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D'Addario XT Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
$41.99XT Acoustic Phosphor Bronze strings combine D’Addario’s most popular acoustic alloy with an extended lifespan treatment on every string in the set, preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings. D’Addari...h m s
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Martin 41Y19MEC Clapton's Choice Signature Acoustic Guitar Strings
$8.49 - $20.37Eric Clapton loves his Martin acoustic guitar strings so much that he wanted to endorse them. We are proud and honored that Martin Guitar makes the strings that Eric trusts to produce his legendary guitar sounds. Wh...h m s
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DR Strings BKE9 Black Beauties Electric Guitar Strings
$11.99 - $26.95DR Strings Black Beauties black coated electric guitar strings represent the latest in coated guitar string technology! DR’s K3 Technology coated wire is pre coated before winding for extra life and extra protectio...h m s
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Ernie Ball P0221 Skinny Top Beefy Bottom Slinky Electric Guitar Strings
$9.49The Ernie Ball Skinny Top Beefy Bottom Slinky’s combine the lighter playability of the Regular Slinky set with slightly heavier wound strings than the popular Beefy Slinky set. This combination is the ultimate for l...h m s
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Elixir Electric Guitar Strings NanoWeb 3 Pak
$38.99Elixir Electric Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Technology, Super Light (.009-.042) 3 Pack Whether you're laying down punchy riffs or soaring through solos, Electric Nickel Plated Steel Guitar Strings with NANOWEB ...h m s
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D'Addario EJ45 Pro Arte Classical Guitar Strings Normal P028-43
$12.99 - $32.99Pro-Arte, the world's most popular classical strings are D'Addario's premium classical guitar string sets. All Pro-Arte treble strings are sorted by a sophisticated computer-controlled laser machine which performs d...h m s
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DR Strings Pure Blues Electric Guitar Strings
$9.99 - $22.99The DR Strings Pure Blues Electric Guitar Strings are the result of using old style construction to improve modern performance. Pure Blues electric guitar strings are designed with pure nickel wrap wire, round wo...h m s
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DR Strings DBG HI-VOLTAGE Electric Guitar Strings
$12.99HI-VOLTAGE Electric Guitar Strings are the signature strings played by the late metal icon Dimebag Darrell. They feature a hexagonal core wire and nickel-plated steel wrap wire treated with a liquid polymer that pro...h m s
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DAddario Plain Steel Single Acoustic or Electric Guitar String
$1.06 - $9.95D'Addario plain steel guitar strings are acclaimed worldwide for their superb, long-lasting tone. Available in your favorite gauges (.008 to .022 inch) as single strings, or go for the extra value of the 10 pa...h m s
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Gibson Brite Wire Reinforced Electric Guitar Strings
$9.99The Brite Wires Reinforced strings, developed by our Master Luthiers are loved by fans and artist's around the world and adorn every solid body electric guitar built in our Nashville, TN Gibson USA facility. Brite ...h m s
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Ernie Ball John Mayer Silver Slinky Strings
$9.99 - $54.99Silver Slinky Strings are the result of an extraordinary partnership between Ernie Ball and John Mayer. Each string has been meticulously engineered with specific gauges and core-to-wrap ratios that meet John’s exac...4 Payments of $13.75
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Ernie Ball Slinky Custom Gauge Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings
$19.99 - $95.99Legendary tone used by legendary artists! Featuring that iconic Slinky feel and tone, the custom gauge Slinky strings are perfect for all playing styles and genres. Precision wound with nickel plated steel wrap wire...4 Payments of $24.00
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Guitar Strings
From acoustic to electric, it all starts with the string. Materials include chrome, cobalt, nickel, phosphor, bronze, nylon, silk and steel. Diverse windings, different gauges, crazy colors, cryogenics, and protective coatings are all called upon in the ultimate pursuit of tone, longevity, and well...yeah...looking cool. From eight-string to baritone to classical to straight-ahead rock, AMS has the right set of guitar strings for every player.
