Best Acoustic Guitar Strings For Fingerstyle (2024 Update)

These came installed on my new Epiphone J-45 and man do they sing. Nice bass response and they are not tinny sounding, got the just right acoustic sound. They are coated and to me they make it easier to play. As I haven't played them for that long I'll have to see how they hold up. One other reviewer gave them 3 stars but if you read the review, he was complaining about the shipping time and even said he hadn't tried them. I find it hard to believe that it was AMS's fault for the delay, they always ship super fast. We were (and still are) getting slammed by Covid and delivery times by carriers were way behind in September when that review was written.Greg 'Purple' Hays

I like to keep my J45 Gibson guitar all "Gibson", so I use Gibson coated strings. They sound great and last a long time. Other coated strings are nice too but the Gibson strings just seem to sound brighter and louder.Guy

Sound just fine. Black coating started coming off after short time playing. Fixed with a sharpie. No biggie. Still a good buyjohnnyb2112

I always used martins and black diamonds. My black diamonds got higher and i saw these strings and thought why not? So glad i did these coated strings sound and feel amazing. These will decently be my sting of choice from now on.thrashedandlost

The title is wrong. These are not light strings. They are Medium-Heavy 13-56 which is what I wanted. They are excellent strings for acoustic guitar. Very loud with a beautiful sound. Not brassy sounding at all. These are the best strings I have found for my acoustic non-electric guitar. I hope they never stop making them.reindeertigerteam

I have used many different strings and there are some really good ones out there. However, after trying out these, I haven't put anything else on any of my acoustic guitars. They don't have that super tinny sound when you first put them on and they don't take nearly as long to fully stretch out as other brands do.SDG

I bought these strings because I wanted to see if there were any affordable strings that were noticeably better than the cheap D'Addario sets that I was buying, and these certainly fit the bill. At first, they were pretty bright, but once broken in they were nice and warm while still retaining great clarity and definition. Even after many hours of use, they still sound and feel just as good or even better than a set of overpriced Elixirs. I definitely recommend these to any player as they are affordale high-quality strings.ASA

Definitely the best strings at the price point lately. They have a thinner or smoother wind than Ernie Ball slinkys or Daddarrio exl and this results in less finger noise and a zingier tone IMO. I'm into clean and classic rock, and I doubt you would like these over the former two names if you were into more modern and metal sounds. It depends on the guitar for me, on my strat I could use just about any strings. My guitars with humbuckers seem more picky, at least to my ears. I prefer these over the other two as far as cheap strings go, and these are often cheaper. Win win. Used to be I would never have preferred Fender strings so either my tastes are changing or these strings have changed over the years.Joelish

Overall: Don't pay any attention to the low price these are great strings. Have used Fender 7250's on all kinds of bass guitars they always sound great and feel good. Years of use have proved quality. I put them on my Jazz bass, my PJ, and my Squire, have used them on Samick, Music man, OLP, and Epiphone basses, all good.Scott

According to a Fender rep, these are what came on the Fender PJ bass I ordered from Musician's Friend. They produce the classic Fender tone I wanted. I eventually replaced them with a set of Fender 7250L (.040, .060, .080, .100) to make it easier to play on the guitar's 9.5" fingerboard radius. I stayed with Fender because of the tone that the 7250M strings produce. The Light's have slightly less oomph on the low end, yet all the tone while the lighter gauge makes for nice melodic work on the high end of things. If you have a Fender bass and want Fender tone…Vice

From the moment I tuned the strings upon installation I fell in love with the smooth gliding and crystal-clear attacks on the Stringjoys! The ability to slide from fret to fret with chord or triad was met with same success as when I used flat-strings on my electric Gretsch. I installed the two sets on my HD-35 Martin and on my J45/50 Gibson and the performance and sound were way beyond my expectations–particularly when I plugged them into my acoustic amp. A month has passed and each day I played, which was everyday, the strings put out the same great results as on the first day. And, yes, I highly recommend them to all guitar pickers. Greg Bruorton Downsville, LouisianaGregory B

