Before I give you the short answer as to which nylon strings are best for your classical guitar and before we take a close look at all the characteristics to consider when choosing classical guitar strings, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

VERY IMPORTANT: ONLY USE NYLON STRINGS on your classical guitar. NEVER EVER USE STEEL OR METAL STRINGS.

Steel strings, or metal strings, will damage your classical guitar. Steel strings are made specifically for acoustic (folk) or electric guitars, not for classical guitars. Be sure to use nylon strings ONLY! Even if your classical guitar has a pick-up, or built-in microphone, a guitar built for nylon strings will be damaged if fitted with steel strings.

• The dangers of installing steel strings on your classical guitar:
  • Too much tension, as produced by steel strings, will damage the neck of your guitar.
  • The tuning pegs will be damaged.
  • The headstock will be stressed and will not sustain the pull created by the steel strings.
  • The nut is not made of material, or calibrated, to accommodate for steel strings fitting in its grooves.
  • The saddle will be damaged by the steel and the pull from the strings.

The short answer to fitting your classical guitar with the best nylon strings.

Initially, I recommend you install normal tension (also referred to as medium tension) strings with silver-plated wound for the bass strings and clear nylon for the treble strings. You will get a good balance of tone, warmth and clarity with consistent intonation.

• Some, or most, of this terminology might be unfamiliar to you at this time. I will define these terms and others throughout this article and discuss their importance when choosing the best set of nylon strings for your classical guitar. I will share my experience and how I came to conclude that this is a viable approach. This article looks at all the options available and explains why you might want to consider different sets to replace this first one over time.

Here is the set that I use on all of my new guitars. Then, I explore various options as I get more familiar with the guitar and decide on how to use it (recording vs. performing).

D’Addario EJ45 Pro-Arte Nylon Classical Guitar Strings, Normal Tension

Characteristics:

• Normal tension
• Gauges: Trebles .0280,  .0322, .0403 Basses .029, .035, .043
• Nylon core basses with silverplated wound
• Clear nylon laser selected trebles
• Strings packed to protect from vapor corrosion, protecting strings from oxidation

Qualities:

• Balance of volume and comfortable resistance
• Warm, full-bodied, projecting tone
• Consistent feel
• Consistent and precise intonation

NOTE: If you have small fingers or you are starting out and have not developed calluses on your fingers, or the strength needed to press down the strings to the fretboard, you might want to use light tension instead of normal or medium tension. Especially if the action (*) on your guitar is high.

• (*) The action is the height of the strings above the fretboard. It will be easier to play strings with lighter tension. They are easier to press against the fretboard. As you build strength you can switch from light tension to normal tension or a higher denomination.

Here is a good starting set of light tension strings.

D’Addario EJ43 Pro-Arte Nylon Classical Guitar Strings, Light Tension

Characteristics:

• Light tension
• Gauges: Trebles .0275,  .0317, .0397 Basses .028, .033, .042
• Nylon core basses with silverplated wound
• Clear nylon laser selected trebles
• Strings packed to protect from vapor corrosion, protecting strings from oxidation

Qualities:

• Warm, full-bodied tone
• Consistent feel
• Consistent intonation

FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS: There are sets of strings optimized for beginners and students, especially made for ¾ or ½ size classical guitars.

D’Addario EJ27N 3/4 Student Nylon Fractional Classical Guitar Strings, Normal Tension

Characteristics:

• Light tension
• Gauges: Trebles .0275,  .0317, .0397 Basses .028, .033, .042
• Nylon core basses with silverplated wound
• Clear nylon laser selected trebles
• Strings packed to protect from vapor corrosion, protecting strings from oxidation

Qualities:

• Warm, full-bodied tone
• Consistent feel
• Consistent intonation

Over time, you will find your preferred set of strings for your guitar, your skill level, your technique and your repertoire. Take time to experiment. It is well worth it.

Now, let’s take a close look at the aspects of choosing the best nylon strings for a classical guitar, Spanish guitar or Flamenco guitar.

