Best light acoustic guitar strings

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 30, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best light acoustic guitar strings one can find on the market today. We've found about 67 of light acoustic guitar strings and selected the 28 top options by Source Audio, FIFINE TECHNOLOGY, Cecilio, Paiste. We took the time to do a meticulous research and point out some pros and cons of each of the options we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend endless hours hoping to find the perfect model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
#TOP 1
Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
D'Addario EJ16-10P Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings (10-Pack)
#TOP 2
D'Addario EJ16-10P Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings (10-Pack)
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
3 Pack | Ernie Ball Guitar Strings
#TOP 3
3 Pack | Ernie Ball Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 28 Best light acoustic guitar strings Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Elixir

Features

  • Acoustic Guitar 80/20 Bronze Strings
  • Smooth feel that is easy on your fingers and enhances playability
  • Consistent performance and tone, Reduced finger squeak
  • Ultra-thin coating, keeping gunk out of the gaps between the windings
  • Extended Tone Life
#TOP 2

D'Addario EJ16-10P Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings (10-Pack)

D'Addario

Features

  • These acoustic guitar strings feature a computer-controlled wrapping around a hex core
  • Gauges: 12-16-24-32-42-53
  • Many top guitarists won't play any other brand
  • Regardless of your playing style, D'Addario has a string set that's right for you
  • D'Addario is the world's largest manufacturer of strings for musical instruments
#TOP 3

3 Pack | Ernie Ball Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Element Shield Packaging Prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • The most popular acoustic guitar string alloy provides well balanced projection with crisp pleasing highs
  • Plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel
  • Made in California, U.S.A. Featuring the finest and freshest materials.
  • Package includes 3 packs of strings
#TOP 4

Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w POLYWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Acoustic guitar strings constructed with 80/20 (80% copper, 20% zinc) bronze wrap wire
  • Played for a warm and robust tone that sounds “played-in” but still retains a remarkably clear mid-range presence
  • Extra Light gauge: .010 .014 .023 .030 .039 .047
  • Original POLYWEB Coating provides a soft, smooth feel that keeps the strings from getting in the way of playing
#TOP 5

Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Played for a crisp, bright tone with an expressive, vibrant presence
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Light gauge: .012 .016 .024 .032 .042 .053
  • Acoustic guitar strings constructed with 80/20 (80% copper, 20% zinc) bronze wrap wire
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a more traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel
#TOP 6

Elixir Strings 16539 Light 80/20 Bronze Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings 3-Pack (.012.053)

Elixir

Features

  • America’s #1 acoustic guitar string brand - MI Sales Trak (US $ Vol)
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion and debris buildup, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a smooth feel
  • Played for a bright tone with an expressive, vibrant presence
  • Acoustic guitar strings constructed with 80/20 (80% copper, 20% zinc) bronze wrap wire
#TOP 7

Ernie Ball Earthwood Extra Light 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Wound Strings are 80% copper, 20% zinc wire wrapped around high-carbon steel core wire
  • Extra Light gauge is ideal for players who want less string tension for easier play across the fretboard
  • Bright, balanced tone with excellent projection and clarity
  • Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • Made in California, USA with the freshest and finest materials
#TOP 8

Elixir 16052 Strings Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Acoustic guitar strings constructed with phosphor bronze wrap wire
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Light gauge: .012 .016 .024 .032 .042 .053
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel
  • Played for a dynamic balance of rich, full-bodied tone and sparkling high-end clarity
#TOP 9

Martin Guitar Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 MA540T

MARTIN

Features

  • LIGHT ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.012" high E string to a 0.054" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 168.5.
  • STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a full and balanced tone from your guitar, these phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, pick playing, and other methods. Play with these strings for any genre—rock, bluegrass, country, folk, blues, and more.
  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC TREATED: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a total set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • TREATED FOR A LONG LIFE: These heavy-duty guitar strings are engineered using a new, patented anti-corrosion treatment that protects the core and wrap wire without compromising tone, tune, or feel.
#TOP 10

Martin Guitar Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 MA140T

MARTIN

Features

  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a full and balanced tone from your guitar, these bronze acoustic guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, pick playing, and other methods. Play with these strings for any genre—rock, bluegrass, country, folk, blues, and more.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC TREATED: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a total set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • LIGHT ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.012" high E string to a 0.054" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 167.3.
  • TREATED FOR A LONG LIFE: These heavy-duty guitar strings are engineered using a new, patented anti-corrosion treatment which protects the core and wrap wire without compromising tone, tune, or feel.
#TOP 11

Martin Authentic Acoustic MA140 Light-Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings

MARTIN

Features

  • SUPERIOR STRINGS: These strings are engineered to thrive during rigorous practice and performance schedules. These silk and steel folk strings feature our highest tensile-strength core wire paired with quality wrap wire for corrosion resistance and tuning stability.
  • VERSATILE STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a consistent and true tone from your guitar, these guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, flat picking, and other methods. Use these strings in any genre—country, bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and more.
  • LIGHT-GAUGE ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.012" high E string to a 0.054" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tone of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 167.3.
  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
#TOP 12

