Knowing what electric guitar strings to buy can be a real challenge — with so many choices, how are you supposed to know the right set for you? Add in the real difference in tone, feel, durability, tune and gauge that various string sets offer and it can be easy to freeze as you stare at a wall or webpage full of options.
The good news is that the ideal set of strings for you is out there and all it takes is a few questions to get started in the right direction. Here is a good place to start:
- What kind of tone do you want?
- How would you like it to feel when you play?
- What type of music are you going to be playing?
While there will still be choices to make and strings to experiment with, starting with these questions are helpful in knowing which strings you should try out first. Additionally, knowing the basics of the variables that go into strings, such as gauge, material and how the strings are wound, can help you select the right guitar strings. To that end, we’ve put together this guide to assist you in your search for the perfect strings — let’s dive in!
String Gauge
Gauge simply refers to string size, measured in inches with a tool called a micrometer. But don’t worry too much about that. However, the gauge of the string will affect tone and playability, as well as depth of tone, volume and sustain. When looking for strings, the three main gauge categories you’ll encounter are light, medium and heavy. There are plenty of additional names and combinations out there, but let’s keep things simple: lighter means smaller, heavier means larger and everything else funnels down from there.
Light Gauge
Lighter gauge strings are under less tension than heavier ones, which makes them easier to play — especially when it comes to bending notes and fretting chords. For that reason, extra light and light gauge sets are often the go-to choice for new players who are just starting out on electric guitar.
Light gauges are also among the most popular overall, although every string brand defines “light” a little differently. Generally speaking, for electric guitars, a set that starts with a .009 is considered “extra light,” while a set that starts with a .010 is typically called “light.”
In the past, extra light and light gauge strings were more prone to breaking, but improved manufacturing has made it far less of an issue today. That said, consider light gauges as a starting point, not a rule. Sometimes stepping outside of the standard can lead to a better feel or sound that better suits your playing style.
Medium Gauge
Medium gauge strings are a popular choice because they strike a balance between playability and tone. Medium gauges offer a fuller, more sustained sound than light gauges while still being easier to play than heavier sets. They’re a solid middle ground for many players.
Medium sets typically start with an .011 for the high E string, but the term can also include hybrid sets. For example, a .010 – .052 is often considered a “heavy bottom” set, but it generally falls within the medium gauge category for most players. More traditional medium sets might be .011 – .050 or .011 – .052.
If you’re unsure of your ideal string feel and tone, medium gauge strings are a great place to start. Starting here can help you figure out whether you want to move lighter or heavier; or if you’ve already found your perfect fit.
Heavy Gauge
Heavy gauge strings offer increased tension, resulting in a thicker tone, greater sustain and more resistance when bending notes. These characteristics make them ideal for players who prioritize tone and stability over ease of play. Heavy sets are often preferred by aggressive strummers, hard rock and metal players or those who simply like the feel of a tighter, more robust string.
In addition to their tonal qualities, heavy gauge strings are also ideal — and sometimes necessary — for players who use alternate tunings, especially when tuning down from standard. Lower tunings reduce string tension, so a heavier gauge helps maintain proper tension and intonation. These sets can start as low as an .011 (which may still be considered medium in some cases) and go up to .012, .013, or even .014 for the first string, depending on how far you’re tuning down, whether that’s a quarter step, full step or more.
While they aren’t for everyone, heavy gauges can unlock a bigger, more stable sound if your technique and setup can handle the extra tension.
String Material
What your strings are made of can dramatically affect the sound and feel of your guitar. More accurately, what makes up the wrap on your strings will make the difference — all electric guitar strings are made of steel at their core. Two of the most commonly used string materials are nickel and stainless steel.
Nickel Strings
There are two types of nickel strings, nickel-plated and pure nickel. Pure nickel strings provide a warmer sound and smoother feel than other options, while nickel-plated are some of the most popular strings around, offering a good balance of responsive feel and a balanced tone.
Stainless Steel Strings
Stainless steel strings are far brighter sounding than nickel strings and can also provide extra sustain. They also have a snappier feel than other string options.
Flatwound vs Roundwound Strings
Roundwound, which is defined as a “round” shaped wire over a core, is the most common type of electric guitar string and can provide a wide range of tones and playing experiences, but they all have some measure of brightness and a bit of bite. Flatwound strings, which are ribbon flat wire over a core, are smoother and more mellow than roundwound, giving them a distinct sound and feel that is often found in jazz and R&B. You also have the choice of playing a semi flat string. This is a roundwound string that is compressed during manufacturing. The choice between flatwound and roundwood electric guitar strings can be one of the most influential on how your guitar sounds, so be sure to weigh your options.
Matching Strings to Playing Style and Genre
With so many different string options, it’s no shock that some types of strings are just better suited for different genres. From warmth of tone to cutting edge, tuning stability and more, there are plenty of variables that make a perfect match between string and what you’re playing.
Best Strings for Metal
If you’re playing metal, you need to be sure your strings are up for the challenge. A bright, brilliant tone, the ability to hold drop tunings and the durability to hold up to attacking play, options like our
Power Steel Stainless Steel or
Powerwound Nickel strings are a great option.
Best Strings for Rock and Blues
Playing rock and blues requires an expressive, broad range of sounds and tones, so strings that offer versatility are key. Many musicians prefer nickel strings for their breadth of capabilities, making our
Powerwound Nickel strings the first choice for rock and blues musicians.
Best Strings for Jazz
There is no replacement for the warm, smooth sound that comes to mind when you think of jazz, which is why you need strings that emphasize those characteristics. That makes
Flatwound strings the preference for many, many jazz guitarists.
Best Strings for Funk and Pop
The bright tones and cutting edge you need to play funk and pop can’t be found in every set of strings — but there are options.
Nickel Plated Steel Strings are still the go-to.
Stainless steel strings can’t be beat for brightness, while
semi-flat strings can bring a unique combination of brightness and smooth feel if that’s more your style.
What Guitar Strings Should You Use?
To start off, narrow down a set of strings to try based on what seems to be best suited for your particular playing style and the genre of music you want to play. Within that set, test out different gauge levels to see what is most comfortable and most enjoyable to play. If you don’t find the perfect match, that’s okay — keep experimenting as you play to find the best fit for you, your guitar and your music. Keep experimenting as you play to find the best fit for you, your guitar and your music. Ready to begin the journey of finding your perfect strings? Check out our
selection of electric guitar strings today.