Why learning how to choose the best classical guitar strings is important.

Congratulations! Now that we have avoided damaging your guitar and that you are all set to play it with a standard normal tension set, let’s look at the many classical guitar strings options and characteristics.

By reading this article, you are taking one of the most important step in creating your own unique sound, getting the most out of your guitar, improving your playing, and enjoying your overall experience.

Whether you own a top of the line classical guitar or you are playing a less expensive one, your instrument will sound that much better when fitted with the right set of classical guitar strings, most often referred to as “nylon strings.”

In addition, maintaining and caring for the strings in the right way will play a critical role in keeping your sound consistent and prolong the life of your strings.

Choosing the best classical guitar strings is tricky and may seem a bit overwhelming considering the many types and brands available. Making the right choice depends on a number of factors, including of course the guitar you own, your skill level, your music style (Flamenco vs. Classical for instance), and your preferences as an artist.

Overall you will be seeking the right balance between tuning stability, great intonation, a beautiful sound, loudness, brightness, warmth, clarity, sustain, the right tension, the right size, the right feel to the touch, and durability.

Great strings that fit your guitar best, feel the best to you, and match your playing style and repertoire, will contribute significantly to enjoying your overall playing experience. Your performances and recordings will be enhanced, your audiences even more delighted, and your confidence in your playing boosted.

Let’s look at the details that play a role in making the right choice:

• Know your guitar and how to get the best sound out of it .
• Consider your repertoire, playing style and skill level.
• What is the best quality material for classical guitar strings?
• What is the best gauge when choosing nylon strings for a classical guitar?
• What is the best tension when choosing nylon strings for a classical guitar?
• What is the best length when choosing nylon strings for a classical guitar?
• What is the best end-of-a-string design?
• Mixing strings from different manufacturers, tension, gauge, etc.

When you are ready to choose, consider:

• How much should you spend on a set of nylon strings for a classical guitar?
• How often should you change nylon strings?
• What are the best brands of nylon strings for classical guitars?
• Links to classical guitar nylon strings suppliers

Know your guitar and how to get the best sound out of it.

There are many types of classical guitars. Each have their unique sound. It is important to have a good understanding of the characteristics of your instrument when choosing strings.

• The tone of your guitar depends on the type of wood and other manufacturing techniques that were used in its fabrication. Research the specs for your instrument and read the recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
  • If your guitar has a bright tone you might want to balance it with strings that give out a warmer sound.
  • A darker sounding guitar might benefit from strings that give out a brighter sound.
  • When choosing strings for Flamenco guitars, built to give out a brighter and more percussive sound than classical guitars, but still using nylon strings, you might consider amplifying these characteristics by choosing strings made for Flamenco style of playing and repertoire.
  • If your guitar has a pick-up, or built-in microphone, you will need to consider how the pick-up renders some of the frequencies from low to high. Classical guitar use sound-hole-mounted pick-ups or under-the-saddle microphone such as Piezo pick-ups. Some classical guitars have a built-in pick up.

You might have bought a guitar wanting a specific sound as you were initially attracted to a particular style of playing and repertoire. If you decide that you want to explore other genres, choosing different strings will help you explore new sounds without having to replace your guitar or add other guitars to your collection.

You might have been given your first guitar as a gift and developed a passion for playing that has brought you to a new level. I still have my first guitar and I use it often. It is not an expensive guitar but I fit it with the strings that are best for it.

Consider your repertoire, playing style and skill level.

The classical guitar is a very versatile instrument. Its sound is easy to recognize and lends itself to various styles of music that we have become familiar with: Classical pieces of course, Bossa Nova, Flamenco, folk, pop, etc. It sounds wonderful when playing Jazz and other genres as well.