LOVE THEM! Live in dryer climate (Kansas). Installed strings and 4 days later traveled to Augusta GA for missions trip and played multiple locations at 80%+ humidity, a 2 hr televised broadcast, even UNDER A BRIDGE during a THUNDERSTORM…and they were flawless. Had a spare set of old brand I used to use just in case. THE LOW END IS SO CLEAR. Will be signing up for a subscription. Thanks for the AMAZING customer service. From the handwritten thank you in the box, the follow up, and the guarantee… You have won my business by that alone, it’s just a plus your strings are AMAZING too! I am referring you to EVERYONE that owns a guitar! Best, Justin KiserJustin K

Review may be a bit early, just put the strings on last night. So, I have a Taylor 414ce-R and while I love the sound and the guitar is almost never out of my sight it's a little bright for my ears. Replacing the strings last night has made the guitar a little less bright but it's still a little to cold sounding. While I have no complaints, these strings have not had the impact that the set I put on my electric did. ON THAT guitar Stringjoy are the only strings that are going on it. The Taylor, I'll try different set from Stringjoy before looking elsewhere. I still recommend these, just haven't gotten the tone I'm looking for yet.jeff c

I use John Pearse acoustic guitar strings exclusively and for good reason- they are the best sounding and playing strings period. They also stay brighter and last longer than any other major brand I have tried. For me- John Pearse strings are the best value for quality and tone.buzzman39

Its my favorite strings I love them and Ive been playing them about a hour a day for two months and they still play like new!frankiemarkmark

I have tried many brands of guitar strings over the years, and usually use Martin on my acoustic, and D'Addario's on my Les Paul. This is the first time using Pearse strings. I cleaned and dressed my frets, installed an under the saddle pickup with an equalizer, a new bone saddle and nut, then the new Pearse strings. I couldn't be happier. The old early 70's Alvarez now sounds better than it ever has. I highly recommend any acoustic players that have not tried the Pearse strings, to do so.usaf_retired

I put a set on a recently purchased used The Loar LO215SN, which is a Christmas gift for my granddaughter. These strings provide punch with a lot of projection. This guitar has laminated maple back and sides, so it's already bright and these help that along. I'm sure they'll mellow some, but this guitar will be the loudest in the room. I like to bend strings and these are as heavy as I can handle for any decent bends or vibrato. I have not had them on for very long, so I can't comment longevity.loudog

I don't write reviews…however I just needed to say something about the DR Rare (medium light gauge) strings. I was out of my usual DR Rare's and strung up one of my guitars – an OM built by a local Luthier – with what I had around, some John Pearse phosphor/bronze light gauge. Well, to make a long story short…after only 1 day I was making a special trip to the local music store to stock up on DR strings. I play mostly blues and jazz and really appreciate the lower string tension and easy bendability of these strings. I find them to be plenty loud enough, even with the lighter rating (11 to 50). For my playing style these are the best strings that I have tried.Blues Musician

These are very light strings that hold their tuning very well. Packs a punch with sound and bright tone. For those needing a lighter string set for their acoustic, these hold great. I've used a lot of light gauge strings over time and they always went out of tune easily and didn't last long as these type usually do. DR's are a winner!woljk.gh8tk5

Very surprised on how good these sound. I actually just needed strings for my full body acoustic. Never used lights on my axe, usually use mediums but not I'm glad I tried these lights. These sound so crisp & clear I thought I had a new guitar in my hands. Very happy with these. It's also a bonus to get 2 sets. I think I just might have found the strings for me. Believe me I've tried ALL strings before except for these coated ones. I'm absolutely in love with Dragon Skin Hard Coated Acoustic Strings. It was Destiny.mitchkyng75-7

At last! A coated string that gets it right. I like this brand and have been looking for a good coated string – wanted something that lasts a bit longer. Tried them out at a blue-grass festival where my friend picked some up. They are now my go-to since they sound great and no slippery coated feel or flaking. Used them on my Taylor Dreadnought and put the second set on my GS- Mini which I play everyday, it's been a month and so far so good.Dan

First string replacement on my BC Rich BCR3N Acoustic from D'addario which sounded good on her but I prefer coated strings and these live up to their name. Once on and tuned (BTW, I had also switched out the tuners from BC Rich to D'addario Planet Waves Auto Trim Locking Tuners, so I am not sure if the magnificent new sound is specifically from one or the other or both but the combination surely works well). The guitar has a bright, strong sound now and I like it! Changing was fast and smooth. Got two sets for the price of one and if they last (only thing I can't publish yet), I would definitely buy again and would probably like to try the electric sets on my Stratocaster.Brazil Bill

