Different country styles point in different directions:
- Traditional country: flatwounds or nickel roundwounds. Power Flats give a smooth attack and warm, fundamental-focused response.
- Modern country: nickel roundwounds, or stainless steel for extra attack in dense arrangements.
- Country rock: Power Wound Nickel for balance or Power Steel Stainless for more attack and articulation.
- Americana: nickel roundwounds for versatility, flatwounds for warmth, or Silencer Semi-Flats as a middle ground.
You don't need heavy strings for country. For 5-string, .045–.125 is a versatile start, and for 6-string, .030–.125. Players wanting a more flexible feel can also try Foundations Nickel, Foundations Stainless or Fusion Wound Nickel.