• If you are playing romantic classical pieces, strings offering a warmer sound, less bright, with more sustain will be a good choice and will help render the nuances the composers intended.
• If you are focused on earlier compositions of the classical era, pieces written by Johan Sebastian Bach for instance, you might want to try strings that give you great clarity and a louder sound. You might want to emulate the sound produce by a Lute. There are stings that reproduce the sound of the strings made of animal gut, the material used to make strings before nylon was introduced.
  • A bit of history: Strings for classical guitars were originally made of animal gut, cows’ intestines or sheep’s intestines. The treble strings were made of plain gut. The bass strings’ core was made of silk which was wound with gut. Albert Augustine is credited for replacing gut strings with nylon strings, circa 1947/48.
• Regardless of the music genre you have chosen, using nylon strings that give out less sustain will often be a better fit for playing fast sections or pieces.
• If you are starting out, I recommend you get strings that are easier to play. As I mentioned earlier, light tension strings will be easier to press on to reach the fretboard. As you develop strength in both hands and calluses at the ends of your fingertips, you can switch to normal tension or even greater tension.

What is the best quality material for classical guitar strings?

Lower/Bass Strings: Most often, the three lower strings (the three bass strings), E (Mi), A (La), and D (Re) are silver-plated wound strings, a core of thin nylon filaments wound with bronze or copper wires. Once wound, the metal is coated, or plated with silver for example.

• The manufacturers offer various combinations of metals and alloys. These combinations have different properties.
  • The denser the material used for the plating the more clarity the strings offer. Whereas strings plated with less dense materials and alloys will give you more warmth.
  • Silver plating gives you fullness of sound and clarity. The strings have a smooth feel to them. Combine with the copper you will get a warm sound.
  • The combination of copper and zinc gives you more brightness. The percentages of copper versus zinc can vary depending on the manufacturer.
  • Some metals are more durable. The strings may not fall apart or break as quickly. Different metals will corrode at a different pace and the sound quality you get with a brand new set of strings could wane more rapidly depending on your choice.
  • Round wounding is most common on classical guitar bass strings. Polished round wound strings have a flatter top. The feel under your finger is smoother and the sliding of fingers on the strings is less noisy. Less noise is something to consider when recording, especially if your guitar has a pick-up or how the external microphone is positioned.

Higher/Treble Strings: The three higher strings (the three treble strings), G (Sol), B (Si), and E (Mi) are clear (most often) nylon strings, a single nylon filament.

• Nylon is the most common material used for the three higher strings. Usually, these strings are manufactured using genuine nylon, fluorocarbon, or titanium nylon. Some are made with clear nylon and some with rectified nylon. Different processes are used to shape and calibrate the strings for tonal accuracy.
  • Clear nylon strings will give you a warm, clear and rich tone that is well-balanced. The volume is likely to be lower than the volume you can get from the other types. You will get longer sustain out of clear nylon strings. You will find that it is easier to create and control the vibrato, a great benefit in slower romantic pieces.
  • Rectified nylon is also made of clear nylon but the process to create a consistent diameter all the way along the string’s length is different. The sound is mellow, with a rounder body.
  • Black nylon strings give out a warm sound, pure, with more high frequencies.
  • Fluorocarbon, or carbon fiber strings give you a brighter sound. The volume coming out of these strings is greater than the volume generated by nylon strings. If you are playing faster pieces you will get greater clarity in your articulation. The sustain is not as prominent as with nylon strings. These strings can be smaller in diameter with the same length and tension of nylon strings.
  • Titanium nylon strings will give you a brighter sound compared to nylon strings and give out less mid-range frequencies than the nylon or fluorocarbon strings. You will get brightness and therefore a crisper articulation. You will get a good sustain as well and an easier vibrato. These strings feel smoother under your fingertips.

FOR THE PURISTS: Nylon and other material replaced animal gut and silk in the manufacturing of guitar strings. If you are looking to recreate the sounds of yore you can find strings that are made for that purpose.

NOTE: Keep in mind that less expensive strings will lack in clarity compared to more expensive ones. Also, less expensive strings could have intonation issues and be more sensitive to changes in temperature which affects tuning.

