Top 10 Best light gauge acoustic guitar strings in 2026

Last Updated - 6/18/2026

🏆Best Choice

D'Addario

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings, 80/20 Bronze, EJ11, Light Gauge 12-53, 6-String Set, Pack of 1

9.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.8

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•PRECISION WOUND: D’Addario 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings are precision wound over a hexagonal high carbon steel core.
•BOLD, BRIGHT SOUND: The 80/20 Bronze wrap wire provides bold, bright acoustic sound, with crisp projection that fills the room.
•THE ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC STRING: 80/20 Bronze was originally created by John D’Addario Sr. and renowned guitar maker John D’Angelico in the 1930s.
•EARN REWARD POINTS: Our 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
•MADE IN THE USA: D’Addario 80/20 Bronze strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.

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$6.89

$10.70

-36%

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D'Addario

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings, Phosphor Bronze, EJ23, Super Light Gauge 9-45, 6-String Set, Pack of 1

9.7

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.7

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•CORROSION-RESISTANT, PRECISION WOUND: D’Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are precision wound with phosphor bronze wrap wire, over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core.
•WARM, BALANCED TONE: Phosphor Bronze wrap wire provides tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone, with beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres.
•MOST POPULAR ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRING: Now the standard in acoustic guitar strings, Phosphor Bronze strings were originally pioneered by D’Addario in the 1970s.
•EARN REWARD POINTS: D’Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
•MADE IN THE USA: Our Phosphor Bronze strings are made in the USA—drawn to exacting specifications at our New York production facility.

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$8.99

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Elixir

Elixir Strings, Acoustic Guitar Strings, 80/20 Bronze with NANOWEB Technology, Longest-Lasting Bright and Focused Tone For Life with Comfortable Feel, 6 String Set, Extra Light 10-47

9.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.5

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•LONGEST-LASTING TONE: Made with 80/20 bronze wrap wire and our proprietary NANOWEB Technology, these strings deliver a bright, focused tone for life, with a comfortable and smooth feel
•LEADING PLAYERS: Whether on stage, in the studio or jamming at home, Elixir Strings are trusted by millions worldwide for their consistently brilliant tone, from our light strings to heavier gauges
•STABLE & RESISTANT: Experience that fresh-out-the-box sound every time, thanks to our advanced technology that protects the entire string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust
•MANUFACTURED IN THE USA: Every set of Elixir Strings is lab- and field-tested in our state-of-the-art facility. Engineered for less frequent string changes and more connecting with your music
•CONTENTS: 1 x Elixir Strings, Acoustic Guitar Strings, 80/20 Bronze with NANOWEB Technology, Longest-Lasting Bright and Focused Tone For Life with Comfortable Feel, 6 String Set, Extra Light 10-47

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$17.99

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Elixir

Elixir Strings, Acoustic Guitar Strings, Phosphor Bronze with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Rich and Full Tone with Comfortable Feel, 6 String Set, Light 12-53

9.4

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.4

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•LEADING GUITAR STRINGS: Made with phosphor bronze wrap wire and our proprietary featherweight NANOWEB Coating. For a rich, full-bodied and longest-lasting tone along with a comfortable, smooth feel
•BRILLIANT TONE: Elixir Strings are often rated the best acoustic guitar strings, you can trust in our consistently reliable performance. From our light acoustic guitar strings to our heavier gauges
•CORROSION RESISTANT: The NANOWEB Coating protects from tone-deadening sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. Elixir Strings retain their out-of-the-box tone longer than other coated or uncoated strings
•MADE IN THE USA: Elixir Strings are lab- and field-tested and made to exacting specifications in our state of the art facility. Versatile and durable, they consistently deliver a reliable performance
•CONTENTS: 1x Single Pack of Elixir Acoustic Guitar Strings, Phosphor Bronze with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Rich and Full Tone with Comfortable Feel, 6 String Set, Light 12-16-24-32-42-53

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$19.99

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Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, 11-52 Gauge (P02148)

9.2

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.2

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•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
•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

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$7.99

$10.25

-22%

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Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Earthwood Extra Light 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, 10-50 Gauge (P02006)