I build guitars and buy these for setups period. I have tried to use these on one occasion just for kicks but found the tension all wrong. Not so much on the wound strings as the unwound upper strings. I found the tension and feel really poor. They seemed to be ridiculous to bend and if you managed that they felt like they were about ready to snap. I did not like the brittle tone either. The feel of these is just all wrong but they are cheap and fine to use for building but my guitars would never go out with these!Thump54

Musicians Gear strings are perfect for any player. If you get your strings for free because of an endorsement deal, you can claim a better value. I don't have that option = I pay for my strings. I change strings about once a month, sometimes more often, because NOTHING sounds as good as a new set of strings. But I can't afford big coins to keep fresh strings on them. These MGs are very affordable, they sound great, they play well, they are consistent, and I am very happy when I play with new strings. The new packaging helps stop rust and corrosion, so I usually buy in boxes of 10, just so I have some on hand.guitarpicker7

I use these strings all the time. Dont believe all the nonsense you read- they sound good, they last well and they are affordable. If you dont need to pay double or triple for hype, buy these strings. The best sounding strings in the world are new strings. Buy a stack of these and change them whenever you need to. The more you play, the more often you will need to change them. Even a cheap guitar will sound good with new strings. And the most expensive guitar will sound bad with old strings. I love them.reynardfoxe

These are great strings be not for everyone. They are different in that they aid the upper register of vocals. I've put them on a 00-27 and a J 200; tow very different guitars. The affect is magical for those musicians who want a harp-like tone from their steel strung axe. They have an interesting configuration. From e to E; 12, 16,12,16, 23 W, 30 W. The result is crisp, clear highs and rich lows. These strings are different, but wonderful.goeller2006

I have tried countless strings over the years, and these John Pearse strings are fantastic! You name it, I've tried it. Everything from D'Addario, Elixer, Martin, Gibson, DR, Cleartone and even Dean Markley. Cheap and expensive, I have tried them. All I can say is that these are the best acoustic strings I have tried to date. I just went from a set of Elixers (which I thought were expensive, but good) to these, and these strings won out hands down. As soon as I installed these, my guitar absolutely came ALIVE! It was almost like night and day. Everything was better! Immediately what I noticed was the added volume and projection I was getting, but most of all, it was the tone that absolutely sold me on these. With these strings I heard more woodiness, percussive body, clarity, string to string definition, harmonic overtones, and resonance than any other acoustic strings I have heard to date. The top end also opened up and became even more tactile and transparent. These strings are just more organic, yet highly defined and less sterile than anything else I have heard, and they also have a very balanced output from string to string that is excellent. In no small measure, these strings have been a bit of a revelation. These strings are also very smooth, and I also noticed less finger noise between fretting notes and bar chords as well. However, regarding that smoothness, I also noticed something interesting as well. Just try to follow me with this: These are the first set of John Pearse strings I have ever installed, so I don't know if this is a "one off", but as smooth as they are, I also noticed that the unwound strings have an ever so slightly uneven and wavy finish to them in spots when you shine them in the light. I don't mention this as a negative IN ANY WAY, but just purely as an observation. Besides, I could care less because they sound so darn amazing. Anyway, my point of mentioning this (and this is based purely on conjecture), is I wonder if the barely perceptible finish inconsistencies contribute to the overall tonality of these strings? TBH, I have never seen strings that had this kind of "inconsistency" to their finish before, and I am wondering if this has anything to do with the great tonality of these strings? All the other strings I have bought over the years have been extremely smooth and consistent in their diameter and finish. Again, I don't mention this as a negative in any way because you never feel this while playing in the least. The only time I noticed it was when I looked at them under direct light. These strings sound fantastic, and obviously their specific alloy and construction plays a great part to their sound, but on the other hand, I have never seen strings with this kind of finish before, and yet I have also never been so excited about a set of strings before either. There has to be something to it. The only other thing I can mention is that these strings also have excellent string life as well. I have had these on my acoustic after about a month and a half of use, and they still sound fantastic! Anyway, all I can say is that I have tried A LOT of strings, and these ones are the standouts by far. Buy with confidence. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Peace. 🙂Eywa Dude