What is the best gauge when choosing nylon strings for a classical guitar?

Classical guitar strings come in different gauges. A string’s gauge is its physical size, its diameter. The size of the string impacts its weight. The weight of the string increases as its diameter increases.

The gauges are measured in thousands of an inch. The low string on the guitar, the E (Mi) is thicker (0.046 for example) compared to the top string, the E (Mi) (0.010 for example). Different gauges have different feels and sounds.

The overall sound you produce with your instrument is the result of many elements including your guitar, strings, finger nails etc…

• If you are looking to have a louder sound, with more body, a “fatter” sound, I recommend using a higher gauge. You will hear more low to low-mid frequencies. A lighter gauge will give you a thinner sound. You will hear more high frequencies.
• A string with a higher gauge will be wound tighter to reach the pitch and will create stronger harmonics. Thus, a higher gauge will give you a brighter tone.
• A higher gauge will extend the duration of the notes you play, you will get longer sustain from a higher gauge than you will from a lighter gauge.

In addition to sound considerations, pay close attention to how higher or lower gauges strings feel under your fingers. Especially if you are starting out. Playing guitar should always be a fun and rewarding experience.

KEEP IN MIND: If you are using a pick-up, or built-in microphone, you will notice that the sound differences I described above could be altered.

What is the best tension when choosing nylon strings for a classical guitar?

Tension translates into how much strength you need to apply to the string with your fingers so that the string reaches the fingerboard. Tension affects volume, tone, and sound clarity. It affects how strings feel under your left hand’s fingers, or the hand that presses against the fretboard, but it also affects the hand you pluck the strings with. More strength is needed to press and pluck the strings with a higher tension classification.

Classical guitar strings have different tension classifications. You will notice that the packages have a tension rating or description. Most often you will see the following classifications:

• Extra Light
• Light
• Normal/Medium
• Medium Hard
• Hard
• Extra Hard

As always, I suggest that you experiment with various classifications over time.

• Low tension, or light tension strings are too light for me as I use a good amount of strength in crescendos. I get more buzzing on the frets of the guitar with lower tension strings.
  • Though I am careful to check my guitar’s set up regularly as “buzzing” is also a function of other elements such as nut, saddle and neck adjustments.
  • I strive to reach a sound that is as free as possible from fret noises. I use my nails more so than the tip of my fingers to pluck the strings. That already adds noise.
  • Low tension helps with fluidity in legato playing. You will hear less initial attack sound and more resonance of the notes, more body.
  • When using low tension strings be sure to check the intonation. If the nut is set for normal tension or hard tension you could find that with a low tension set of strings the intonation is off.
  • If you are playing without amplification, built-in pick up or microphone this rating offers less volume and less projection.
  • It is easier to press the light tension strings against the neck and pluck them. You need less strength initially.
• Normal tension or medium tension strings give a good balance of tone, warmth and clarity.
  • As I mentioned earlier, if you are starting out or you have small fingers, be aware of the action on your guitar when selecting tension.
    • The action if the height of the strings above the fretboard. It will be easier to play strings with lighter tension, especially if the action on your guitar is high. As you build strength you can switch from light tension to normal tension or a higher denomination.
• High tension or hard tension, or strong tension strings will give you more volume. The sound will project more. You will get more “attack,” which means the sound comes out quicker.
  • It is harder to press high tension strings, especially if the action is high. You will need more strength.
  • If you strum the strings more often, for example when playing Flamenco, high tension is the better choice. You will get a quicker response.
  • Make sure your guitar is built for high tension strings. This gauge can stress the neck, the bridge and the top bracing of your guitar.
  • When switching to high tension strings you may need to have your guitar adjusted so the intonation is not affected.
  • If you are stringing an old guitar be careful that it was built to handle high Tension strings. A luthier can advise you. Some older instruments have different specifications than classical guitars manufactured more recently.
    • TIP: Detune your guitar after you are done playing it for the day. Especially if you are using high tension, or even normal tension strings. The neck won’t be under constant stress that way.

