GUITAR STRINGS

A string is the vibrating element that is the source of vibration in string instruments, such as the guitar, harp, piano, and members of the violin family. They are lengths of a flexible material kept under tension so that they may freely vibrate. Strings may be "plain" (consisting only of a single material, like steel, nylon, or gut) or they may have a core of one material with an overwinding of other materials to add mass so the string sounds the desired pitch, while keeping the string thin and flexible enough to play. Such strings are called "wound strings." First, know that there are 6 strings on guitars: E, B, G, D, A and E. Three of the strings are usually common between electric and acoustics, making the transition in learning both, relatively simple. The minor differences between electric and acoustic strings include the gauge difference between strings E and B. The major difference, however, is the fact that the G string is wound for acoustics but smooth for electrics. It makes a world of difference though the variation seems slight. While most strings are made of the same material for both acoustics and electrics, there are still specific qualities that your strings need to keep your sound strong. Acoustic guitars, for example, need strings that will provide a vibrating, resonant sound whereas electric strings are needed to produce a more metallic sound, a sharp, electric sound. In order to achieve the appropriate sounds, look to the materials and the source of the metals used to make your strings.
The tone of a string depends on its weight, and, therefore, on its diameter or so-called gauge. Traditionally, diameter is measured in thousandths of an inch. The larger the diameter, the heavier the string is. Heavier strings require more tension for the same pitch and are, as a consequence, harder to press down to the fingerboard. Heavier strings will also produce a louder and thicker tone. (If a fretted instrument is restrung with different string gauges, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the string above the frets, called the "action," in order to make the instrument easier to play or to avoid the strings buzzing against the frets. The action height of fretless instruments may also be adjusted to suit the string gauge or material, as well as the intended playing style.)
Steel strings for 6-string guitar usually come in the sets of matched strings. Sets are usually referenced either by the gauge of the first string (e.g., 9), or by pair of first and last (e.g., 9-42). Some manufacturers may have slightly different gauge sequences; the sample data below comes from D'Addario string charts for regular, round-wound, nickel-plated strings. Note that some manufacturers of strings produce other sets of strings too; the figure above merely lists the most commonly used combinations.

Acoustic Guitar Strings:

The same way that the original acoustic guitar is a natural instrument without the advances of technology, the strings required for it are made of fine, natural ingredients, mainly bronze. Take a closer look.

Bronze acoustic guitar strings are made from the alloy brass. Commonly, this is a mixture of copper and tin or copper and zinc.

Phosphor-Bronze strings are made of brass and are coated with phosphorus to help the strings retain their shape and sharpness.

Classic acoustic guitar players usually use Nylon strings. With nylon strings the 3 upper strings are made of 100% nylon and the remaining strings are usually silver-plated copper which are wound around a nylon thread.

Overall, Phosphor-Bronze strings will outlast the cheaper Bronze strings though bronze strings sound amazing when you first put them on your piece. The Phosphor-Bronze strings have a warmer sound, an almost worn-in sound but they don't have to be replaced nearly as often. If you are a beginner, I suggest you get the Phosphor-Bronze strings and have them tuned by a professional, whether a professor or an experienced sales person at your local guitar retailer. This will allow you more time in between tunings until you've become familiar enough with your guitar and your skills to tune her yourself. The brand I prefer to use on my acoustic is called Elixir. Elixer makes cutting edge strings that keep up with new industry standards.

Electric Guitar Strings:

Because the electric guitar is always amplified, the materials needed for electric strings are entirely different. Since the sound being given off by the wires does not need to be loud, string makers were able to concentrate on other attributes to give them. Therefore, electric strings are not made of natural, heavy bronze.

In the 50s, electric strings were made of pure nickel. Nickel strings give electric guitars a classic sound. Almost a sweet sounding wail.

Modern electric strings are usually made of nickel and stainless steel or stainless steel alone, which has proven to be the most durable string material ever used. Stainless steel strings rarely require changing and can withstand the hard rockers.

For a beginner behind the wheel of an electric guitar, I suggest the same process as with acoustic. Stick with stainless steel strings and have them tuned professionally, if possible, when you trade out for new strings. They will last longer, allowing you to become more comfortable with your guitar which will enable you to eventually tune your own strings.
The only strings I put on my own electric are Ernie Ball or Elixir brand. Ernie Ball has been in the industry for years and their strings have never let me down while recording. Elixir, as well, makes a very durable product though the sound quality is not as golden as with a set of Ball strings.