Fingerstyle vs Strumming Which Acoustic Guitar and Strings

Two players can buy the same guitar and one of them will be unhappy. A strummer wants volume, bass and a guitar that takes a hard hit. A fingerstyle player wants clarity, balance and room between the strings. Here is how to shop for the way you actually play.

Body size

Strummers want a dreadnought or a jumbo. The big box moves air and the bass holds up a singing voice. Fingerstyle players are usually happier with a concert, grand auditorium or parlor body. The smaller box has less boom, so the melody notes on the top strings come through clear. The Yamaha FS800J and the Taylor 114ce are the two we point fingerpickers toward first. Read dreadnought vs concert for the full picture.

Nut width

The spec sheet number fingerstyle players should look at. A 1 11/16 inch nut is the standard and fine for strumming. A 1 3/4 inch nut gives the picking hand more room between strings and is worth seeking out if you play with your fingers most of the time. Classical guitars go wider still, which is part of why nylon string players find steel string necks cramped. See nylon or steel strings.

String gauge

Strummers can run medium strings, 13 to 56, on a dreadnought for more volume and a tighter feel, as long as the guitar is built for it. Fingerstyle players usually go light, 12 to 53, or custom light, 11 to 52, because the lighter tension lets the fingers pull a cleaner note with less effort. If you do both, light gauge is the compromise. Our string change guide shows the process.

Coated or uncoated

Coated strings like Elixir last three or four times longer and have a smoother feel under the fingers, which fingerstyle players notice more than strummers. The trade is a slightly softer top end. Strummers who change strings often and like a bright attack usually stay with uncoated phosphor bronze. See how often to change strings.

80/20 bronze or phosphor bronze

80/20 bronze is brighter and crisper, which strummers like for cutting through a room. Phosphor bronze is warmer and lasts a little longer, which suits fingerstyle. Try both on the same guitar before deciding.

Picks still matter

Strummers want a medium to thin pick that gives on the strings. Fingerstyle players who use a thumb pick want it stiff. The pick guide has the numbers.

Setup for each

Fingerstyle players usually want the action a touch lower and the nut slots cut clean so hammer ons and pull offs ring. Strummers want enough height that a hard strum does not buzz. Tell us how you play when you order and we set it that way. Every instrument we ship is set up by hand on our bench in Athens, Tennessee first. Read what a guitar setup is to see what that covers.

Browse acoustic guitars and strings. Questions? Call the shop at (423) 462-1894 and a real person will help you choose.