Had a pesky b and e string on short scale 000. Solution was it wanted more tension to ring true. The 13 and 18 did it; short scale so they play like lighter strings! The 22w g is awesome, the rest balance nicely. 52 is lite for E but not much of a sacrifice; drop D tuning still do-able. SO HAPPYJohn

Just as the Fender Light Acoustic Guitar Strings, These Strings are Easy to Play and Have the Dura-Tone Coating. The Custom Light Gauge of These Strings Have Made a Difference for Me. I Would Recommend Trying Out These Strings.somebodywantsthisstuff

I was hoping to remove some of the ringing I hear from D'Addario strings. Didn't work. I down tune one whole step so that I can use arrangements for tenors and still sing them. Went to heavy strings but they are too hard on my fingers and they still ring. When I tune up to concert pitch, the problem goes away. Clearly, this is really not a product judgement, but a misapplication.Rex

I wanted to experiment & give these Retro strings a try. I installed these on my '87 Martin HD2832 Shenandoah with V neck (super comfy) which has a warm tone, getting better with age. I was not aware that these Retro strings were all nickel so I love how they bring out the nickel hardware on the head stock (see attached pic). Comparing these Retro strings to the med gauge 80/20 bronze Martin Marquis that I usually play, these Retro strings are just as warm and comfy, especially when finger picking. If bass is at 'noon', so is the brightness, even throughout. (When comparing to another brand, these Retros sound and feel just as great as the med gauge bronze Ernie Ball Earthwoods that I occasionally play.) I've been playing bronze strings for so long that I'd have to hear the nickle and bronze played back to back in order to hear a difference, if any. These Retros have a nice punch when strumming and leads are rich & full. I have no doubt they'll last just as long as the Martin Marquis. Looks like I've found another set of Martin strings that I'll play for awhile…I believe Martin strings play better as they get older.John564Holloway

I am quite happy with the Stringjoy Acoustic Strings and I'm still deciding which ones are my favorite. I recently put on the Foxwood and am now needing to record an "original guitar only song" with it on a direct track and a high end microphone track. Then I will do the same with the Naturals and also the Brights. At least I can then do a comparison but my suspicion is the I might prefer different strings for various purposes. Such being the case, I am not currently positioned to supply anyone with a FAVE RAVE!!!David F

Love these strings. I’ve had them on my Ibanez AC240 for just a couple weeks but I’m blown away! They started unremarkable (in the best sense of course) but have opened up to a nice, full, vibrant sound. They don’t feel coated, but they don’t feel fully natural either which I love. Best of both worlds! I’ve been using your string cleaner with them as well and I’m convinced these will last a good long while before needed a swap out. Going to put these on a couple other guitars as well! Thanks guys! You rocked the park with these!Garrett G

I bought both coated and uncoated versions of the Stringjoy acoustic strings in regular medium light. I now have these on 3 different guitars and plan on installing on 2 more. Have to say I don’t know how you do it but the tension on these strings seems different than anything else I’ve ever used. They just seem “comfortable†and sound fantastic. They’re pricey but worth it. Only con I can think of is they’re a bit noisy when sliding but I’m sure I’ll get used to that.David M

These came installed on my new Epiphone J-45 and man do they sing. Nice bass response and they are not tinny sounding, got the just right acoustic sound. They are coated and to me they make it easier to play. As I haven't played them for that long I'll have to see how they hold up. One other reviewer gave them 3 stars but if you read the review, he was complaining about the shipping time and even said he hadn't tried them. I find it hard to believe that it was AMS's fault for the delay, they always ship super fast. We were (and still are) getting slammed by Covid and delivery times by carriers were way behind in September when that review was written.Greg 'Purple' Hays

I like to keep my J45 Gibson guitar all "Gibson", so I use Gibson coated strings. They sound great and last a long time. Other coated strings are nice too but the Gibson strings just seem to sound brighter and louder.Guy

