Replacing your old, dull, lifeless strings with a set of the best electric guitar strings is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way of breathing new life into your instrument. Regular restringing is the most efficient bit of maintenance you can carry out on your guitar, as it can make it sound a whole lot better, and it doesn’t cost a lot.
Over time, the strings on your electric guitar will corrode and get all sorts of dirt and sweat stuck between the grooves of the winds – the thinner strings may even start to rust. You might not notice it, as it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s gradual, but you can lose some top end and note definition, and you can experience problems with tuning and intonation. Slap a new set of the best electric guitar strings on there, and you’ll instantly hear and feel the difference.
A new set of strings feels better under the fingers, and all that top end and presence that you’ve gradually lost over the last few weeks or months is back. Restringing your electric guitar really can make it feel new again.
Finding the right set for you might take a few tries, as different players like different brands and gauges, but we've put in the hours testing all sorts of string sets, from the biggest and most innovative brands in guitar to bring you our pro guide to the best electric guitar strings currently on the market, as well as some buying advice below.
Best electric guitar strings: Guitar World's choice
When looking at the best electric guitar strings, it’s hard to ignore the Ernie Ball Slinky range. They’re probably the most recognisable and widely used strings in the world, and there’s a reason for that. They sound really balanced; they’re nice and bright, but not overly so, and they tend to last well – plus they’re well priced.
We do love a coated string, too – the D’addario XLs give you that fresh, new string sound for longer on all six strings, and they feel not too dissimilar to uncoated strings. The Elixir Optiweb strings are also really popular with a massive range of players due to their great sound and unique feel.
Best electric guitar strings: Product guide
We've gone for perhaps the most well-known packet of strings in existence to begin with. Controversial or what? But there's a reason why the Ernie Ball Slinky sets are among the best-selling guitar and bass strings globally. These nickel-plated strings marry up performance, durability, sound, and price into a package which ticks a lot of boxes.
The range is broad too; 17 different gauges are available in total, ranging from the 8-38 gauge Extra Slinky right up to the 12-62 gauge Mammoth Slinky - and they even have strings fit for a baritone guitar. Ernie Ball has even introduced some 'half' gauges, like the 10.5-52 Mondo Slinky. Whatever your playing style, there's a set that'll suit you just right.
Some string brands opt to use different coatings in an effort to prolong the life of their strings. Elixir is one such brand, utilising their patented Optiweb treatment onto the strings. Coating strings isn't without controversy; some players feel the treatment takes out some of the strings' natural resonance.
In our experience, that may be true for some brands but not for Elixir. These strings, during our testing, sounded bright and resonant, like uncoated strings, but generally lasted noticeably longer. We'd still advocate fairly regular changes, but if you do find yourself with a month-old set of Elixirs, you'll likely not be disappointed.
While they are more expensive than some other coated competitors. we found that the longevity the Elixirs provided excused the price difference of a set compared to an uncoated string.
Next up is the only true rival to Ernie Ball, certainly in terms of the range on offer. The D'Addario XL range incorporates six different construction methods, each with its own characteristics.
This includes the XL Chromes – which are flatwound to deliver increased low-end smoothness; the XL Nickel Wound – ideal 'everyday' strings; the XL Pure Nickel – which give off that vintage flavor; XL Prosteels – with increased output and brightness; the XL Half Rounds – which are semi-flat to alter their feel, and the XL Coated Nickel – which have a slightly longer lifespan than a normal set of nickel wound strings - so you've got a few options to choose from there. For the purpose of our tests, we used the XL Nickel Wound strings, and found that the tone they helped create was a tasteful blend of brightness, punch and low-end warmth. Not too bright, but not too dark either.
Each subset comes in a range of gauges, and as D'Addario's best-selling roster, you should definitely consider them. The only real downside is that with so many different types to choose from, it's quite easy to buy the wrong ones.
Next on the list is another well-known, much loved set of strings. We discovered during testing that the GHS Boomers offer a nice, bright tone thanks to the nickel-plated steel around a round steel core. Whereas in the past string brands solely utilized pure nickel, for whatever reason it was found that this wasn't viable any more. Hence we have nickel plated.
Thankfully, the Boomers deliver everything you want in a package that doesn't cost the earth. While the range isn't the widest in terms of available gauges, what is there is good quality.
Overall, the Boomers are great value strings. They definitely run the risk of being too bright for some, however - so it's worth figuring out what you really want your tone to sound like in the long term.
These premium electric guitar strings combine some of D’Addario’s finest technology. Featuring the high-carbon steel core seen in the NYXL series, as well as a thin, hydrophobic coating, the D’Addario XT sets retain that fresh string sound for longer. From our testing, we also found that they deliver amazing break resistance and hold their tuning better than most.
All six strings enjoy a coating too - it’s not just the wound strings like in some other coated sets. The feel isn’t wildly different from uncoated strings too so the D’Addario XTs provide the best of both worlds.
