s no “right” gauge for every beginner. It depends on your guitar, the strings on it, and how you play.
Medium and Heavy Strings
Heavier strings do have their appeal. They can feel different under your fingers and often produce a fuller, punchier sound. Certain playing styles suit them nicely too, and plenty of experienced players genuinely prefer that heavier feel.
The trade-off is that your fretting hand has to work harder. And when you’re new to guitar, that extra effort can turn simple chords into a genuine struggle that you don’t need.
So don’t reach for heavy strings just because they feel like “levelling up.” That’s not really how it works. The best strings are simply the ones that feel good in your hands and suit your particular guitar.
Changing String Gauges
You can change gauges whenever you like. Just be aware that jumping to a noticeably different gauge changes the tension on your guitar’s neck, and that can affect your setup.
If you’re moving to a different gauge, it’s worth asking your teacher or a guitar tech whether your guitar will need adjusting afterward.
A change in gauge can affect things such as neck relief, string height and intonation. A significant change may mean the guitar needs to be adjusted.
Once you find a gauge that feels right and works well with your instrument, stick with it. No need to keep chopping and changing. That said, if you like your current gauge but want to try a different brand, go for it. Different manufacturers use different materials and construction, so even “the same” gauge can feel a little different from one brand to another.
How Often Should I Change My Strings?
This one really comes down to you: how often you play, how much you sweat (yes, that matters), and how quickly your strings lose that fresh, bright tone.
Over time, strings get dull. They pick up grime, they’re harder to keep in tune, and that crisp sound when they were new starts to fade.
Cleaning your strings regularly can stretch out their lifespan. We’ve actually got a full guide on how to clean your guitar strings if you want to get more mileage out of a set.
There isn’t one exact timetable that works for everyone. If your strings sound dull, feel rough or dirty, don’t stay in tune as well as they used to, or show signs of corrosion, it’s probably time for a fresh set.
Eventually, though, every set needs replacing. And trust me, a fresh set can genuinely transform how your guitar sounds and feels. It’s one of those small changes that makes a surprisingly big difference.
Good Guitar String Brands to Know
There are plenty of solid string manufacturers out there, and a lot of it comes down to personal taste. Some names you’ll see again and again: Ernie Ball, D’Addario, and Elixir.
Each brand makes a whole range of gauges and types, so just picking a trusted name isn’t quite enough. You still need strings made for your specific guitar.
The materials and construction also affect how strings feel and sound. Two sets with the same gauge can feel slightly different because they’re made differently, so don’t be surprised if you prefer one brand over another.
Finding the Right Strings for Your Guitar
If you’re simply replacing your current strings, the easiest shortcut is checking the old packaging or figuring out what gauge is already on there. If you’re not sure, just ask your teacher or your local guitar shop to point you in the right direction. No need to guess, especially if you’re thinking about changing gauge or type altogether.
It also helps to ask yourself whether you’re happy with how your current strings feel. If they feel comfortable and your guitar sounds good, there may be no reason to change anything.
What matters most is finding strings that feel comfortable and suit your instrument. You don’t need to use a certain gauge just because your favourite guitarist does.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing guitar strings really doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re a beginner, comfort should be your starting point. Light strings are often the friendliest way in. As you grow more experienced, you might find yourself drawn to the fuller feel of heavier strings, and that’s great too.
At Do Re Mi Studios, we teach guitar to students of every age and skill level — from someone learning their very first chord to players polishing more advanced technique. Our guitar lessons cover technique, chords, reading music, different styles, and helping you develop your own musical voice on the instrument.
If you’re in the Sutherland Shire and keen to start learning guitar, or simply want some guidance choosing the right strings, have a look at our guitar lessons.