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Guitar String Gauge Chart
Each common set with every string gauge listed separately. A set name describes the thinnest string — a “12-53” set starts at .012" and ends at .053".
| Set | 1st string (in) | Remaining strings (in) |
|---|
Standard: D’Addario published gauges · Data checked: 2026-10-14
Frequently asked questions
What do the two numbers in a string gauge mean?
Set gauges are written like 10-46, meaning the high E string is 0.010 in and the low E is 0.046 in. The first number matters most for bending feel, the second for low-end tension. A '10s' set and an '11s' set feel very different under the fingers.
Is a heavier string louder?
It is louder and fuller, but it also needs more tension to reach the same pitch, which raises the action and can bow a neck if the guitar is not set up for it. Going up a size usually means a setup, not just a restring.
Are acoustic and electric strings the same?
No. Electric strings are usually nickel-plated steel, which is magnetic enough for pickups and feels smooth. Acoustic strings are bronze or phosphor bronze, which sound brighter on an acoustic but do not work with magnetic pickups.
How do I stop breaking the same string?
Usually a burr or a sharp edge rather than the string. Check the saddle, the nut slot and the tuner post for roughness, and make sure the string is not being pinched. Breaking at the same point every time is the giveaway.