I remember when I first started fingerstyle guitar, picking the right strings felt like an endless guessing game. Too bright? Too dull? Too stiff? 😅
Trust me, finding the perfect set is key to getting the sound and feel you want.
So here’s a 100% subjective list of 10 best guitar strings for fingerstyle playing. For more tips check out my YouTube channel.
Best Guitar Strings For Fingerstyle – Quick Overview
Here are a few top picks if you need the top fingerstyle & fingerpicking strings right away:
- Elixir Nanoweb Custom Light Phosphor – Best overall for fingerstyle with a smooth feel and long-lasting tone.
- Martin MA-175 Authentic Acoustic Set – Great for bright, crisp tones.
- Harley Benton Coated Phosphor 011 Anti Rust – Best budget option, great sound for the price.
- D’Addario EJ16 – Perfect for balanced tone and reliable performance.
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1. Elixir Nanoweb Custom Light Phosphor
The Elixir Nanoweb Custom Light strings are a top choice for fingerstyle players. These strings offer a warm, balanced tone with just enough brightness to cut through, but not so much that it overpowers the softness of fingerpicking. Plus, they feature Nanoweb coating, which keeps the strings fresh and free from corrosion for a much longer time.
- Material: Phosphor bronze
- Gauge: 011-052
- Best for: Players looking for smooth playability and long-lasting tone.
My Experience with Elixir Nanoweb
When it comes to fingerstyle, I can’t recommend Elixir Nanowebs enough. They’re super smooth, and that coating really does extend the life of the strings. IMO, they’re a bit pricey, but totally worth it if you hate constantly changing strings. 🙂
2. Martin Guitars MA-175 Authentic Acoustic Set
Martin MA-175 strings are known for their bright, snappy tone, thanks to the 80/20 bronze material. These strings work incredibly well for fingerstyle players who want a little more clarity and definition in their notes. They have great articulation and allow you to hear every little detail of your playing.
- Material: Bronze 80/20
- Gauge: 011-052
- Best for: Players seeking a bright, articulate tone with excellent clarity.
My Experience with Martin MA-175
These strings are crisp. I mean, if you like hearing every note ring out clearly when fingerpicking, Martin MA-175s are a solid choice. FYI, they might feel a bit stiff at first, but once broken in, they play like butter.
3. Fender 880L Coated 80/20 Bronze
Fender’s 880L Coated 80/20 Bronze strings are great for those who prefer a little extra brightness in their tone. The coating helps extend the life of the strings, making them perfect for players who don’t want to change strings too often. These strings also have a light, easy feel that fingerstyle players will appreciate.
- Material: 80/20 bronze, coated
- Gauge: 012-052
- Best for: Bright, punchy tone with longer life.
My Experience with Fender 880L
These strings are great for bright tone and hold up well over time thanks to the coating. They’re easy on the fingers and last long, making them a solid option for any fingerstyle player on the go.
4. Martin Guitars MEC-12 Eric Clapton Signature
These are Eric Clapton’s signature strings, and that pretty much says it all. They deliver a rich, warm tone that works beautifully for fingerstyle guitar. If you’re looking for a balanced, vintage-inspired tone with a bit of extra warmth, these are a fantastic choice.
- Material: Phosphor bronze
- Gauge: 012-054
- Best for: Warm, rich tone and classic Clapton sound.
My Experience with Martin MEC-12
You can’t go wrong with anything Clapton puts his name on, and these strings are no exception. They’ve got that mellow warmth that works so well for softer, more delicate fingerpicking styles.
5. Harley Benton Coated Phosphor 011 Anti Rust (Budget Pick)
If you’re on a budget but still want solid sound, the Harley Benton Coated Phosphor 011 strings are a killer option. These are anti-rust, coated phosphor bronze strings, and they punch well above their price range when it comes to tone. They don’t quite match the premium brands in longevity, but they’re still surprisingly good.
- Material: Phosphor bronze, coated
- Gauge: 011-052
- Best for: Budget-conscious players who want decent tone without breaking the bank.
My Experience with Harley Benton Coated Phosphor
For the price? These are amazing. They don’t last quite as long as some high-end strings, but the tone is way better than what you’d expect from such an affordable option. If you’re new to fingerstyle or just don’t want to spend a fortune, grab these.
6. D’Addario XTAPB1253 Light
D’Addario XTAPB1253 Light strings are designed with durability in mind. These strings use a microscopically thin coating that doesn’t mess with the tone, so you get that classic D’Addario feel with the added bonus of extra longevity. Ideal for fingerstyle players who need strings that hold up through hours of play.
- Material: Phosphor bronze
- Gauge: 012-053
- Best for: Durability and long-lasting tone without losing brightness.
My Experience with D’Addario XTAPB1253
If you’re someone who gets tired of changing strings all the time, these are the perfect solution. They last forever (okay, not forever, but you get what I mean) without compromising on tone. Plus, they keep your sound clear and consistent, which is a win when you’re practicing fingerstyle daily.
