Trying Every Type of Acoustic Guitar String

[@daddarioandco]

Welcome to the D'Addario family, Marty!

[@Mullinz80]

Best strings made 💯💯🤘🤘🤘

[@nicholasmoore7659]

Love the strings! Great cables as well.

[@nesta8518]

Only strings I use

[@Pharmaster1985]

Playing guitar since almost 20years, always played D'Addario

[@javierdiazsantana]

Heck yeah! Greatest strings i know, the only ones i use on electric and acoustic!

[@cutchopweld5717]

Played DR sunshine for 20 years. Didn't think I would ever find strings I would like better. 6 mos ago I bought a Seagull Artist strung factory with their Godin High Definition A6 lights (Acoustic phosphor bronze). now there is no going back. Both guitars now strung with Godin's and never sounded better!

[@ninjazxd]

Ooh those silk and steel strings may be the ticket to me learning my guitar. Plus I love that sound.

[@michaelpond6386]

Roy Rogers the slide player plays those silk steel strings on his 12 string.

[@kakarot8001]

Marty is Music Gods

[@Charlievdb]

I bought my J45 in 1966 and it came with nickel wound steel. I sill like the sound of steel on the J45.

[@titusrider7948]

Great video, nice work! Suggestion: pick a string type, maybe phosphorus bronze because they're most popular, then do a gauge change; 11's, 12's, 13's

[@evanstheframe]

Marty, when you said pb but coated did you mean xt or xs were your preference?

[@lennymo9088]

Yah Marty!

[@soundofsue8198]

Great video, you can hear the differences very well👍 nice playing Marty🎶🎸thanks, i love it!

[@glennleadley4335]

Thank you Marty ,

[@0713mas]

Best review yet!!!

[@aaronupward]

This guy's a 1 take Jake even if he flubs the line

[@jimduffy9773]

Lot's of noise in the silk & steel. Did anyone else notice?

[@TheBigLebowskie]

9:29 song?

[@dylanwall813]

I cant imagine how much time you went through changing strings every few minutes

[@thatoneannoyingclown4996]

im guessing like couple hours at most

[@chrisdmuc]

@Atlas Conrad lol that’s so random

[@shawnhorton2000]

3 hours, 17 mins according to Marty

[@AchillesWrath1]

Wanna change mine? I hate changing strings, such a tedious task. Not really but i loathe it for some reason. I just want to play!

[@TriGrutt]

My words, exactly. Also, 0.12 and that many times? The eternal fear of guitarists of being plucked in the eye is true…

[@felipe_toledo]

Strumming: 0:00 80/20 Bronze 0:08 80/20 Bronze XT 0:15 Phosphor Bronze 0:23 Phosphor Bronze XT 0:30 Phosphor Bronze XS 0:37 Nickel Bronze 0:44 Phosphor Bronze Flat Tops 0:51 Silk and Steel

[@MartyMusic]

Thank you again to D'Addario for sponsoring today's video: ddar.io/marty

[@yogi-777]

Where's the pure nickle ?

[@chucks6318]

Marty, thanks much. Have you ever checked out Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension Strings? Worth a look. A bit pricey though.

[@bentalley7277]

YEAH THEY ARE THE CADDIES OF STRINGS

[@silasfrye2025]

Marty: “I wish I was better at changing my strings” 30 minutes later... “I GOT IT!”

[@caulkmaster1771]

Man. Love listening to ya play. You've been my guitar teacher since I was like 14. I'm 27 now lol

[@nathanlienard8820]

You could string up shoelaces on that J45 and make it sing brutha. Thanks for doing this comparison!

[@romantrotta4192]

Disclaimer: Dozens of perfectly good guitar strings were harmed in the making of this video. At least they met their demise for an excellent, informative video. Well done, Marty....as always.

[@mmundell11]

😂

[@joestrong1966]

Now I can't wait to see one about electric guitar strings!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Me too.

[@capitalleo9836]

If MrBeast were a musician he would do a challenge like this

[@yugdesiral]

if MrBeast were a musician he'd have an actual talent.

[@denmar355]

A Daddario commercial.