Guitar String: Where Your Tone Really Comes From
When it comes to tone, your strings are make-or-break (sometimes literally). Guitar strings are the first thing your hands touch and the first thing your sound passes through, which means they have a huge say in feel, response, and overall vibe. Change the strings, and the guitar can feel like a different instrument.
American Musical Supply carries guitar strings for every style of player and every type of guitar, from electric and acoustic to bass. You’ll find different gauges for lighter touch or firmer resistance, along with materials and coatings that influence brightness, warmth, and longevity. Whether you’re chasing snap, sustain, or something in between, you'll find top options from Ernie Ball, D’Addario, Elixir, and numerous others right here.
Choosing the Right String Gauge
String gauge has a big impact on how your guitar feels and responds. Gauges are measured in thousandths of an inch, so a set labeled .009 starts with a high E string that’s nine thousandths thick. Small changes on paper can feel very different under your fingers.
Here’s a general way to think about it:
- Light gauges feel easy to bend and play, making them popular for fast leads and lighter touch styles
- Medium gauges balance flexibility and control, offering solid tone without feeling stiff
- Heavier gauges provide more resistance, fuller tone, and better tuning stability, especially for aggressive playing or lower tunings
Electric guitars have the lowest-gauge strings, followed by acoustic guitars, and finished up with bass. What’s considered “light gauge” for acoustic would be considered medium (at least) for electric.
Your scale length, tuning, and playing style all matter. If bends feel like work, go lighter. If strings feel too loose or thin, stepping up a gauge can tighten things up fast.
How String Types Differ by Guitar
Different guitars ask different things from their strings. Materials, tension, and gauge all change based on how the instrument is built and how it’s meant to be played. Most types of strings can also come coated or uncoated, depending on your preference.
Electric Guitar Strings
Electric strings are usually made from steel cores wrapped in nickel-plated steel, pure nickel, or stainless steel, which allows magnetic pickups to sense their vibration. These tend to be lighter and easier to bend, and they work well with the low-tension feel many electric players prefer.
6- and 12-String Acoustic Guitar Strings
6-string and 12-string acoustic strings are typically steel, wound with phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze, for rich resonance and volume on a hollow body. Six-string acoustics use steel strings for brightness and projection, and 12-string sets pair each course to create a lush, shimmering chorus effect that’s thicker and fuller overall.
Classical Guitar Strings
Classical guitar strings use nylon strings (with the lower three wound with silver-plated copper or bronze), producing a warmer, softer tone with less neck tension. These are ideal for fingerstyle and classical techniques, and feel much gentler under the fingers than steel strings.
How Often You Should Change Guitar Strings
How often you change guitar strings depends on how much you play, how hard you play, and what kind of tone you expect from your instrument. Here are a few signs it’s time for a change:
- A dull or lifeless tone that doesn’t brighten up even after tuning
- Tuning instability where the strings won’t settle in
- Rough or sticky feel under your fingers
- Visible corrosion or discoloration along the windings
For casual players, every few months might be fine. Regular gigging or recording often calls for much more frequent changes to keep things sounding right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Strings
Are coated guitar strings slippery?
Some feel smoother than uncoated strings. Preference comes down to touch and playing style.
Is it bad to mix guitar string brands?
It’s not ideal. Sets are designed to balance tension and feel across all strings.
Can the choice of guitar string affect intonation?
It can. Different gauges and materials may require minor setup adjustments.
Refresh Your Sound With Guitar Strings From AMS
A new set of guitar strings can change how your instrument feels and sounds in an instant. Whether you’re chasing brightness, smoother playability, or strings that last longer between changes, the right set makes it obvious the moment you tune up. American Musical Supply makes it easy to upgrade with a wide selection of guitar strings to stock up on. Browse our full lineup and find the strings that fit your guitar and your playing style.