9.1

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.1

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•Bright, balanced tone with excellent projection and clarity
•Extra Light gauge is ideal for players who want less string tension for easier play across the fretboard
•Wound Strings are 80% copper, 20% zinc wire wrapped around high-carbon steel core wire
•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

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$6.99

$9.00

-22%

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MARTIN

Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings, Superior Performance Custom Light 11-52, 80/20 Bronze

8.9

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.9

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•PROFESSIONAL GUITAR STRINGS: Discover your guitar’s true voice! Martin Authentic Acoustic strings are designed with higher tensile strength and tin-plated core wire to enable a full and balanced tone, a quicker response, and an increased tuning stability.
•HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN: Made from 80/20 bronze, this set of 6 strings features top-quality bronzed-steel core wire and bronze wrap wire. At first, the sound is a bright, punchy attack. It quickly mellows out as you play, making this pack ideal for bluegrass players.
•SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Best for rigorous practice and performance, our acoustic guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking and flat picking. If you have finger fatigue after playing or wish bending notes was easier, try a lighter string gauge.
•VERSATILE STRINGS: String gauge is an important part of getting the best sound out of your guitar. We recommend using only our extra-light through medium-gauge strings on our guitars. Medium-gauge strings deliver more volume and are perfect for larger-bodied guitars.
•THE TONE YOU DESERVE: For every handmade element we craft, we never forget why we do it: To help you set your creativity free. You’ll find a wide range of Martin strings that fit your instrument and playing style. Enjoy incredible tone, no matter what you play.

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$7.49

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MARTIN

Other MA540 Authentic SP Phosphor Bronze Light Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings (41Y18MA540)

8.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.8

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•PROFESSIONAL GUITAR STRINGS: Discover your guitar’s true voice. These strings are designed with higher tensile strength and tin-plated core wire to enable a full and balanced tone, a quicker response, and an increased tuning stability. They’re available in extra light, custom light, light, and medium gauges.
•HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN: Made from 92/8 phosphor bronze, these acoustic strings feature top-quality bronzed-steel core wire and bronze wrap wire. They provide a well-rounded sound that is clean and balanced, making them suitable for a wide variety of music styles.
•SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Best for rigorous practice and performance, our phosphor bronze strings can be used for fingerpicking and flat-picking. If you have finger fatigue after playing or wish bending notes was easier, try a lighter string gauge.
•VERSATILE STRINGS: String gauge is an important part of getting the best sound out of your guitar. We recommend using only our extra-light through medium-gauge strings on our guitars. Medium-gauge strings deliver more volume and are perfect for larger-bodied guitars.
•THE TONE YOU DESERVE: For every handmade element we craft, we never forget why we do it: to help you set your creativity free. You’ll find a wide range of Martin strings that fit your instrument and playing style. Enjoy incredible tone, no matter what you play.

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$7.49

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Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings 3-pack, 11-52 Gauge (P03448)

8.6

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.6

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•Includes 3 individually wrapped sets
•Warm, rich tone with excellent projection and clarity
•Phosphor bronze wound on a hex-shaped, high-carbon steel core wire
•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

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$19.98

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D'Addario

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings, XS Phosphor Bronze Coated, XSAPB1047, Extra Light Gauge 10-47, 6-String Set, Pack of 1

8.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.5

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•CORROSION-RESISTANT, EXTENDED LIFE: XS Phosphor Bronze strings have the longest life of any D’Addario acoustic string, with no fraying, peeling, or tonal dampening, thanks to the ultra-thin XS film coating.
•WARM, BALANCED TONE: Phosphor Bronze wrap wire provides tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone, with beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres.
•STAYS IN TUNE, STRONGER STRING: With a NY Steel core and Fusion Twist technology, XS Phosphor Bronze offers greater break strength and unmatched tuning stability—staying in tune 131% better than standard acoustic strings.
•EARN REWARD POINTS: This XS Phosphor Bronze set comes with a code on the recyclable, resealable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
•MADE IN THE USA: XS coated acoustic strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.

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$19.99

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