Usually you can find a long article of several pages, which describes all the intricacies of string selection, but in reality, the choice comes down to several essentially identical options.

What strings to choose for an electric guitar? The choice of strings for an electric guitar depends on your task. If you just need quality strings, or you are a beginner musician - start with the main manufacturers, market leaders: American Ernie Ball, La Bella (this company is worth special attention - for example, they invented the very strings for the electric guitar, and they have a huge assortment) or D "Addario. The most popular calibers are 9-42 (softer, it will be convenient for a beginning guitarist, easier to play solo), 10-46 (usually installed on Strats and similar guitars, generally the most popular caliber) and 10-52 (installed by default on LesPaul, they sound a little lower than 10-46 and a little stiffer), and if the guitar is 7-string, start with 10-56. Traditional materials are Nickel wound steel strings, start with them for a warmer (vintage) sound. winding made of pure nickel (Pure Nickel), for a brighter one - steel winding (Stainless Steel wound). Already got the hang of it and know the right gauge? Try strings with improved qualities: Austrian Thomastik will provide excellent rich sound. Rock musicians are advised to pay attention to Ernie. Ball and Dunlop - it’s easier to achieve a hard sound with them, and they cope better with rough handling. :) Strings with an increased service life due to a special coating - for example, Elixir, will last 3-4 times longer, this is very convenient if the guitar is not used very actively - when idle, the strings will not be exposed to the environment for a long time. Next, pay attention to the products of smaller manufacturers - such as Curt Mangan or Kerly, which have their own characteristics and production technologies- perhaps you will find the most suitable strings from them!

What strings to buy for a bass guitar? For beginners, and for most, strings of standard gauge with soft or medium tension are suitable: 45-100 or 45-105 (40-125 or 45-125 for a 5-string guitar) from any manufacturer, with traditional nickel-plated winding. Often the choice is made in favor of steel-wound strings - they have a brighter sound with an extended low range. If you need strings with an extended service life, choose coated strings, such as Elixir or other manufacturers. In our catalog, similar strings can be easily found by noting “Extended service life” or “Protective coating” in the product filters. Better, richer sound is offered, for example, by the D"Addario NYXL and Ernie Ball Cobalt series.

What strings to buy for classical guitar? First of all, if you are just starting to play, we recommend medium string tension, this will make it easier on your hands and fingers. A tighter tension will produce a richer, louder sound, but these strings are a little more difficult to play. Classical guitar strings are made primarily from nylon and silver-plated copper windings. Similar strings good quality at a low price are offered by the well-known American companies D "ADDARIO and ERNIE BALL, or inexpensive series from the German HANNABACH - they are suitable for a beginning musician or for everyday amateur playing, and will never disappoint you. If you are seriously learning to play the guitar and want to get excellent sound and make the learning process more enjoyable - try SAVAREZ strings, which are recommended by most music schools and teachers. Find the strings that will maximize the sound of your guitar and be comfortable for you!

What strings to buy for acoustic guitar? For beginners, we recommend calibers 10-47 or 10-50, which have a softer string tension, this will make it easier on the hands and fingers, making learning easier and more comfortable. 11-52 or 12-54 have a tighter tension, but also a more powerful sound output - choose these strings if you already have experience playing the guitar. The second important criterion is the material. 80/20 Bronze Alloy sounds brighter, Phosphor Bronze sounds warmer and richer, and strings with a special coating (Ernie Ball Everlast or Elixir) will last especially long. There are other alloys, such as Aluminum Bronze or Nickel Bronze, which are brighter in the mid-high range, and are more resistant to corrosion even without a special coating. Whatever you choose, they will not disappoint with their quality.

Friends, in this article we will talk about strings for an acoustic guitar, learn how to understand them and choose the right set.

If the sound of your guitar is not as bright as before, and playing is not very comfortable, then it’s time to change the strings!

What does a beginner need to know?

