What are the best electric guitar strings for rock?

Rock covers a lot of ground, so start with your tuning and how you split time between riffs and leads.

• Standard tuning, all-round: .010–.046.
• Lead-heavy with easy bends: .009–.042, or .009–.046 for more low end.
• Drop D or heavier riffing: .010–.052.
• Tuning down a half step or more: consider .011–.050.

For tone, nickel-plated steel is our middle ground. Stainless is brighter with more attack, and pure nickel is warmer for vintage rock sounds. A coated set lasts longer if you play often or sweat a lot.

S.I.T. options:

• S946 Rock N Roll (.009–.046), S1046 Light (.010–.046) and S1052 Heavy Bottom (.010–.052) in Power Wound Nickel
• PS1046 and PS1052 in Power Steel Stainless
• CS946 and CS1046 in CRT Coated Nickel