If you’re looking for the best electric guitar strings for tuning stability, sound, break and corrosion resistance, and longevity then these could well be the ones - but it's worth noting that they do feel like coated strings - even just a little bit - and that if that's not your thing, then we'd suggest you try something different.
Continuing the nickel theme, we have the Gibson Vintage Reissue. These strings are 100 percent pure nickel, delivering a warm tone with amazing clarity. The pure nickel composition gives the tone a more mellow feel, as well as making them easier for string bends.
We found during testing, however, that these strings push you onto your bridge pickup more often than not due to the extra warmth of the string.
Gibson does offer other slight variants in this particular range, including the nickel-plated Brite Wires and a set specifically for its Les Paul models (you may have heard of these guitars), but we opted for the Vintage Reissue as they deliver a specific tone, and do it quite brilliantly.
The UK's premiere string manufacturer showed its innovative streak with the launch of a new design that features increased magnetic properties which we found to deliver extra power, volume and sustain in our tests.
What's more, reduced friction aims to provide improved overall tuning stability, while Rotosound has imbued the strings with corrosion-resistant properties to keep them sounding great for longer.
The only negative point of the Ultramags is that, up until this point, nobody has particularly taken issue with the traditional string design. The Ultramag is still a cool and interesting take on an electric guitar string, though.
As one of the biggest names in strings, you can expect good things from D'Addario. And, with their flagship range, they don't disappoint. The D'Addario NYXL range is designed with strength in mind. By incorporating a high-carbon steel core with nickel-plating, the NYXLs can withstand all manner of abuse from whammy bars.
D'Addario itself says the big selling point with these sets is their tuning stability, and after testing, we'd have to agree. Apparently, due to the way they're constructed and the materials used, they retain tune far better than standard steel. And with nearly 20 different gauges to choose from, there will doubtless be a set to suit you.
Yes, they are a bit expensive – but you get a lot for your money here.
Another entry from Ernie Ball here. The Ernie Ball Cobalt range utilizes different materials from its usual Slinky sets. Cobalt, they found, interacts with the magnets in your pickups much better than any other alloy. This means you get an improved dynamic range and increased low-end, which we found was perfect for heavier styles of music.
Available in eight different gauges, the Cobalt range digs a little deeper to find new areas of tonality for you to explore. If standard string constructions aren't doing it for you anymore, then the Cobalts are well worth a look.
Although proven to make a difference, we'd argue as to whether the difference is great enough to warrant spending extra. That being said, there's no harm in trying.
If you own a Strat, you'll want to look at these. The Fender Pure Nickel sets feature a nickel core, wrapped with a nickel wire cover. This delivers tons of vintage tone, and also has the side benefit of reducing finger squeak as you traverse around the fretboard.
During our testing, we found these strings brought a type of brightness to the party which mingles perfectly with a single-coil pickup - and while these strings may not be for heavy players, they'll do just about anything else.
The strings feel silky smooth straight out of the packet, and the pure nickel core allows the guitar's inherent tone to shine through. Some of the best electric guitar strings if you're playing blues or low-gain styles.
All-American string company SIT prides itself on the fact that its strings Stay In Tune, and that's down to their carefully considered construction. That's what made SIT's Power Wounds the strings of choice for powerful players such as The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, Lamb Of God's Willie Adler and Rammstein's Richard Kruspe.
A combination of an 8 percent nickel-plated steel cover wrap over a hexagonal-shaped core – all sourced in the USA, no less – produces a bright treble response with long string life. During testing, we found that not only does the brightness introduce extra clarity your tone, but these strings also provide some real guts and low-end too.
They're not exactly easy to come by - especially if you live in Europe, but if you can get some, then you'll definitely enjoy them.
Anyone who has played below standard E will know you can fall prey to the dreaded muddiness in your tone, or from floppy strings. The Dunlop Heavy Core strings are wrapped using a slightly different ratio to make them ideal for these playing styles and rid your life of those problems.
When we tested a set, we discovered a defined low end, plenty of clarity in the mids and added durability so you can really dig in when you're palm muting. We spent the whole time downtuned, and these strings perform optimally in those areas.
If you like playing in standard, or want super bendable strings, then these might not be the ones for you – but you've still got plenty to choose from.
For the final addition to our best electric guitar strings round-up, we've chosen something a bit different. The Optima 24K Gold Plated are, as the name would suggest, coated with actual gold. This, the company claims, makes them naturally impervious to tarnishing or corrosion.
The choice of material also increases their durability, and we discovered this when we tested a set. They sound great too, with loads of top end clarity. They're a bit expensive to replace, granted - but the extra durability does offset this a little bit.
These strings are actually the string of choice for Brian May, which is a decent endorsement to have. They're considerably more expensive than all of the other strings on the list, but why settle for silver when you can have gold?
PRS have made these strings to yield a hotter and brighter output. They’re made from a proprietary alloy that gives them a greater magnetic field, so there’s a little more juice in your signal, as it were. As if your PRS guitar didn’t make a statement enough on its own, your strings add to it even more!