So take a look at your guitar. Pay attention to the thickness of its neck and the strings that are or were previously on it. The neck is narrow and the strings are metal? Now look at the guitar in our picture. Is your guitar similar to it?

Most likely, this is exactly what you have, an acoustic guitar. So you can safely take a set of D`ADDARIO EZ900 strings. These strings are suitable for beginners; they are thin, do not cut fingers and are convenient for mastering all playing techniques. By the way, if you took out an old guitar from the factory named after. Lunacharsky and decided to remember his youth, then this set of strings is also suitable.

If you still have doubts and you can’t figure out the type of guitar you have on your own, then tell the seller (in the Pop-Music store;)) the model name indicated on the label under the strings. One of the most common mistakes buyers - ask for “regular” strings for a “regular” guitar. It's like a red rag for a bull :)

And some buyers try to put on the guitar the first strings they come across. We would like to warn you right away that electric guitar strings will sound very bad on an acoustic. You won’t hear the sound of the guitar, your ears will have an unnatural ringing of strings and nothing more. Nylon strings are also not suitable, they are too soft and their tension is not enough to obtain the necessary resonance from the body. So, first things first.

What affects the sound of a guitar? Of course, your experience. In addition to this, the wood from which the guitar is made, the build quality, as well as the parameters of the strings - thickness and material - have an influence. We will consider the last two factors, since our article is about strings.

When size matters

The string size is indicated in inches and can be found on the packaging. For example, 10–50, where 10 is the thickness of the first string and equals 0.01 inches, and 50 is the thickness of the last string equal to 0.05 inches. The most common sets are six strings, but there are also seven and twelve strings.

Thin strings (10–50) are convenient at the initial stage of learning, they are easy to press, your fingers do not get tired even with an aggressive playing style, and the guitar still sounds and makes you happy. It is more difficult to play on thick strings, but their timbre is richer and they are able to “swing” the body of the guitar. The wood begins to resonate, and the musician is able to extract much more nuances of sound.

By default, the manufacturer puts 11–52, 12–53 strings on guitars (this is the average value), because their main task is to demonstrate the instrument before selling it with the best side, and then you decide for yourself what thickness to choose based on your preferences. In general, if you change strings, keep an eye on their height. Adjust the deflection of the neck if necessary using an anchor wrench or seek help from a luthier or dealer. Too high - it’s difficult to play, your fingers will get stuck, too low - there will be unnecessary “tinkling”. The setting is done experimentally.

How much is the material?

The materials used to make acoustic guitar strings are bronze, nickel, phosphorus, steel, silk, and aluminum. Bronze with various additives is mainly used, which allows you to achieve a certain shade in the sound. On the websites of string manufacturers you can find a very convenient guide to the sound brightness scale (bright - mellow). Bronze strings are the brightest. You will be heard in a duet of two guitars. Try, for example, ERNIE BALL 2004.

In addition to the material, the sound is affected by the braid on the strings. The most common type is round wound, which is used to achieve a bright and ringing timbre. Flat tape wound is suitable for playing jazz, blues, and slide playing (consider D`ADDARIO EFT15 as an option).

Many guitarists choose strings with nanocoating, which serves as protection against dirt, grease and other foreign elements on their surface. For example, the POLYWEB series strings from ELIXIR are durable, and when playing them, your fingers seem to glide along the fingerboard. ELIXIR strings from the NANOWEB series are similar in properties to strings with standard round braid.

How often should you change strings?

The main criteria for replacing strings are their wear and dull timbre. If you are just learning to play guitar and spend a lot of time practicing scales and chords, we recommend changing your strings every three months. Many professional musicians change their strings before every concert.

Despite the protective coatings, the strings will retain their original timbre longer if they are properly cared for. Use special care products and you will extend their life.

As soon as you remove the strings from the guitar, you will see " dark side music": skin particles, fat, metal oxidation. Wipe the fretboard with PLANET WAVES PW-LMN lemon oil. This product will also protect the fingerboard from drying out. Remember, lemon oil should not get on the strings, otherwise oxidation cannot be avoided.

