Normally the lower 4 strings of acoustic guitar strings are wound with a non- ferrous alloy (usually bronze). The E-1st, B-2nd and inner core of the 3rd to 6th string are made from a ferrous material called spring steel. When plucked it will move the magnetic field in the pickup and generate an alternating current signal.

The diameter and mass of the 1st and 2nd acoustic guitar string are sufficient enough to generate normal amounts of output in an electric guitar. The strings wrapped in an non-ferrous alloy generate only the amount given by the diameter or mass of the spring steel. You will get output from the lower strings but they lack the thickness, depth and volume you would normally get out of strings made for electric guitars. Many times I’ve used an acoustic 1st & 2nd strings (plain) for the B-2nd and G-3rd sting on my Telecaster. I’ve tied broken guitar strings together when I didn’t bring any extra ones to the gig too!