In order to deal with a D-18 style acoustic guitar that seemed to have a rather tense and tight action, I decided to try very light gauge strings. Although the volume of the sound is reduced with lighter strings, this is of no consequence when amplified. The difference in playablity is inspiring, and I feel like I have a new guitar.Stephen 3rdi

I have been using SIT's for 25 years. I sat out to find a string that really does stay in tune. I used a Floyd Rose on my Carvin V220, but couldn't keep it in tune and I wondered if it was my strings. I found out about a string company that called theirself 'Stay In Tune'… I had to try them. They DID stay in tune MUCH better than the other major brands and I found the tone to my liking as well, I have been using them ever since. I've used other brands over the years, but keep coming back to S.I.T. My local music store doesn't carry them, so I bought my last set from Musician's Friend. My styles: Metal, Rock, Classical, (some Easy Listening strumming, picking type stuff.) **I like that they are Made In USA Also: CANNOT BEAT THE PRICE! I hope this review helps…MetalMan1000

I bought these ultra light strings on a hunch as they were a brand i had never before seen. I was pleasantly suprised by their quality of tone and response. I used them on an inexpensive guitar that I use to practice and there was a noticeable difference in the performance. I am definately buying more.Pagra

These are the slickest, most comfortable strings. I bought them to put on a PRS Angelus SE and be able to do those David Gilmore bends on an acoustic. For that, they are awesome. Bendiest, easy to slide acoustic strings I have ever tried. Great for all those single note lead lines. The bass strings are also heavy enough to still give some oomph. The problem is when you come out of those lead lines to do any rhythmic strumming-the tone is bright, brash, tinny and very G forward. I want to like these strings for their play-ability and keep trying them to see if they'll break in, but always leave disappointed. For reference, my PRS is already a little brighter in a Taylor sort of way than my other guitars. I usually play Santa Cruz Low Tension Parabolics on my Santa Cruz OM, and Martin Life Span on my Martin 0015. The brashness is muted a little if amplified.Jonah

Bought these as replacements on my Taylor guitar. I was surprised at the quality of the strings, the incredible tone and that they didn't stretch A LOT when new (meaning I didn't have to retune after every song…I let the rest for about 4 hours and tune them up before performing). And, they were made in the USA. Highest possible recommendation!Amy

I have been experiencing with different string blends and I stumbled across these… I love them! I like the bright top tones these strings bring. They are super flexible for soloing! I have smaller hands amd fingers so the thinness is an extra benefit! 10/10 recommend!Kayla

You cant get a better deal. 3 sets for 15 amazing. They sound crisp, clear,and after a whole week playing everyday still sound new. Other brands stay new for about 3 days then they die out, not these! They shock me everytime i pick up my acoustic thanks GHS.thejackofvocalandguitar

I just got a brand new Taylor(615ce) and i was like nice these strings sound good. These sound great 3 days later they sounded dead i was really disappointed. Then i went to go buy the same pair 15 dollars every time i want that new string sound. NO WAY! Goo Goo dolls lead singer Johhny R. uses these so i tired them. BLOWN AWAY!!!!! at there tone and clarity, 3new sets for the price of 1! sold and i am a GHS customer for life.thejackofvocalandguitar

I put these on my Yamaha Storia III. I have only had them on for one week so I cannot speak to how long they will last, BUT I LOVE the sound. No jangly high's and the heavier E, A and D strings give my little guitar a bigger sound. They are not rough on the fingers and string bending is still surprisingly easy. I switched from a set of silk & bronze strings to these DR Rare Bluegrass strings. I have been trying several kinds and brands of strings and I have finally found the ones that fit my taste to a Tee. Thanks DR and Strings & Beyond!Charles

These strings are the loudest i've ever used on a guitar. Give a stronger bass on the low strings, sweet highs on the skinny strings. Overall, however, I prefer other strings for the tone of the Yamaha FG730s. This is my second attempt at DR strings on my 2 guitars. Love that they're made in USA, I just seem to like other strings better on my instruments. By the way, these strings break in fast, hold there tuning, and last a long time. Price is right to try some on your own guitar and see what you think.I_likewalnuts

I have used these about 3 years… they have great tone.. I get positive comments every time I play —about my tone– it is the strings and the Laravee' together, I would highly recommend them.. I buy 10-20 packs at a time..RC