Strings that are EASY on the fingers

[RogerHaggstrom]

Newtone Heritage have a round core and low tension, soft to the touch when playing. Importantly, they also sound good.

[guitar4fun]

Just installed a set of Ernie Ball Acoustic Guitar - Earthwood Silk & Steel Soft, .011 - .052 yesterday, and like the way they feel and the warmer sound they provide on a carbon/glass hybrid Rainsong for strumming. A little less volume, but not as much as I was expecting. The high E and B string are slightly lighter gauge (than 12s) for easier fretting, and the .052 low E still provides sufficient bass. D'Addario Silk and Steel are nice to the fingers also, but have a lower gauge low E (.047) and provide a little less bass for strumming. Nice for fingerstyle.

[Rosewood99]

I put some silk and steel strings on my 12 string guitar and they seem a lot easier on the fingers.

[jaymarsch]

In my experience, round core and silk and steel can be easier to play. Also, GHS strings have a slightly larger core wire with a thinner wrap wire. I find their phosphor bronze 12-54s easier to play than most other comparable brands. YMMV.
Best,
Jayne

[buddyhu]

Originally Posted by TBman

Easy on the fingers (I prefer medium strings):

Silk and Steel 11.5 - 47.5 (Martins)
SUS and Santa Cruz lights
Elixir HD (13 - 53)

** edit **

Also GHS Thin Core (round core strings).

That’s a pretty comprehensive list.

I would add DR Strings Sunbeams.

I use Straight Up Strings (SUS) on most of my guitars, Sunbeams on one. Used to use Elixirs, but have put them aside in the last couple of years.

[wguitar]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

+1. I've talked to players before who want strings easier on their fingers and when you play their guitar you realize why, it needs a setup.



wguitar (OP): Has your guitar been setup?

Yes to setup question.

[Bluenose]

Another vote for GHS Thin Core lights for easy on the fingers and the added bonus of making difficult chords a bit easier to master.

[Batmitestar]

Straight from 2525.

[jricc]

GHS strings Thin core strings are an option with less tension.
https://www.ghsstrings.com/products?...hosphor-bronze

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by wguitar

Yes to setup question.

Thanks for the confirmation. Lots of good string recommendations in this thread for you to try.

[Deliberate1]

No question for me:Thomastik-Infeld SB111 Spectrum Bronze Acoustic Strings Lt 11-52. They are expensive, but are the easist on the fingers that I have played, though they are costly. Lovely, almost classical sounding. Great for finger style. Not so good for strumming, where they get overpowered by the pick.
I removed a set today and replaced with DR Sunbeams 12-54, my other go-to string. I play these exclusively, of course, unless I have a set of Thomastiks on. The Sunbeams are not as sweet sounding as the Thomstiks, but they are more versatile, and do stand up very well to a pick. They are a great string, and are about 75% cheaper than the Thomastiks. That said, splurge and try a set.
Good luck.
David

[Horsehockey]

Originally Posted by birdsong

I am currently loving some John Pearse phosphor bronze and silk strings. I think I have the 510L. Which are light. Possible I have the 610LM - light/medium. Great sound and feel.

I have neuropathy and some arthritis and these strings really help.

I’m 68 and I’m using the John Pearse #510L phosphor bronze and silk light gauge. They replaced the Daddario EXP’s that were original equipment on my guitar.

Softer on the fingers for sure. And I think they improved the tone on my guitar.

Now if I could only figure out how to play the guitar, I’ll be all set.😵*💫

[redxiii]

Originally Posted by birdsong

I am currently loving some John Pearse phosphor bronze and silk strings. I think I have the 510L. Which are light. Possible I have the 610LM - light/medium. Great sound and feel.

I have neuropathy and some arthritis and these strings really help.

I just started playing with the 510Ls based on what others on the forum have shared about them. It’s the first time in a while that I’m not playing with a coated string, so I’m curious what the lifespan will end up being, but I really enjoy the feel! Easy to fret. The action is effectively lower, and they sound great. There’s been a slight (but noticeable) decrease in volume compared to the D’Addarios I had on before.

[rollypolly]

Originally Posted by Stonehauler

Curious, why are you asking?

One instructor I know insists that his students keep 80/20 strings on until they develop the needed callous. Others switch a new student to silk and steel right off the bat, but this does delay development of fingertip callouses.

Personally, I like silk and steels, and also go with extra-light strings. That said, you will suffer a decrease in volume, so if you are playing in a band or singing along, it will change the balance.

I haven't noticed a ton of decreased volume in switching to silks. Mainly a big shift to the warm side of the spectrum. In some cases I've heard more volume in the bass and mids, or at least more presence which I prefer in some guitars. For example, on my Taylor 214 they warm it up nicely. In any case, they are definitely best for fingerpicking than anything else.

[Brucebubs]

All great suggestions - I was impressed with these La Bella silk & Steels.