NOTE: Some strings sets sold in packages that include different tensions from string to string. Be sure to read the packaging information very carefully.

What is the best length when choosing nylon strings for a classical guitar?

Nylon strings come in various lengths to accommodate for the differences in the classical guitars’ scale lengths. The scale length accommodates hand sizes. The most common length for nylon strings is 650 mm. This length will fit all guitars.

You might have purchased a guitar with a shorter scale length. Strings measuring 640 mm or 645 mm will fit nicely.

There are also strings as long as 660 mm and even 665 mm to fit classical guitars with longer scale length.

• A classical guitar scale length is calculated by doubling the distance between the front edge of the guitar’s nut and the center of the 12th fret. A smaller scale length does not necessarily mean a smaller guitar.
  • The nut is the white (usually) piece at the end of the fingerboard below the headstock (or pegbox.) The strings come out of the tuning pegs and fit in the nut’s grooves thus the nut controls the string’s distance from the edge of the fingerboard, their relative spacing, and also the height of the strings above the fingerboard (the action.) The deeper the grooves, the closer the strings are to the fingerboard and vice versa.
  • Nuts may be made of plastic, ivory, ebony, or bone. Nuts wear and tear will impact the sound of your classical guitar. For example, you might hear “buzzing” if the grooves’ depth increased and the strings are too close to the fingerboard, therefore to the frets. The strings’ vibrations against the frets, the “buzz,” will require you to adjust or replace the nut.

What is the best end-of-a-string design?

There are two types of ends to nylon strings: Tie ends and ball ends. The end of the string that is referred to by this terminology is the extremity that is fitted to the saddle of the guitar, as opposed to the opposite extremity of the string which gets wound around the tuning peg.

The only difference between tie ends and ball ends strings is that ball ends strings can be changed quickly.

• Ball ends are easier to install. You just slide the extremity of the string opposite to the ball end into the hole in the saddle and pull it all the way until the ball reaches the saddle and stops you from going any further.
  • Electric or acoustic steel strings guitars all have ball ends.
• Tie ends strings require you to tie the strings properly to the saddle so that they don’t slip.

Most classical guitar strings have tie ends and are designed to be tied on to classical guitar saddles. A few nylon strings have ball ends that are preferred by some folk guitarists. Unless ball ends are specified on the packages, you can assume the strings have tie ends.

Mixing strings from different manufacturers, tension, gauge, etc.

You may find that by creating your own combination of strings, creating your own set, you get the exact sound you have in mind. By all means, experiment.

For example, the transition of sound between the third string, G (Sol) string, and the fourth string, D (Re) string, can be challenging and mixing strings from various sets might be a solution for you.

Some players find that selecting bass strings from one manufacturer, or classification, and combining them with treble strings from others is the right approach.

Another reason for mixing strings is the strength of your thumb versus the strength of your other fingers in the hand you use to pluck the strings.

• You might use more thumb flesh rather than nail when plucking the bass strings with your thumb rather than nail. To compensate you might want to have brighter bass strings.

Ready to choose?

We covered all the characteristics of nylon strings you need to take under consideration when choosing the right strings for your classical guitar. Before we look at specific sets of strings from different manufacturers let’s look at how much you should spend on strings and how often you should change the strings.

How much should you spend on a set of nylon strings for a classical guitar?

There are very good sets of strings starting around $10. You can expect to spend between $20 and $30 for some top brands, especially if the strings are imported.

Whether your experimentation has led you to favor more expensive strings, or not, make sure you are taking good care of them.

If you opted for less expensive strings because you found your sound, you might have to change them more often even if you take good care of them. Quality material is important. Some strings will wear out faster.

How often should you change nylon strings?

Keep track of when you install a new set of strings. Record your experience with the various types of strings you try out as well.

The more you play or the harder you play, the sooner you will need to change the strings. You might not play that often but if your strings are not cared for consistently or your guitar is exposed to high humidity or salty air, the strings will deteriorate more rapidly.