[@davidklepinger4809]

Silk and Steel are fun for finger style. They don’t last as long, but I love the feel of them when I play with my fingertips.

[@suestamp8060]

The steel and silk strings seem to chirp more, and it's a bit distracting. I appreciate the time you take to make us more informed about our guitars. What would you recommend for a 12 string?

[@newmanfertig886]

That was his finger style

[@markmartin3221]

The Nickel Bronze is awesome!

[@YoungWolfX5]

Elixir: Am I a joke to you?

[@P_Ezi]

Dear Elixer, it's not you. It's me. I don't like to touch slimy weird slippery things. I love how reliable and steadfast you are, but I just don't feel a real connection here. Can we still be friends?

[@5cupsofcoffee104]

D’addario has better toan, ok?

[@GiltleyRage]

I tried coated Elixirs couple of times, and I've been picking the expensive ones, believing they will be top shelf, and they turned out to be huge disappointment. After month or two the coating used to fell off in areas my pick was hitting the strings (and I play soft, nothing aggressive) and it looked disgusting. The exposed area corroded almost instantly. Then I found out about XT and I've been using them ever since. Excellent strings.

[@DrustIV]

@@GiltleyRage I had exactly the same experience with Elixers. After a week or so of light fingerpicking, the wound strings, G string in particular, became covered in a furry residue of coating; wasn't that impressed with the sound either, too brittle and zingy. I also use the XT's now, great natural, balanced sound, I like them.

[@GodWasAnAlien]

Lol. This is where I'm at in my relationship.

[@offgridlivingfreewithmyhor4857]

I started taking your KZbin lessons when I was 48 years old and 52 now I'm full on addicted to playing the guitar even though I'm not very good I don't know anybody's songs I only know stuff I make up I was wondering what song was that you were just playing because I wouldn't mind learning that song Oh yeah learning from you is easy . well, as easy as it can be. Basically, it just takes practice practice practice but I'm still not very good. Strumming patterns.... Those are very hard for me to learn. I only know one and I don't use a pic even though I probably should but I'm not sure why I should. Building that muscle memory. I think that's the deal... I appreciate your lessons and what you have taught me, so far

[@greekstyle5788]

You've got a good attitude so carry on! Honestly it's all you need to figure everything else out :)

[@Cocheez-vy7jn]

The title of this video is misleading clickbait since you only used daddario. Daddario are the first acoustic string everyone tries but there are better and more interesting strings there. If I am playing an acoustic guitar worth 2 or 3 grand it seems kind of lame to run daddarios on it. It just isn't interesting. I'd rather run John Ps or Martin strings or even try the new ernie ball acoustic strings.

[@johnbankston72]

The video was sponsored by D’Addario.

[@thepowerfox2867]

I wish I could blame the sound I make on the strings....

[@tristan3003]

I feel you...

[@williamshiver3480]

You are such a great teacher. An example of a musician, it ain't what you do, it's who you are. The joy music gives you comes through on every video. I appreciate you. I'm an old guy and just started singing again after years of zero confidence and am learning guitar from you. You are a giver of a very tangible gift. Peace

[@williamshiver3480]

@@AnNWordCook-rq6fk great advice and comments. Thank you.

[@kevinoconner5234]

I’ve been interested in the Flat Top strings for a while , however , some people have claimed they go dead pretty quickly ( especially bottom E) . Have you found this to be the case?

[@guitargravy4946]

I can't tell you enough how much I wanted a video like this, thanks man 🤘

[@frmacleod]

Bruh. It would take me a month to change strings that many times. LOL

[@robertrhinier421]

Thanks SO SO Much! I have always used D'Addario since beginning to play in the 80's on my acoustics. Huge fan of the Phosphor Bronze mediums for their amazing bright highs, crisp mids and boomy bottom end on my guitars. You have got me to consider switching one of my guitars to the Steel and Silk for a different sound for finger picking songs. Thanks for a great piece and thank you D"Addario for such great strings!!