Sometimes a sudden change in humidity has a negative effect on the finish of the strings, making it difficult for your fingers to slide from fret to fret. Sweaty hands before an important concert also leave their mark on the strings. Use the GHS FAST FRET A87 air conditioner. Remember, air conditioning will not extend the life of your strings, it will only help you play a concert without “extra rubbing”

Do not forget to wipe off dust and fingerprints from the case with a special napkin. Love your guitar!

Conclusion

Today there are a lot of different strings on the market, as they say, depending on taste and color. Amateurs and professionals have plenty to choose from. A huge field for experimenting with sound opens up before you. Follow our recommendations and take action!

Where do you get new ones guitar strings? Personally, I prefer to buy them in regular music stores, having felt it live, at the same time exchanging jokes with long-familiar local sellers. However, you can order guitar strings online without any worries.

Wandering through the expanses of online stores, you probably noticed that the types of guitar strings offered for sale are quite numerous. Of course, after this the question could not help but arise: how to choose strings for a guitar, how not to make a mistake with the choice when purchasing? These issues need to be sorted out in advance.

Types of strings based on material of manufacture

There are three main types of strings:

1. Organic Gut (Catgut) – Traditional strings made from animal gut and wrapped with wire. Despite their short service life, many guitarists still prefer to install only gut strings on their instruments.
2. Nylon strings are held in high regard by classical guitarists. They are soft and pliable, and therefore suitable for beginners. The three tenor strings (lower) are made of nylon line, and the three bass strings are nylon strings wrapped in gold or silver plated wire.
3. Steel strings are the most popular type of strings. The sound of the instrument with such strings has a bright and ringing timbre. The winding of steel strings is made from the most different materials: nickel, phosphorus bronze, brass and others.

About different types of string windings

Let's talk in more detail about the winding, or as it is sometimes called, the braiding of the strings. The wire covering the core of the strings can be made in several versions.

1. Round braid is the cheapest to manufacture, which means the cost of guitar strings will be lower. Main disadvantages: squeaking of fingers on the strings when playing, rapid wear due to contamination of the sinuses of the braid.
2. Flat braid eliminates unnecessary sounds. These strings are used on a guitar for studio recording. Main disadvantage: less bright sound than round wound strings.
3. Semicircular braid is a hybrid that includes both the pros and cons of the two previous types.

What is string tension?

Before choosing strings for your guitar, find out what their tension is: light, medium or heavy. The tension force is influenced by several factors: their length, weight, tuning frequency, diameter, winding material and core size.

It is believed that the stronger the tension, the louder and brighter the instrument sounds. If it is light, the instrument is quiet and melodious. Another caveat is that strings with heavy tension will not be so easy to press on the frets, and therefore for beginners it is recommended to take the lightest strings to make playing easier.

The most popular manufacturers and prices of guitar strings

The D’Addario and LaBella companies have long been producing a large line of a wide variety of strings for classical and acoustic guitars. They are considered the most popular manufacturers - all of their types of guitar strings have excellent characteristics and are not sold at such a high price (about 10 USD).

The strings from the French manufacturer Savarez stand out separately. They are made of high-strength materials, have excellent sound properties, and therefore their cost is high (from 20 USD).

The most popular manufacturers of strings for electric guitars and bass are Elixir and DR. Their prices are very affordable: for electric guitars - from 20 USD, for a four-string bass - from 70 USD.

Why can't a classical guitar have steel strings?

The mechanics of the pegs and the stand in a classical guitar are made of lightweight materials. Therefore, only nylon strings can be used on this type of guitar - they are soft and not very stretched, which means they are not capable of breaking and damaging the instrument.

Steel strings are used on guitars with a reinforced structure, such as acoustic six-strings. Well, if you try to put nylon strings on an electric guitar, you will see with your own eyes that the pickup simply cannot detect sound vibrations from them.

