Hi Nek-

Here are a few things you might think about when choosing strings:

The first factor to consider as regards how your strings effect your tone is the gauge of the strings.

Light Gauge strings will have a quieter and thinner tone. They will also be easier on the left hand, as they are easier to press down. If you are able to press down with good pressure, you’ll get better tone out of you chords. However, since they are made of the thinnest wire, they are more delicate than other gauges. This means they might get a little overwhelmed if you strum really hard, creating a jangly or buzzy tone.

Medium Gauge strings will have a bolder, warmer tone than light gauge. They will tolerate being strummed rather aggressively, as well as responding well to more subtle or delicate right hand techniques. They are harder on the left hand, so you may begin to get tone issues due to the difficulty in pressing them down with solid pressure.

Heavy Gauge strings will have a bold, almost unyielding, sound. They are best suited for high energy strumming where you want a lot of punch and volume. They will be toughest on the left hand, and will not be as responsive to more subtle or delicate right hand techniques.

The wound strings of the guitar are made by one single strand of wire, wrapped tightly by a much thinner wire coiled around it end to end. The variety of wire the strings are made of will have an effect on the tone.

In recent years some manufacturers have started making coated strings. These strings have some sort of coating on them that protects the wound strings from accumulating schmutz and gunk from your hands. This keeps the strings sounding “newer” for a much longer time than uncoated strings.

Uncoated strings have a spectacular brightness when they are brand new. That brightness fades over time as you play the instrument and begin to tire out the strings. Coated strings may lack that initial brilliance when they are brand new, but maintain a fresh consistent tone for quite a bit longer than uncoated strings.

My personal favorite is coated, light gauge, phosphor bronze strings.

Hope this helps! -Lisa McCormick