Martin Guitar Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 MA530T

MARTIN

Features

  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a full and balanced tone from your guitar, these phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, pick playing, and other methods. Play with these strings for any genre—rock, bluegrass, country, folk, blues, and more.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC TREATED: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a total set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • TREATED FOR A LONG LIFE: These heavy-duty guitar strings are engineered using a new, patented anti-corrosion treatment that protects the core and wrap wire without compromising tone, tune, or feel.
  • EXTRA-LIGHT ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.010" high E string to a 0.047" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 137.
#TOP 13

D'Addario EJ13 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Set

D'Addario

Features

  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance.
  • Environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh.
  • Buy 3 sets and save on D'Addario's custom gauge set for balance of projecting tone and lighter plain strings for comfortable bending.
  • String Gauges: Plain Steel .011, .015, Bronze Wound .022, .032, .042, .052
  • Extra-bright tone mixed with deep and projecting bottom end.
#TOP 14

Ernie Ball Earthwood Silk and Steel Extra-Soft Acoustic Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Made in California, USA with the freshest and finest materials
  • Discreetly nestled between the tin-plated, high-carbon steel core and the shiny gold wrappings of 80/20 bronze, lies a delicate layer of silk wrap
  • Gauges: 10, 14, 20, 28, 40, 50
  • Earthwood Silk and Steel acoustic guitar strings soften tone and touch for a warm sound and comfortable feel
  • The brightness of 80/20 bronze wrap wire is coupled with a soft subtle silk wrap, resulting in a pleasing warm, mellowed tone
#TOP 15

D'Addario Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Extra light gauging for playing ease
  • Extra-bright tone mixed with deep and projecting bottom end
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • Environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
#TOP 16

Martin Guitar MA535 Authentic Acoustic Custom Light Guitar Strings

MARTIN

Features

  • VERSATILE STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a consistent and true tone from your guitar, these guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, flat picking, and other methods. Use these strings in any genre—country, bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and more.
  • LIGHT ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.011" high E string to a 0.052" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 155.1.
  • SUPERIOR STRINGS: These strings are engineered to thrive during rigorous practice and performance schedules. These silk and steel folk strings feature our highest tensile-strength core wire paired with quality wrap wire for corrosion resistance and tuning stability.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
#TOP 17

Martin Authentic Acoustic MA175 Custom-Light-Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings

MARTIN

Features

  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • VERSATILE STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a consistent and true tone from your guitar, these guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, flat picking, and other methods. Use these strings in any genre—country, bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and more.
  • SUPERIOR STRINGS: These strings are engineered to thrive during rigorous practice and performance schedules. These silk and steel folk strings feature our highest tensile-strength core wire paired with quality wrap wire for corrosion resistance and tuning stability.
  • CUSTOM-LIGHT-GAUGE ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.011" high E string to a 0.052" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tone of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 153.7.
#TOP 18

Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings

C. F. Martin

Features

  • 10-14-23-30-39-47
  • Extra light
  • 80/20 Bronze
  • Excellent tuning stability, corrosion resistance and great playability
  • Highest Tensile-Strength core wire tin-plated on all six strings for added corrosion resistance
#TOP 19

D'Addario Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Every set includes a players circle Code for product identification, registration, and authentication. Players can collect points to get rewarded with D 'Addario products and merchandise
  • XT strings feature an extended lifespan treatment on every string in the set, preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings
  • The inner packaging features a re-sealable zip closure, for ease of opening as well as storage of unused strings
  • High carbon steel wire and Fusion twist technologies deliver unrivaled tuning stability and break resistance. Strings stay in tune 131% better than traditional strings!
  • Strings last at least 4 times longer than traditional uncoated strings
#TOP 20

Martin Guitar Authentic Acoustic Flexible Core MA130FX

MARTIN

Features

  • FLEXIBLE CORE STRINGS: Created to reduce finger fatigue and allow huge bends, these strings feature a lighter-gauge version of our Superior Performance core wire combined with heavier wrap wire to deliver a full and balanced tone with increased flex.
  • CUSTOM-GAUGE ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.011" high E string to a 0.047" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 128.
  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC FLEX CORE: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a total set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a full and balanced tone from your guitar, these silk/phosphor acoustic guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, pick playing, and other methods. Play with these strings for any genre—rock, bluegrass, country, folk, blues, and more.
#TOP 21

Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • Warm, rich tone with excellent projection and clarity
  • Light gauge provides playability and comfortable fretting while maintaining rich, expressive tone
  • Phosphor bronze wound on a hex-shaped, high-carbon steel core wire
  • Made in California, USA with the freshest and finest materials
#TOP 22

Martin Guitar MA540 Authentic Acoustic Light Guitar Strings

MARTIN

Features

  • VERSATILE STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a consistent and true tone from your guitar, these guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, flat picking, and other methods. Use these strings in any genre—country, bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and more.
  • SUPERIOR STRINGS: These strings are engineered to thrive during rigorous practice and performance schedules. These silk and steel folk strings feature our highest tensile-strength core wire paired with quality wrap wire for corrosion resistance and tuning stability.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • LIGHT ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.012" high E string to a 0.054" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 168.5.
  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
#TOP 23

Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings- Superior Performance Extra Light

C. F. Martin

Features

  • 80/20 Bronze
  • 10-14-23-30-39-47
  • Extra light
  • Highest Tensile-Strength core wire tin-plated on all six strings for added corrosion resistance
  • Excellent tuning stability, corrosion resistance and great playability
#TOP 24

Martin Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings

MARTIN

Features

  • Medium Gauge; .011/ .014/ .023/ .031/ .041/ .052
  • Monel wrap strings are naturally corrosion resistant
  • Enhanced longevity
  • Natural WARM tone, sounds great plugged in
  • Nickel/copper alloy blend acoustic Guitar strings
#TOP 25

Elixir Nanoweb Custom Light Acoustic Guitar Strings 2-Pack

Elixir

Features

  • This leaves the all-important winding-to-winding-to-core space free from the fear of the enemies of tone! In addition to an ultra-thin grunge-resistant tubular coating on the wound strings, Nanowebs now have a revolutionary Anti-Rust plating on the plain strings to extend their life too
  • Nanoweb Custom Light Acoustic Guitar Strings 2-Pack
  • Gauges: 11-15-22-32-42-52 Nanoweb coating permits acoustic guitar strings with the feel, bright tone, and punch of traditional strings
  • Elixir Plain Steel Strings are covered with an ultra-thin, space-age polymer tube that contacts the string on the tops of the windings only
  • Elixirs are the first major innovation in guitar strings in over forty years, and they deliver what they promise: great tone and long life no matter what you put them on or how often you play
#TOP 26

Ernie Ball Light Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Made in California, USA with the freshest and finest materials
  • Featuring maraging steel hex-core wire for greater low-end and note separation
  • Patented technology brings a new voice to acoustic guitarists who seek a more expressive and dynamic string
  • Wrap wire made from a blend of copper and aluminum specifically tailored for acoustic guitar strings, resulting in pronounced lows coupled with crisp brilliant highs
  • Aluminum oxide provides a significant corrosion barrier, without coating the string
#TOP 27

Donner Light Acoustic Guitar Strings Phosphor Bronze Coated 5 Sets of 6 Hex Steel String 11-50 DAS-20L

Donner

Features

  • Widely Applicable - Suitable for various types of resonance boxes such as D, J, OM, etc. No matter they are of mahogany, rosewood or maple material, Donner strings can show you a satisfactory dynamic and comfortable feel. Every string is labeled to let you string up your guitar easily
  • Hold Tune Stable Sound - Donner acoustic guitar strings offer a long lasting, warm, bright and balanced acoustic tone with an expressive, vibrant presence. Sound can be transmitted to resonance boxes very well
  • High Quality Material - Constructed with phosphor bronze wrap wire, stainless steel and steel hardness of brass wire ball end, Donner guitar strings have good elasticity and are not easy to deform. Anti-oxidation coating significantly protects strings against common corrosion and extends life span
  • High Carbon Steel Hex Core - With hexagonal steel core vibration balance and advanced winding technology, Donner guitar strings sets will help you achieve stable and amazing performance
  • Affordable Replacement Strings without Compromising Quality - If you play a lot, need to change strings frequently and concern about budget, Donner acoustic guitar strings set is the most cost-effective strings for a beginner to enthusiast
#TOP 28

MUSCELL Handmade Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings-3 Packs

MUSCELL

Features

  • VALUE PACKED:Includes 3 individually wrapped sets
  • STRING GAUGES:.010 .014 .023 .030 .038 .048
  • COATED STRINGS: Coated strings are expertly crafted to provide a long lasting, clean, soft and bright tone.Delivering longevity, more projection, fewer unwanted overtones, plus enhanced clarity and articulation
  • HANDMADE.Sound natural than produced by machines.
  • MATERIAL:Our MUSCELL Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are made of hexagonal steel core with phosphor bronze winding which feature a special, durable alloy of copper, tin and phosphor wind over a hex core.

Essential Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for the Best light acoustic guitar strings

Are lighter guitar strings easier on the fingers?

For instance, Blues players who constantly bend strings may want to use a lighter string gauge to make it easier on the fingers. Generally, the lighter the string gauge, the easier and faster it is to bend and fret.

Do lighter gauge strings have more sustain?

Similarly, once the string is vibrating, a heavy-gauge string will take longer to die away than a light-gauge string. In a nutshell, higher gauge strings will result in a slower attack and increased sustain, whereas lighter strings have a stronger attack, but less sustain.

Do lighter strings cause fret buzz?

Heavier strings have bigger tension, and therefore the amplitude of their vibration is lower. That can certainly account for the fret buzz you experience. But keep in mind this. If you experience fret buzz when you put lighter guitar strings, it's probably because the action height is not properly adjusted.

Do lighter guitar strings buzz more?

It totally depends on the action. If you have a higher action, the guitar string will not buzz as much. Light strings will always buzz more then m strings if the action is left the same.

Editor's Notes

To make this list of the top light acoustic guitar strings we spent 70 hours to read over 1950 buyer reviews carefully. Eventually, our experts selected the 28 products most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 263, on average, and cost around $474.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.