[@jye.acoustic]

I just wish D’darrio would lower the points required to purchase goods using the players circle points... i been saving years for a D’darrio stool 🤣 I think by the time i have enough points the stool with be discontinued 🤣 I don’t know how often D’darrio think we change our strings... 1 pack a month here... 100 points. 1200 points a year... D’darrio stool... 15000 points 🤣 Please send me you’re string codes from inner sealed packets please Marty 🤣🤣 otherwise i’ll probably have arthritis due to old age before i get the opportunity to own the D’darrio stool 🤣🤣 🤗👍🏼

[@TheBraddles82]

Could just stock up on strings 🤷‍♂️

[@jcburger733]

Hey Marty, thanks for trying every type of Acoustic Guitar String for us. Found the lesson to be very informative. It would take me years to try all those different type of string. My go to acoustic strings are the Medium D'Addario Phosphor Bronze strings.

[@langyampsdmb]

Does anyone else think those EJ16s settle in after a day or two? I def think they mellow just a tad for the better.

[@MrCoffeekelly]

Yes. I use them and can't stand the sound at first, but after a few days they sound awesome. Most new strings sound bad at first to me.

[@transcendenttv]

I absolutely LOVE those strings, the EJ16s. I now have them on about 20, maybe 25 guitars. They do settle in, but from moment one they sound awesome.

[@PaddyD378]

Yes that's how I got here I've just changed out a to a fresh set, I was annoyed as they sound a bit too sharp or something on my old Takamine E330. I ve had this before with other strings where they settle and sound much better.

[@dcrich19]

Unfortunately on my iPhone with earbuds they all sounded the same except the Silk and Steel because during that I could hear some kind of squeaky sound. Anybody else hear it?

[@o_smith4106]

Hey Marty your channel is the best! How bout some more John Mayer lessons?

[@taranjeetpanesar1113]

Great lesson! Really admire your skill!

[@WhiteDove73-888]

What pick were you using this entire time???

[@eloc285]

Could you do a lesson on led zeppelin Bron-y-aur stomp (led zeppelin III) and/or The Rover (phisical graffiti). Or any more led zeppelin songs.

[@reelrunner]

Each guitar has its own unique tone. Try several types on each. I have 5 acoustics and I use 3 different types of strings. On my Martin, Martin suggests using their Marquise however John Pearse Phosphor bronze are incredible. On my Taylor the John Pearse sound flater however Elixer Phosphor bronze sound incrediable....also on my 2-Alvarez. On my Yamaha it seems to like the D'Addarios. Just my 2 cents 😎

[@Doowopsid]

I agree with you 100% that every guitar has its own tone and strings that sound great on one are a dud on another. I also like Elixirs on my Taylor although I am probably the only person who otherwise is not a huge fan of them. While I am always looking for the optimal sound and feel of strings for each guitar I have not yet tried the John Pearse and will now give them a try. On various acoustics I like the D’Addario EJ16s on Fender, EJ26s on Ovation, Nickel Bronze on Takamine, and Martin Monel Retros on Sigma.

[@groovyhighway]

Another bacon and egg-cellent video, Bro... I have been using the D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings for about 3-4 years now. My favorite choice in acoustic guitar strings. Marty, you hit the proverbial nail square on the head when you said that those particular strings bring out the sound and characteristics of the individual guitar. They seem to capture the personality of the woods, resonance, age, construction and character of the guitar which gives each guitar its own unique sound and individual voice... not the sound of the strings themselves. I couldn't have said it better. I have many many guitars, and most all of them have names for their individual personalities.. I name them based on their voice, how they speak, physical characteristics, style and looks,.. and sometimes by circumstance... but voice is most important. Any halfway decent guitar player knows that you cannot judge a guitar by its looks.. the panache comes from inside... the heart, so to speak. Who wants a guitar that sounds like strings?.. Think about it... If that was the case, fret buzz would be a good thing.. and if I'm gonna get a buzz, it most "soitenly" ain't gonna be from my guitar strings. Thanks for the video. You never disappoint, Brother. Cheers. Be safe out there. Peace. Random Prophet

[@markcorliss3059]

That's nice to know Marty I've used Martin Marques and Elixer. I wear out strings fast. Thanx for this presentation. There is a hugh difference and this video really points em. Thanx Marty