7. Fender 860CL PhBronze DuraTone Coated
Fender’s 860CL PhBronze DuraTone Coated strings are known for their warm, balanced tone with a nice amount of brightness for clarity. These strings feature a durable coating that gives them an extended lifespan, making them ideal for fingerstyle players who want a reliable set of strings that won’t wear out quickly.
- Material: Phosphor bronze, coated
- Gauge: 011-052
- Best for: Players looking for warm tones with long-lasting durability.
My Experience with Fender 860CL
These are the kind of strings that get the job done without any fuss. The coated finish makes them last, and they keep their tone pretty bright. They’re great if you don’t want to change strings too often but still want a nice, even sound for fingerpicking.
8. D’Addario EJ16
The D’Addario EJ16 is a classic set of strings for fingerstyle players. Known for their bright and clear tone, they’re versatile enough for any style but really shine in the fingerpicking world. The phosphor bronze material helps produce a warm, rich sound, while still maintaining that essential clarity.
- Material: Phosphor bronze
- Gauge: 012-053
- Best for: Bright, clear tone with a touch of warmth.
My Experience with D’Addario EJ16
These are reliable strings that feel like they never let you down. Whether you’re playing softly or aggressively, the tone remains clear and balanced. FYI, they’re a solid go-to for any fingerstyle player looking for consistency and affordability.
9. D’Addario EFT16 Flat Tops
Looking for reduced string noise? The D’Addario EFT16 Flat Tops are designed specifically for that. These strings are slightly flatwound and polished, making them ideal for recording or live performances where unwanted string noise can be an issue. They still deliver a clear, bright tone, but with much less squeak when moving up and down the fretboard.
- Material: Phosphor bronze, flatwound
- Gauge: 012-053
- Best for: Low-noise recording and smooth playability.
My Experience with D’Addario EFT16
These are a must-have if you’re planning to record fingerstyle tracks. The flatwound design reduces that annoying squeak, which is perfect when you’re recording in a sensitive environment. They still give you great tone, but without all the extra noise. 🙂
10. Pyramid 305/100 Silk & Steel
The Pyramid 305/100 Silk & Steel strings are ideal for fingerstyle players who love a soft, mellow tone. These strings have a silk wrapping, which gives them a super smooth feel and produces a warm, intimate sound—perfect for folk or delicate fingerpicking styles.
- Material: Silk and steel
- Gauge: 011-046
- Best for: Warm, mellow tones and soft fingerpicking.
My Experience with Pyramid 305/100
These are perfect for those intimate, softer moments. If you’re playing folk or fingerstyle that leans more towards the acoustic and mellow side, these strings will complement that beautifully. Plus, they’re easy on the fingers, which is always a bonus when you’re fingerpicking for hours.
My Subjective Choice
If I had to pick just one, it’d be the Elixir Nanoweb Custom Light Phosphor. They’ve got long-lasting durability, smooth feel, and a tone that works for pretty much any fingerstyle playing.
They’re a bit more expensive than other options, but if you hate changing strings as much as I do, they’re worth every penny. IMO, these are the most versatile and reliable strings on this list.
FAQ
1. What are the best materials for fingerstyle guitar strings?
Phosphor bronze and silk & steel are two of the best options for fingerstyle. Phosphor bronze offers a nice balance between brightness and warmth, while silk & steel gives a softer, more mellow tone that’s perfect for delicate playing.
2. How often should I change my strings for fingerstyle?
It depends on how often you play, but if you’re using coated strings like Elixir or D’Addario XT, you can go a bit longer between changes—usually a few months. If you’re using non-coated strings, you might want to change them every 4-6 weeks to keep the tone fresh.
3. Why are flatwound strings good for fingerstyle?
Flatwound strings, like the D’Addario EFT16, reduce string noise (those squeaks when moving your fingers up and down the neck). This makes them great for recording or live performance when you want a smooth sound without extra noise.
4. Are coated strings better for fingerstyle?
Coated strings, like Elixir or D’Addario XT, last longer and are generally more resistant to wear and corrosion. They can be great for fingerstyle players who want a consistent tone without needing to change strings frequently.
5. How do I know which gauge is best for fingerstyle?
Most fingerstyle players prefer light gauge strings (e.g., .011-.052 or .012-.053) because they’re easier on the fingers and allow for more nuanced dynamics. Heavier gauges provide more volume but can be tougher to play for intricate fingerpicking.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect strings for fingerstyle playing is all about balance—you want strings that feel comfortable under your fingers, but also produce a clear, articulate tone.
Whether you’re looking for long-lasting coated strings or something that gives you a warm, intimate sound, there’s a set here for every player.
So, go ahead and experiment until you find the strings that bring out the best in your fingerpicking style. 🙂
