Best electric guitar strings to use on an acoustic guitar?

Question

I’ve decided that I prefer the playability of electric guitar strings on an acoustic. What are the best electric guitar strings to use on an acoustic guitar?

Answer 1

Ben and Tony B have given you good answers. Electric guitar strings are optimized for their magnetic properties and don't sound good on an acoustic. (or an acoustic-electric) If you want your acoustic to play as easily as an electric guitar, you should use super light gauge acoustic strings and get a good setup *after* installing them.



Many of us use .009's on our electric guitars and there aren't many brands that offer that in acoustic strings. You might consider these: https://www.stringsandbeyond.com/rotosound-acoustic-guitar-strings-jk9-super-light-9-48.html Please realize that the reduced tension of light gauge strings (whether acoustic or electric) doesn't "drive" the soundboard as well. Basically, expect less volume and bass response out of any super light gauge string. No big deal on an electric guitar...you just turn up the amp to compensate. Can't do that on an acoustic.

Answer 2

Sorry, but that's a really bad idea. You will get lousy tone and equally lousy volume. But here's the point: if you're finding your acoustic guitar hard to play with acoustic strings then it probably needs to be professionally set up. Or possibly just go down to light gauge or even extra light gauge strings. If you want a slinkier string then get a set of coated strings like Elixir Nanowebs.



With a properly set up acoustic guitar there should be no problems with playability. Good luck!

Answer 3

There aren't any “best” electric guitar strings to use on acoustic. The tone will be poor and I can't see any advantage at all that would make up for the poor sound.



There's no difference at all in playability so far as I can tell, and I've been playing for years. For most people it's the gauge (thickness) of the strings that affect playability, not the material they're wound with.