Conclusion

So, when choosing strings, you need to focus on the instrument itself, its strength or, conversely, softness, the level of your technical skill (tight or light tension), the practical purpose of the instrument (educational, concert, studio, etc.), well and on the traditions that have developed in guitar schools (preferences for materials of one type or another).

Of course one of the most important criteria, and for some the main thing, is the cost of guitar strings. And yet, also pay attention to the packaging of the strings - it should contain not only the characteristics of the product, but also the basic data of the manufacturer. Being careful will protect you from buying a fake.

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Strings for an acoustic or classical guitar have a significant impact on its sound, so from the widest range of strings on the market, you should choose the ones that are ideal for you and your instrument. This guide will help you choose the right strings that best suit your guitar and playing style.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Since there are no sound effects or amplification in an acoustic guitar, the strings are key to its sound. Therefore, the material and gauge of acoustic strings must be carefully considered, and the type of winding is also an important factor.

Acoustic or classical guitar

The first thing that determines the choice of strings is the type of instrument - classical or western guitar (it is most often called acoustic). In most cases their strings Not interchangeable. Usage metal strings on a guitar designed to use nylon strings can seriously damage the instrument. The neck design of a classical guitar is not designed to withstand the pressure from the tension of metal strings. Using the wrong strings can also damage the bridge and nuts.

String gauge

Before we dive into the specific characteristics various types guitar strings, let's look at the concept of string gauge, since it applies to both of them. Strings come in different thicknesses or gauges. Caliber is indicated in thousandths of an inch. The thinnest acoustic strings are usually 0.010 gauge, while the thickest are 0.059 gauge. The gauge of the strings greatly affects their playability and sound.

Please note that classical guitar strings also vary in tension. Below we will discuss the effect of tension on the sound and playability of classical strings.

Thinner strings (smaller gauge):

• - it’s easier to pinch the strings and play by fingerpicking;
• - tear faster;
• - their sound is less deep and long;
• - can cause fret buzzing, especially on guitars with a small distance between the neck and the strings;
• - place less pressure on the guitar neck and are safer for older instruments

Thicker Strings (Higher Gauge):

• - require a lot of effort to pinch the strings and play chords;
• - the sound is deep and long;
• - cause more pressure on the bar.

Gauge designation on acoustic guitar string sets

Most manufacturers mark the gauge of the string set with labels such as “extra light” or “heavy” on the packaging. Although string gauges of the same markings may vary slightly among different manufacturers, the following are standard string gauges for acoustic guitars:

Selecting String Gauge for an Acoustic Guitar

When deciding which string gauge to choose, the following factors must be considered:

Type of shell: general rule is that on guitars with a smaller soundboard, that is, with less resonance, it is better to use smaller gauge strings, on guitars with a larger soundboard - thicker strings. Thus, large dreadnoughts (western dreadnoughts) or jumbos, as a rule, sound better with medium gauge strings: thanks to the large soundboard, the sound resonates well and is balanced deep and loud. Folk and grand audience guitars will sound better with thinner strings.

Playing style: Picking is much easier on smaller gauge strings. If you prefer to play, it is better to choose medium-gauge strings, although for beginners who are not roughened, they may seem harsh. If you combine both plucking and strumming in your playing, light-medium gauge strings may be a good option. These sets consist of thinner three lower strings and thicker three upper strings.

Desired tone: As you probably already guessed, heavy gauge strings produce a deep low sound with pronounced bass. On the other hand, thinner strings give a bright and ringing sound to high notes, making fingerpicking very effective.

Condition and age of the instrument: Vintage guitars are often fragile and putting too much tension on thick strings can cause the neck to change angles and damage the bridge. If you are unsure how large a gauge is safe for your guitar, check with the manufacturer or luthier.

Acoustic Guitar String Materials

Below are the features of the sound of strings with different winding materials for their basses.

Bronze: the strings have a clear, ringing and bright sound, which, unfortunately, fades quite quickly due to the tendency of bronze to oxidize.