How to tell when it’s time to change nylon strings on your classical guitar:

• The strings deteriorate due to wear and tear. Run your fingers along the strings feeling and looking for rough spots.
• Check the strings at the saddle and the nut for signs of wear and tear. See if the tie at the saddle is slipping.
• You might see discoloration along the strings.
• You might see slight indentations in the treble strings.
• You can easily notice the winding coming undone around the bass strings.
• The sound loses its clarity and brightness and becomes muddy or dull.
• The strings become harder to play with time.
• The tuning doesn’t hold.
• The intonation is off or inconsistent.

If you are not recording or performing, but you practice regularly, a good set of strings will last two to three months if you take care of them, perhaps even longer.

• Make sure you clean your hands before you play.
• Wipe your strings with a dry cloth after you are done playing. The acidity in the sweat from your fingers will contribute to shortening the life of the strings. There are products available to nurture your strings and extend their longevity.

NOTE: You can buy single strings in bulk. I tend to break D (Re) strings and A (La) strings more so than any others if I don’t change the set regularly. I have guitars that I use for practicing and writing. I tend to wear out the set and change strings when they break.

• On the guitars I use for sessions or performances I change the strings more often and before a series or recordings or shows.
  • I change the strings at least three to five days in advance as it takes time for the strings to settle. You can pull on them as you install them but you don’t want to have to deal with tuning issues during a recording session or a live performance.
  • Expect tuning adjustment because of the temperature in the room or the change in temperature between the dressing room and the stage. Leave your guitar on stage if you can for a while before you start playing. Stage light will raise the temperature on stage. That will affect the strings.
• If you prepare your guitar for a session or a show properly, you rarely will have to change a string during a performance. Classical guitar strings are not easy to break. But you want to keep a full set in your case, or nearby, in reserve, at all times.

What are the best brands of nylon strings for classical guitars?

Brands in alphabetical order

AUGUSTINE

D’ADDARIO

D’Addario EJ45 Pro-Arte Nylon Classical Guitar Strings, Normal Tension

Characteristics:

• Normal tension
• Gauges: Trebles .0280,  .0322, .0403 Basses .029, .035, .043
• Nylon core basses with silverplated wound
• Clear nylon laser selected trebles
• Strings packed to protect from vapor corrosion, protecting strings from oxidation

Qualities:

• Balance of volume and comfortable resistance
• Warm, full-bodied, projecting tone
• Consistent feel
• Consistent and precise intonation

D’Addario EJ43 Pro-Arte Nylon Classical Guitar Strings, Light Tension

Characteristics:

• Light tension
• Gauges: Trebles .0275,  .0317, .0397 Basses .028, .033, .042
• Nylon core basses with silverplated wound
• Clear nylon laser selected trebles
• Strings packed to protect from vapor corrosion, protecting strings from oxidation

Qualities:

• Warm, full-bodied tone
• Consistent feel
• Consistent intonation

D’Addario EJ27N 3/4 Student Nylon Fractional Classical Guitar Strings, Normal Tension

Characteristics:

• Light tension
• Gauges: Trebles .0275,  .0317, .0397 Basses .028, .033, .042
• Nylon core basses with silverplated wound
• Clear nylon laser selected trebles
• Strings packed to protect from vapor corrosion, protecting strings from oxidation

Qualities:

• Warm, full-bodied tone
• Consistent feel
• Consistent intonation

DOGAL

ERNIE BAL

HANNABACH

LA BELLA

MARTIN

PEPE ROMERO

RC STRINGS

SAVAREZ

SEVILLA

Conclusion

Choosing nylon strings for your classical, Spanish or Flamenco guitar comes down to balancing the characteristics we reviewed in this article with your guitar design, your repertoire, style of playing and personal taste as an artist.

Start with a medium or light set of strings and experiment. I look forward to your comments and experience throughout your journey as a guitarist.

I will answer all questions. Let me know how I can help.