[@Jameswongkl]

I can't help but he sounds like Cameron from Modern Family (':

[@scotttaylor3146]

Sounds like a cricket is playing along with the silk and steel demo

[@sicroyalty]

Thank you for this video, I was about to buy some flat tops because it said they were more mellow on the back of the d'darrio pack so I thought that meant it toned the mid and treble down but this made me realize I needed to move up from phosphor bronze for a more full tone

[@dexterskater4760]

What kinda strings do yall use? My personal favorite go to is D'Addario 80/20 bronze bluegrass style🥰

[@Walkerl62]

What a brilliant video! Thank you for putting this out. Obviously took a great deal of time to compile.

[@prateekbhardwaj9943]

yeah so much effort to changing strings on the same guitar

[@roosky203]

This video pops up while I'm waiting for UPS to arrive with my 80/20 XT Medium gauge's. God I love these strings. Great video, Marty! Not a lot of good quality comparisons if any at all on KZbin, you're killing it!

[@annebeck58]

Gotta say, I love the d'adarios for my mandolin. But, for this guitar, I LOVE, love, love, the phosphor-bronze-wrapped earthwood, ultra-light (because I have ultra-tiny fingers and hands!) I love the way they sound, particularly when strumming with fingers..., and love that they don't callous my fingertips to the point of not feeling anything (sorry d'adario!) The strings I get are 10-50. Why work harder than I have to, right? In fact, I'm getting a pack of strings, today, in the mail.., along with some egg-shakers, to help with the tempo (one hopes!)

[@davenoronha9876]

Yea we the elite fans 👊 love ur stuff Marty 👌

[@terrymcguniess7582]

did he ever review jazz and blues strings?

[@davecoolen1579]

You didn't try aluminum bronze. They are my favourite! Unfortunately, D'addario doesn't make them, only Ernie Ball.

[@davecoolen1579]

I love the aluminum bronze also. Great sound

[@JimBeatz]

can u do Parisienne Walkways by Gary Moore? Id love to learn that from u.

[@splashesin8]

😄 That was fun there coming upon the thirteen mark. 😁 I think I like next ones even a little better though! I do like those over tones❣️✨ "In a little cabaret, in a South Texas border town, sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from all around, and he would play, ..." 🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶 I really appreciate this. Thanks Marty! 😊💕

[@RefRMart10]

I actually think the XS sound best IMO

[@joshnorko5586]

The amount of time and effort this took...thanks marty!

[@T.C..]

Such a nice calm way to spend a Sunday morning. Thanks for the lesson Marty.

[@bobblowhard8823]

Almost 30 minutes of someone demonstrating and playing different strings. I'm pretty sure I can only watch the whole thing if Marty is the one doing it.

[@anyhoot47]

Been playing guitar since 1976 and never found a set of acoustic strings that I like until about a year ago. Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze.

[@Shagley]

Yes! My favourite strings also just bought two more packs last week. Best ones I’ve tried by far lovely rich sound.

[@RyanDodds42069]

Been watching your videos fir 10 years easy, been stringing my own guitar for about 4/5 I used to use medium martins strings but since switched to d’adario I first tried the red ones ( I believe they are thicker) but really hurt when I was busking for a long time, I’ve since switched to the blue and I think they are definitely the best although I really liked the phosphor bronze strings, they sounded really changy and in your face 😊 Bless You Sir 🤘🏻

[@PurpleWhirple]

I've just started paying more attention to the strings I use, so great video, thanks. I know that Elixir strings are supposed to be good, but I've tried a couple of sets and they seem to deteriorate very quickly. The string starts to look furry where it has been picked after a week or so. I'm not a heavy strummer, so was surprised to see it. Anybody else had this problem? I'm now trying Martin Phosophor Bronze coated and they are pretty good so far.

[@antonio.lovric]

@Dave Perris wich model of Martins?

