String Gauge & Buying Adviser

Overview of String Types

Different materials give strings their unique feel and sound. The descriptions below summarise typical uses. These are general guidelines rather than rules – mixing materials is possible if the resulting tension remains within a safe range.

• Plain steel: Solid high‑carbon steel strings are used for the unwound strings on electric guitars and most steel‑string acoustic guitars. They provide a bright, clear tone and form the core of many wound strings.
• Nickel wound: A steel core with a nickel or nickel‑plated wrap. These strings are standard on electric guitars and produce a balanced, versatile tone suitable for many styles.
• Phosphor bronze: Phosphor bronze wrap over a steel core gives a warm, balanced sound. This is the most common choice for steel‑string acoustic guitars.
• 80/20 bronze: Wound strings with an 80/20 copper–zinc alloy produce a crisp, bright tone. Players select these when a more articulate acoustic sound is desired.
• Nylon: Classical and flamenco guitars use plain nylon for the treble strings and nylon‑core bass strings wound with silver‑plated copper. Although the bass strings look metallic, they have a nylon core and lower tension suited to instruments not built for steel strings.
• Gut, nylgut and fluorocarbon: Historical lutes, vihuelas and early citterns used plain or weighted gut. Modern players often choose synthetic alternatives such as nylgut or fluorocarbon, which mimic the feel of gut but are more stable. These materials offer a mellow tone and are suitable for early music and for instruments where very low tension is required.

For steel‑string citterns or bouzoukis, phosphor bronze and nickel‑wound strings are typical. Lute and early‑music specialists favour nylgut or gut substitutes. Always check that the recommended gauge keeps the tension within a sensible range, especially if you mix materials across instruments.