Phosphor bronze: the sound is lower and warmer, but still quite sonorous, phosphorus in the alloy increases service life.

Aluminum bronze: The sound is cleaner than phosphor bronze, with pronounced bass and ringing highs

Copper: the strings have a bright, ringing, metallic sound, but they get dirty and oxidize very quickly.

Polymer coated: less sonorous and bright than equivalent bare strings, the sound is warm and deep; Corrosion resistant.

With silk wrap(Silk and Steel): A steel core with silk, nylon or copper winding on the lower strings, giving them a softer feel and sound. These strings are popular among folk performers and for fingerstyle.

What makes electric-acoustic strings special?

Most electroacoustic speakers are equipped with a piezoelectric pickup (or simply a microphone) located inside the soundboard, which converts the sound vibrations of the strings and soundboard into an electrical signal using a built-in preamp. Since piezoelectric pickups are not affected in any way magnetic properties string materials, regular acoustic or classical guitar strings are perfect for an electric-acoustic guitar.

If the electro-acoustic is equipped with an electromagnetic pickup, when choosing strings, you should follow the recommendations of the guitar or pickup manufacturer.

Nylon strings

Characteristics of nylon strings

Nylon strings are typically used for performance classical music, flamenco, bossa nova and folk music. However, their smooth, rich tone with excellent touch sensitivity is used by guitarists in other styles, such as jazz and country.

Some beginners choose nylon strings due to the belief that they are less likely to cut their fingers. This belief is true, since nylon is a softer material and the tension of nylon strings is weaker than metal ones. However, all beginners must go through a stage of roughening their fingertips, and with the correct tuning of the guitar this goes quickly. Nylon strings should not be chosen for their initial ease of play, but for their sound.

Because nylon strings tend to stretch more than metal strings, they require more frequent tuning, especially if the set is new. They are also more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Nylon string tension

In addition to the gauge, manufacturers indicate the tension of the set on the packaging of nylon strings. Unfortunately, there is no single scale for determining it, so to find strings with the ideal tension for you, you need to change several brands. The choice is complicated by the fact that there are sets in which the strings have different tensions, while only one value is indicated on the packaging. Below are the most common tension symbols and their sound characteristics.

Lowtension(Low Tension alsoModerate orLight Tension)

• - it is easier to pluck strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the strings and the neck;
• - the sound is less sonorous and rich;
• - the sound is soft, without pronounced intonation;
• - more suitable for legato technique;
• - prone to fret buzzing.

Averagetension(Normal Tension/Medium Tension)

• - is usually a happy medium between low and high tension characteristics.

Hightension(High/Hard/Strong Tension)

• - more effort is required to clamp the strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the neck and the strings;
• - the sound is clearer and brighter;
• - the sound is expressive, more abrupt;
• - more suitable for rhythmic picking;
• - May cause damage to the neck, bridge and tuning machines on fragile instruments.

Some manufacturers produce strings with extra-light tension and extra-hard tension, and there are also sets labeled Medium-hard tension. To choose the string tension that best suits your playing style, we recommend first deciding on the manufacturer and winding material of your bass. After that, try sets with different tensions in the selected line.

To reduce the pressure on the instrument when using strings with high tension, it is recommended to loosen them after playing, store them in a slightly deflated state, and tune them immediately before playing.

Nylon string material

First of all, the very definition of “nylon strings” is somewhat erroneous. There are several materials from which strings are made, which would be more accurately called “classical guitar strings.” The structure and materials of treble and bass strings in the same set are also different.

Until the 1940s, classical guitar strings were made from the intestines of cows and sheep. The trebles were made from simple gut, and the bass strings were made from silk thread wound with gut.

The trebles of modern classical guitar strings are made from nylon, fluorocarbon or other synthetic threads, the basses are a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various materials.