[@dracov6667]

I have never had problems with Elixir, when I put them they have the same tone from the beginning and after 2 months, also they dont loose a colour

[@Love4boost]

I always use the 80/20XT and have been using solely D’Addario my entire time playing which is just about 20 years. But if something else grabs my attention I’ll get back to you and try them

[@TheJusnic82]

Elixir strings always been my favorite, but so expensive

[@Bixll09]

I use Martin Retro Stings in all of my acoustics. By far, best I have found for me.

[@SuneHansen1979]

I've have tried them all. Martin Retro are by far the best strings for an acoustic 😄

[@Bixll09]

@@SuneHansen1979 I totally agree, they even sound great when plugged in, which not all strings do.

[@SuneHansen1979]

@@Bixll09 😄. Sounds amazing with LR Baggs soundhole pu 😄

[@Bixll09]

@@SuneHansen1979 I have that pickup in a Sigma OOO15M. You are correct.

[@WhiteDove73-888]

That’s what I use as well. Brilliant

[@ramspencer5492]

8020s are often more supportive than phosphorus bronze for vocals... Especially on a dreadnought... Particularly on a mahogany back and sides guitar. It's not really brighter... It's a bit of a mid scoop.... Kind of like what Rosewood already does.

[@charliepoe4935]

I'd love to see a real comparison of various brands. My Elixer strings can last several months without needing a change. I changed once to Martin strings, and they only made it a few weeks. Tone isn't everything. Great video, and I'd love to see a follow up!

[@Doowopsid]

Curious to know which Martins did you use? I like D’Addarios the best but I also like the Martin Retros and Lifespan.

[@fred4664]

Marty, great review and helpful information. I’ve mostly played Daddario Phosphor Bronze custom light but recently tried their silk and steel. I too found them to take less finger pressure. As an older player (75) they are a good choice.

[@vincentforget472]

Currently researching what strings I want to put on my acoustic next and I stumbled on your video and it's great to see the in depth comparison you make. I remember watching some of your tutorial videos back when I JUST started learning and now that I'm more experienced it's great to see that you can still teach me much about guitar playing in so many ways.

[@Luthiart]

Coated strings always sound like they're already a little dead. I don't know how excited I can get about strings that sound partially dead for a long time. I guess I'll stick with Phosphor Bronze... They still sound the best to me, and I don't feel like I have to replace them too frequently.

[@davidpatrick1813]

So much is set in the wood and guitar itself too.

[@seinfan9]

My guitar strings sound kinda crappy, probably because they're several years old. I am trying to get the strumming sound on Dogs by Pink Floyd and my strings just sound like they're too sharp and harsh.

[@TonyBurke100]

Give us a break Marty, not every type of "acoustic string" it should read every type of "D'Addario" Acoustic guitar string.

[@origami2365]

Thanks a lot for the great info! My playing style is more finger and jazzy style, I would like to record myself playing and I also like it to be a louder sound full of echo, mainly the bass ones. I wonder between the silk&steel, the XT Phosphor coated ones and the flat ones, when you say the silk and steel sounds more as nylon strings does it means it would sounds more as a classic guitar? Cause what I'm looking for is a very deep bass tone and string I won't have to change often (although I'm not a prof player) what would suit me the most in your opinion? Thanks a lot! 🙏

[@markwhiting9704]

Excellent lesson as always. I have a 900 series Zager guitar. Have you ever tried Zager easy play strings? Not sure if truly easier to play. I am still comparing those to the D’darrio and elixir phos/bronze on my Martin.

[@StopFear]

thank you! I am not even more sure they all sound almost the same. Not enough of a difference to care!

[@tristanschweich697]

Can u make a video on how to play “General Lee” by Johnny Cash

[@0713mas]

I do this every time I change strings on my new guitar, until I settle on what sounds best. My Takamine drednaught sounds great with flattops and if you rosen up your fiddle bow you can bow full chords on your guitar with them! I love the Xts and I have a parlor thats sounds best with the silk and steels

[@private2371]

I could not STAND elixir Nanocoated strings. They are slippery! Waste of $20

[@Gavins5257]

Hey Marty love your lessons. I’m trying to really challenge myself and was wondering if you could do a lesson on crazy on you by heart. Hope your April is starting off good. 🙂

[@ekw555]

I guess I learned that if you can actually play guitar, it's hard to make a bad string choice. As I watched the video, I kept thinking, "oh, that sounds good" then I thought - I just like to listen to Marty play. I am curious if any of the varieties is less "squonky" if you're playing barre chords. or if when I am hearing that, it's just time for a new set of strings. I thought I was hearing some chirp/squeak when you were on the silk & steel. but it might just be me. also, at the outro - it seemed lie the silk & steel had less low end/bass but they are the lightest gauge, right?

