With most questions like this the answer is: It depends. There are multiple factors that go into buying strings.
Factor 1 – String Weight and Material
With any type of guitar you need to pay attention to the weight of the strings. If you look at a pack of strings it’s going to say something like light, medium, heavy, etc. and that is telling you how much tension is in the strings. The weight of the strings is going to vary depending on what kind of guitar you play. Nylon strings have less tension than steel strings. Steel strings are generally heavier than strings for electric guitar.
You also need to know what kind of material your strings should be made of. Acoustic guitars should be strung with steel strings. Classical guitars should use nylon strings. Electric guitars will use some type of metal string. If you’re not sure, ask at your local music store what is appropriate for your guitar.
Factor 2 – Your Budget
You can spend $5 up to $15 or more on a set of strings. If you pick up a pack of Ernie Ball strings, they’re probably going to be $5-7 per pack and they’re perfectly good strings. I use them on my electric. If you pick up a set of Elixir strings, you’re probably going to spend more like $15. However, Elixir strings have a special coating on them that is supposed to make them sound good for a longer period of time. So while the strings are more expensive, they also last longer.
Factor 3 – Your Sound Preference
Ultimately, this is what matters. What kind of sound do you want to get from your strings? Do you like the sound of Elixir over Ernie Ball? Maybe you don’t like either. There are many brands to choose from, so I usually tell people to try out as many different kinds of strings as you can and decide what works for you.
Hopefully this short article gives you at least a good idea of what kind of strings you should use. Ultimately, whatever sounds good to you is what’s right.