Materials of treble strings for classical guitar and their sound characteristics

Clear Nylon : the most common strings are transparent nylon fishing line, cast in the required gauge, and have a ringing and bright sound. The strings are smooth to the touch.

Rectified Nylon : also represent a nylon fishing line of the required caliber, which is then processed by a laser to achieve the most accurate compliance with the specified diameter along the entire length of the string. They have a warmer, velvety sound. Matte and rough to the touch.

Black nylon : in addition to its appearance, it has a soft and clear sound with a predominance of high notes.

Nylon with titanium added : Smooth to the touch with a brighter sound than regular nylon strings. They are often used on low sounding guitars.

Combined : woven from several threads, have a bright, loud sound. Strings of this structure are often used as a G-string, as a transition between treble and bass strings.

Bass string winding materials for classical guitar

Classical bass strings consist of a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various metals. The most common ones are presented below.

80/20 bronze : The alloy contains 80% copper and 20% zinc. The sound of the strings is ringing and bright.

Silver plated copper : Silver coating makes the strings smooth to the touch, copper gives a warm sound. Some manufacturers label this winding “silver”.

Roundwound basses are the most common for classical basses. Some manufacturers sand the surface of the Roundwound to smooth out the surface, which makes the strings smooth to the touch and reduces finger noise.

Most classical guitar strings have straight ends (tie-ends) that tie them to the bridge.

Signs it's time to change strings

• - the guitar is increasingly out of tune, and tuning it is becoming more and more difficult;
• - rust has appeared on the strings or they have changed color;
• - in the places where it is attached to the bridge, the winding has delaminated and the base of the bass strings is visible;
• - the sound of the strings is flat and dull;
• - You don’t remember when last time changed the strings.

How often should you change strings?

There is no single answer to this question, but the following are reasons for shortened string life:

• - You play in a hot room, you sweat while playing;
• - You play aggressively with loud fighting;
• - You play often;
• - You often change the tuning of your guitar;
• - You smoke or play in smoky rooms.

• - Have a clean cloth on hand to wipe down the strings after playing.
• - Wash your hands before playing.
• - Buy a stringwinder, they are inexpensive and will greatly speed up the process of changing strings.
• - Write down the date of replacement on the package of strings, put the package in the guitar case, so you can compare which strings last you longer.
• - Buying strings in bulk can be cheaper, especially if you use thin strings that are easy to break.
• - Pay attention to the packaging: it is better to choose polyethylene - it will protect the strings from corrosion during storage.
• - Keep a spare set or single first, thinnest strings in your guitar case, they will come in handy in case of emergency string replacement.

It is important to replace guitar strings as soon as they become old or break. Choosing the wrong type may damage your guitar. There are a few tips to consider when purchasing acoustic guitar strings.

Need to decide before purchasing

First you need to decide what kind of guitar you will learn. Whether it is a classical guitar or an acoustic one, the strings will also be different; in fact, the strings are almost the whole difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar.

When choosing strings for your acoustic guitar in a store, you will definitely encounter a problem that did not exist when you were choosing your instrument. Before purchasing, you will not be able to listen to how the strings sound in order to choose the most suitable ones for yourself. Therefore, first, consult with friends or acquaintances of guitarists who have experience behind them before you decide to buy strings.

String thickness

You need to decide what thickness of strings suits you best. You need to keep in mind that in order to confidently play thick strings, you must have well-trained fingers on your left hand. As a rule, the diameter of the 1st string in different sets can vary from 0.008 to 0.013 inches. The thicker the strings, the richer and more voluminous the guitar will sound.

Winding material

Copper or its various alloys. These strings are the most common and most often used on acoustic guitars and are therefore less expensive.

Silver coating. This metal has little effect on the sound, but has a good effect on aesthetic qualities. Strings with this coating do not fade, look beautiful and do not leave dark marks on the fingers.

Brass or phosphor bronze. Such strings will be more durable and, unlike copper ones, will have a slightly different sound.

