

If you’re tuning down, as many metal players do, a heavier gauge set of strings will hold their tuning better. Thicker strings are harder to break and they tend to yield a little more tone, but you also might find that they’re harder to bend. Thinner strings might seem easier to play at first, as there’s simply less metal to move and push down on, though if you’re strumming hard or bending a lot then they can be more prone to snapping. They’re usually referred to as 9s or 10s etc - this means that the thinnest string (your top E) is 0.009” thick. When choosing the best electric guitar strings for you, one of the main considerations is the gauge. (Image credit: Future) Electric guitar string gauges explained You won’t need to change these quite as regularly, but they’re usually more expensive and they have a slightly different feel, which some players like, but others don’t.
#Guitar strings skin
Some guitar strings have a coating around them - this acts as a barrier to the sweat and skin that comes off your fingers, meaning that they don’t corrode as quickly. What are the benefits of coated electric guitar strings? You might even choose different strings to suit the guitar that you’re fitting them on to compliment the pickups. Some will be brighter, more balanced, mellower, and so on. The different guitar string brands can sound different as a result of the materials and methods used. What are electric guitar strings made of?Įlectric guitar strings usually comprise of a metal core - often steel or nickel, with the thickest three strings wrapped in wire. Recently, the D’addario XT range have made some pretty great strides as well, offering a protective coating on all six strings, as opposed to just the three or four wound strings. We love the Elixir Optiwebs too - these have to be some of the best electric guitar strings on offer because of their unique coating which helps them sound fresher for much longer. They offer loads of different gauges to suit personal preference and they sound great - the same can be said for the D’Addario EXL range too. It’s hard to talk about electric guitar strings and not talk about Ernie Ball Slinkys - you’ll probably recognise the packet and to be honest, they’re difficult to fault.

It’s a fairly subjective thing, so it’s worth trying a few different sets out and seeing what you prefer. There are many, many different sets of electric guitar strings out there, and different players will find that certain brands and gauges (thickness) work better for them than others. (Image credit: Future) Choosing the best electric guitar strings for youĪlthough guitar strings are a pretty inexpensive purchase compared to something like a new acoustic guitar or pedalboard, they can help you break out of a creative rut by giving your guitar a new lease of life.
