You’re a beginner when it comes to playing the guitar. You don’t know what to look for when purchasing an acoustic guitar. This guide will help you understand the different features of an acoustic guitar and how to choose the best one for you.
There are different types of acoustic guitars. The most common are steel string acoustic guitars. They are named for the type of strings they use. Steel-string acoustic guitars can be used for a variety of music styles.
When choosing a steel string acoustic guitar, you should consider the following factors:
- The body size and shape. The two most common shapes are dreadnought and concert. Dreadnought guitars are larger and have a fuller sound. Concert guitars are smaller and have a brighter sound.
- The type of wood used for the body. The most common woods are spruce, cedar, and mahogany. Spruce is the lightest wood and produces a brighter sound. Cedar is a bit darker and produces a warmer sound. Mahogany is the darkest wood and produces a full sound.
- The neck. The neck is the part of the guitar that you hold when you play. The most important factor to consider when choosing a neck is the width. Narrower necks are easier to play for beginners. Wider necks are better for advanced players.
- The strings. The most common string types are nylon and steel. Nylon strings are softer and easier on
Best Steel String Acoustic Guitars: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Steel String Acoustic Guitars Reviews
Bestseller No. 1
D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings, Silk & Steel, EJ40, Light Gauge 11-47, 6-String Set, Pack of 1
- Warm and Mellow: Silk & Steel acoustic guitar strings provide our warmest, mellowest tone with low tension and reduced finger noise that's great for fingerstyle playing
- Vintage Acoustic Vibes: Made with silver-plated copper windings over a combination silk and steel core for a softened tone that's deal for parlor guitars and vintage instruments
- Strings for Every Style: From jazz to metal to rock, bluegrass, blues, folk and more, we make great sounding strings for every genre and level from beginner to pro, including strings for bass, acoustic, classical, and 12-string
- Sound Better, Play Better: Shop our whole collection of guitar accessories including string winders, picks, straps, capos, tuners, cables, gear bags and cases, plus strings for banjo, mandolin, ukelele and more
- Made in the USA: As the world’s largest and most respected maker of musical accessories, D’Addario guitar strings are made to exacting specifications at our cutting edge New York production facility
$9.89
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Bestseller No. 2
Ernie Ball Earthwood Silk and Steel Extra-Soft Acoustic Guitar Strings, 10-50 Gauge (P02047)
- Earthwood Silk and Steel acoustic guitar strings soften tone and touch for a warm sound and comfortable feel
- 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
- The brightness of 80/20 bronze wrap wire is coupled with a soft subtle silk wrap, resulting in a pleasing warm, mellowed tone
- Gauges: 10, 14, 20, 28, 40, 50
- Made in California, USA with the freshest and finest materials
$10.99
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SaleBestseller No. 3
D'Addario 80/20 Bronze-for 6 Deep, Bright, Projecting Tone-EJ11-3D-Light, 12-53-3-Pack Acoustic Guitar Strings (EJ11-3D)
- 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.
$14.79
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SaleBestseller No. 4
Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings, Superior Performance Custom 11.5-47, Silk & HT Steel
- 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.
- 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.
- CUSTOM-GAUGE ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.0115" high E string to a 0.047" 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 122.2.
- 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.
$7.19
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Bestseller No. 5
Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Natural, with Gig Bag
- Agathis top
- Sapele back and sides
- 3/4 Scale is perfect for beginners or children
- Includes Gig Bag
- Smaller Body style
$149.99
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SaleBestseller No. 6
Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings - Marquis Silked
- Silk-steel
- 11.5-14-26-28-38-47
- Added soft silk wrap to the ball ends of the authentic acoustic strings to prevent wear and tear on the bridge and Bridge plate
- Offer Thread wrapping for bridge protection, corrosion resistance and excellent tuning stability
$9.99
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Bestseller No. 7
Fender FA-15 3/4-Scale Kids Steel String Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Learn-to-Play Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
- 3/4-size steel-string Fender acoustic guitar
- Ideal size for children ages 6 to 12 years
- Modern Fender 3+3 headstock and walnut bridge
- Beginners and developing players will appreciate the style of this guitar, which features a nato neck that gives the guitar a lively tone and feel
- Bundle includes Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Kids Steel String Guitar with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
SaleBestseller No. 8
Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings, Superior Performance Extra Light 10-47, 80/20 Bronze
- 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.
$5.99
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Bestseller No. 9
Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar
- Mottola, R.M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 503 Pages - 10/20/2021 (Publication Date) - LiutaioMottola.com (Publisher)
$34.38
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Bestseller No. 10
D'Addario Guitar Strings - Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - EJ16 - Rich, Full Tonal Spectrum - For 6 String Guitars - 12-53 Light
- 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.
What else you should know about best steel string acoustic guitars
1. What are the best steel string acoustic guitars for beginners?
There are many different types of steel string acoustic guitars for beginners. It really depends on what you are looking for in a guitar. If you want a guitar that is easy to play, then you might want to look for a guitar with a narrower neck. If you are looking for a guitar that has a rich, full sound, then you might want to look for a guitar with a larger body.
2. What are the best steel string acoustic guitars for intermediate players?
Some of the best steel string acoustic guitars for intermediate players include the Yamaha FG800, the Fender CD-60S, and the Takamine G Series GD20.
3. What are the best steel string acoustic guitars for advanced players?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. However, some of the best steel string acoustic guitars for advanced players include the Martin D-28, the Taylor 814ce, and the Gibson J-45.
4. What are the best steel string acoustic guitars for fingerstyle players?
There are many great steel string acoustic guitars for fingerstyle players, but some of our favorites include the Martin D-28, the Taylor 814ce, and the Gibson J-45.
5. What are the best steel string acoustic guitars for strummers?
There are many great steel string acoustic guitars for strummers. Some of our favorites include the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor, the Yamaha FG800, and the Seagull S6.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best steel string acoustic guitars. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best steel string acoustic guitars will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.