String winding type

Round winding. Strings with such a winding will have a ringing and bright sound, especially immediately after replacement, but not for a long time.

Flat winding. When choosing such strings, keep in mind that their sound will be dull, as if muffled.

The 1st and 2nd strings are always made without winding. The 6th, 5th and 4th bass strings are always wound. The 3rd string most often comes without a winding, but in thicker sets with a winding, which gives its sound a more beautiful and rich sound, but it also has a drawback. Due to the fact that the winding is very thin, it often breaks and becomes unusable, and because of this it is necessary to change the entire set.

Types of strings

For classical (Spanish) guitar

Synthetic (nylon) strings. The first three strings are made of nylon fishing line, but the bass strings are made of large number threads of exactly the same nylon and have an external metal winding, most often made of copper, less often of silver or brass (phosphorus bronze).

High density synthetic. These strings, unlike nylon strings, are made of carbon fishing line, and at the same time have an increased density and a thinner diameter. Such strings are characterized by a ringing, pronounced sound. The disadvantage is the high price.

Strings on steel cable. The strings are relatively soft and have different windings: the first three are with nylon tape, and the 6th, 5th and 4th are with silver-plated copper. These strings have almost no stretch and change pitch quite quickly when the pegs are turned. They are less popular due to their high price and are quite unusual.

Synthallic strings. They are characterized at the metal level by high sound brightness and the usual softness like nylon. They tune up quickly, the winding does not wear out so much from contact with the frets, and these strings also allow you to make “braces.” Maintains tune and rich timbre for several months without changing.

For acoustic guitar

Monolithic steel strings. The core of these strings consists of high-strength, so-called “piano steel”, from which the first three strings are also made. Alloys based on copper or phosphorus bronze are most often used as windings, and the windings differ in hardness and elasticity, while imparting different rigidity to the strings. This in turn affects the sound of the instrument and the comfort of playing with your fingers.

Steel strings with semicircular or flat winding. Such a winding can lie flat side out. These strings are a type of string with a solid steel base. When sliding fingers along the coils, the windings do not make a “whistle”. They are characterized by a more matte sound on bass strings and a more ringing sound on unwound strings.

Steel strings covered with thin synthetic material. There are two types of them. The first type includes strings in which on top of the metal winding there is another additional thin tape winding consisting of Teflon - a synthetic material that has low friction and good wear resistance. Protects the twisted string from dirt and moisture and reduces wear from contact with the frets. The second type differs in that, according to the technology, the wire winding the strings is already enclosed in a plastic sheath. Disadvantage - the gaps between the turns are less protected from contamination and sweat from the fingers, but they more effectively reduce wear from contact with the frets. These two types of strings are quite expensive and lack the iridescent sound that is characteristic of round wound strings.

When choosing strings for a guitar, you need to decide what sound you personally like, what kind of guitar you have and, not least, what kind of music you will play or already play.

If you love a classical guitar and only soft strings suit you best, then opt for nylon strings, but it is better to put them on a classical-type guitar. Because if you put them on acoustic, the sound will be too quiet and dull;

If the ringing and sound strength of the guitar is very important to you, then take steel-based strings with a first string diameter of 0.011 inches and thicker bass ones, but this requires strong fingers;

If you don't like the "plastic" sound of nylon strings and want thick calluses on your left hand, then cable or steel-based 0.009 or 0.010 inch strings with low tension will suit you. You may need to increase the height of the strings above the fretboard (mostly the bass strings) to avoid them chattering on the frets when playing.

Try to always tune the strings using a tuner or tuning fork, because the instrument will not be able to sound fully if it is not tuned correctly. Do not over-tighten the strings so as not to deform them or break them at the most inopportune moment. Also, you shouldn’t tighten the strings loosely, because the sound will be less dense and loud, and the tuning will “float.” Keep in mind that even if you take the most expensive strings, but don’t tune them correctly, they will sound much worse than cheap ones, but correctly tuned and matched to the hands and guitar of a particular player.