Electric Guitar Strings

What are the best electric guitar strings for country?

Quick Answer

For country electric guitar, .009–.042 or .010–.046 sets suit the bends, double-stops and chicken picking the style uses. Stainless steel adds brightness and snap; nickel-plated steel is warmer and more familiar. Our S1046 Light and PS1046 Light are good starting points, with S942 or PS942 if you want easier bending.

Country lead playing often uses pedal-steel-style bends and fast hybrid picking. Lighter gauges make bends easier. Heavier gauges hold pitch more firmly under a hard attack. Choose based on how you play, then on tone.

How to choose:

  • Lots of bends: .009–.042.
  • All-round feel: .010–.046.
  • Brighter twang and attack: stainless steel.
  • Balanced tone: nickel-plated steel.
  • Sweaty stage lights or infrequent changes: a coated set.

Tele-style guitars are closely associated with country, but these suggestions apply to any electric. On a 25.5" scale, strings feel slightly firmer than on a 24.75" scale.

S.I.T. options:

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