[@transcendenttv]

30 seconds in and I'll tell you this much -- every time you play anything with XT after it, I had an immediate visceral reaction of "Egads that's NOT good!" Honestly couldn't believe it. In the biz, guys just do NOT use coated strings. Period. It's just a no no. But I always wondered if it was just "hype" that "coated strings sound like crap". But wow, (big fan of your channel btw Marty) as SOON as it changed to XT, i heard it. Incredible. Okay, will now keep watching and listening. Damn impressive that you went to all this trouble to make this man. Thank you. -E

[@hoshmoggen1746]

Coated strings are for people that don't play their instrument. That way, they pick it up once a month and it's always ready to play.

[@Pharmaster1985]

Hey Marty, please do a video to show us to play like this on accoustic guitar !

[@jimmythefish]

Recent silk and steel convert for my D28. Lovely easy feel for the fingers and a nice mellow tone.

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

I just bought my first acoustic guitar 6 weeks ago. My local guitar shop recommended the 80/20 bronze, which I bought. Is there a better choice for a beginner? I've been fooling around with bass for a number of years so the pads of my fingers are good but my fingertips are pretty sore! Edit: guess I should have held my comment for the end as your recommendation for beginners is Silk & Steel...I should have known you'd make a beginner rec!

[@TheFunky57]

I used Elixirs nanoweb my entire life, until I tried a set of Martin Phosphor Bronze. I can't believe how it changed (improved) my sound.

[@antonio.lovric]

@Stephan Desrosiers I also use Elixirs. But Im interested about that Martins Phosphor Bronze. Wich type of Martins do you use?

[@robynchilson9849]

I used Lifespan SP 12-54 on my Martin DM. Love them. I use different on my Martin OM-28.

[@MrAndCad]

This video is awesome Marty.... there are tons of these out there but this one is a lot more informative. Thanks bru!

[@KevPez-IS]

I’ve been struggling with playing acoustic guitars. I never seem happy playing acoustic. I think those Nickel Bronze make me wanna try again.

[@nocaster51]

The NB's just slay. They "upgraded" my old Yamaha from "Sounds Good" to "How is this not a 2000$ guitar". Oh, and they last at least half the Elixir's lifespan.

[@fred4664]

Since I don’t own a dreadnought I will assume there would be a sound difference on an OM?

[@joshd9873]

The day after I order new strings :/ typical timing but I’ll use this video as a reference next time it’s time to restring my guitars :)

[@herbythechef7624]

Theres always next month

[@joshd9873]

@@herbythechef7624 exactly :) I think I might go for the nickel bronze ones

[@kevindonahue7355]

You are the coolest guy out there I'm getting them love the sound so much thanks for your input on them you make it so much fun wish I had a gibson guitar like yours I have a yamaha apx 600 god bless take care look forward to see more you tube videos

[@joesteffe6155]

too bright for me . I need more warm tones . Which one does that PLs i like the extra light under my fingers . What do u think ??

[@CrimeDefender]

A guy named Marty ought to be playing Martin Strings. Just sayin'.🤣

[@artpalmer224]

Hey Marty: I put a set of Silk & Steel strings on my Breedlove concert size 12 sting to make it sound a bit warmer a while back. Like you said they sound and feel great. I will absolutely replace them with the same when the time comes. Thanks for the great video!

[@JohnDoe-zu7vg]

Hyy, how long did it last ?

[@jenniferraglin52067]

Thank You So Much Marty... I'm A Beginner And Have Changed My Strings Twice And There Was A Difference In Them But Wasn't Sure. Now I Know 😊