They last a decent amount of time too – not as long as coated strings, granted, but you don’t have to sacrifice any natural feel here. The soldered ends help with this, as well as tuning stability, plus they can withstand some fairly heavy tremolo abuse. Of course, any kind of player can find themselves at home with any kind of string, but these PRS Signature strings will likely be great for high impact players that will appreciate the extra output, added top end and durability.
We’re used to seeing top quality goods from PRS, and these strings are no exception.
Best electric guitar strings: Buying advice
Choosing the best electric guitar strings for you
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Although 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.
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. It’s a fairly subjective thing, so it’s worth trying a few different sets out and seeing what you prefer.
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. 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.
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. 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.
What are electric guitar strings made of?
The best electric guitar strings are made from various materials but most will consist of a metal (usually steel) core, with windings wrapped around the bottom three strings. Some heavier gauge strings might feature a wound G string too. The windings tend to be either nickel plated, pure nickel or stainless steel – though there are others like cobalt.
Nickel plated strings are the most popular as they yield a balanced and even response. Nickel strings tend to be fairly warm and mellow, and steel strings are brighter, so nickel plated steel is a great combination of the two! You can think about the pickups on the guitar you’re restringing – if the pickups are naturally bright sounding, you could mellow them out with some pure nickel strings, for example.
What are the benefits of coated electric guitar strings?
The market now has more coated strings than ever. As the name suggests, these have a very thin coating around the strings that helps prevent dirt and sweat from corroding them. The result is strings that last longer and retain that fresh ‘new string’ sound for longer too. However, they do tend to cost more, and some players don’t like the feel of the coating. That said, there are newer coated strings, like the D’addario XTs, that feel almost the same as non coated strings.
Which string gauge should I use?
One of the main considerations to make when shopping for the best electric guitar strings is the gauge. The gauge refers to the thickness of the strings, and is measured in thousands of an inch – you’ll often hear them referred to as 9s or 10s. This means that the top string is .009 or .010 of an inch thick. This can make quite a big difference to how the strings feel under your fingers.
The main contact between you and your guitar happens at the string, so it’s important to find the right gauge for you. Players with a heavier touch might prefer heavier strings as they might knock them out of tune less. Those who tune down below standard also tend to gravitate towards thicker strings as they will hold tuning better.
Lighter strings mean there is physically less string to move, so bending is easier. For some, light strings are too easy to bend, and find themselves going too far with it – it really is about matching your left and right hand touch with the right gauge, which might take a little trial and error.
There’s no right and wrong when it comes to gauges – it all boils down to personal preference. While most beginners tend to find it easier using lighter strings, many professionals stick with them as they get used to the touch and know how they respond. Some claim that you’ll get better tone from thicker strings, but we’d suggest finding what’s more comfortable for you – that’s the most important thing!
When should I replace the strings on my electric guitar?
As previously stated, there are no hard and fast rules for when you should change your strings. A lot of players do it every couple of months or so, but if you’re playing for three hours every day, then you’re going to wear the strings out much quicker. If you’re playing live, then you’re probably going to sweat more which will wear them out quicker too - most pros will usually change strings after every gig.
The amount you'll need to change your strings will also vary. Regular performers will want to change strings for every show to ensure their guitar sounds the best it can. Ditto if you're spending time in the studio. On the other hand, if you're only playing at home you'll probably look to change them once a month or so.
The reason you should change strings so often in certain situations is that strings have a short period of time when they're performing at their optimum level.
Things that can affect this include temperature and humidity changes, sweat and other corrosive materials, and your own playing technique. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best electric guitar strings on the market today.
Read our feature showing you how to restring an electric guitar.
Can you use electric guitar strings on an acoustic?
Whilst acoustic strings might fit on your electric, they aren’t going to sound good. The best electric guitar strings are made using materials that work well with the pickups on your guitar, whereas acoustic strings are made differently.
How we test electric guitar strings
For us, testing electric guitar strings is a rather enjoyable process, as it involves, well, playing our guitars! Therefore, we put them through several everyday situations to make sure we are thoroughly testing the strings.
We'll start by stringing the guitar with a fresh set of strings and observing how long they take to settle in and hold their tuning. We are looking to see how quickly the strings become usable in this test. Of course, ideally, we would like this to be as quick as possible, with the best electric guitar strings taking minutes to become stable in their tuning, without the need to excessively pull and stretch the strings.
Next, we need to test how the strings feel to play. For us, the best strings should make playing the guitar a joy. The strings should feel smooth and not sticky. When it comes to coated strings, we prefer not to notice the coating while we play. Speaking of corrosion, that brings us on to the longevity of the strings. To test how long a set of strings lasts, we'll keep the strings on our guitar for as long as we can, taking note of when they start to tarnish and lose their bright, snappy sound.
Now, how good a set of strings sounds is very important to every guitar player. To test the tone of the strings, we make sure to play a wide variety of styles to see how the strings handle the different musical genres, paying close attention to how the overall tone of our guitar has changed with the addition of the new strings.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
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