You can easily spend upwards of $200 on a single acoustic guitar, so it’s worth finding the right strings to go with it. Whether you’re into fingerpicking or strumming hard and often, the right set of strings will not only make your guitar sound better, but feel better in your hands, too.
Read on to learn more about the best electric guitar strings.
Our Editor’s Best Electric Guitar Strings Reviews
- Includes 3 individually wrapped sets
- Ernie Ball Slinkys are played by legends around the world including Slash, Jimmy Page, Metallica, Eric Clapton, and more.
- Premium materials and craftsmanship ensure reliable, long-lasting guitar strings, perfect for professionals and beginners alike.
- For decades, Slinkys have provided players with exceptional tone and consistency across the entire fretboard.
- Preferred by players across many genres, Regular Slinky’s 10-to-46 gauge has become the industry standard.
- BESTSELLING SET – XL Nickel are our best-selling electric guitar strings, revered by players since 1974.
- VERSATILE, BRIGHT TONE – Nickel-plated steel wrap wire provides a bright, versatile electric guitar tone, great for a variety of musical genres.
- FOR THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE – Like all D’Addario electric guitar strings, XL Nickel are made with our proprietary Hex-Core, ensuring perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability.
- EARN REWARD POINTS - XL Nickel sets have a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
- MADE IN THE USA – XL Nickel electric guitar strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.
- PREMIUM GUITAR STRING - NYXLs are our premium uncoated electric strings, delivering unrivaled strength and tuning stability, plus enhanced mid-range.
- CUT THROUGH THE MIX – The premium nickel-plated steel wrap wire used for NYXLs provides accentuated frequency response in the 1 - 3.5 kHz range, so you get more presence and crunch to cut through the mix.
- STAYS IN TUNE, STRONGER STRING - Stays in tune 131% better than standard strings, while the NY Steel core wire makes them up to 40% stronger—bent two whole steps higher, NYXL strings are still at less than 75% of their breaking point.
- EARN REWARD POINTS - NYXL strings come with a code which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
- MADE IN THE USA – NYXL electric guitar strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.
- LEADING GUITAR STRINGS: Made with nickel plated steel wrap wire and our proprietary ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating. For a bright and vibrant longest-lasting tone along with a comfortable, smooth feel
- BRILLIANT TONE: Elixir Strings are often rated the best electric guitar strings, you can trust in our consistently reliable performance. From our light electric strings to our heavier gauges
- CORROSION RESISTANT: The NANOWEB Coating protects from tone-deadening sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. Elixir Strings retain their out-of-the-box tone longer than other coated or uncoated strings
- MADE IN THE USA: Elixir Strings are lab- and field-tested and made to exacting specifications in our state of the art facility. Versatile and durable, they keep your guitar always sounding its best
- CONTENTS: 3 Pack of Elixir Electric Guitar Strings, Nickel Plated Steel with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Bright Tone with Comfortable Smooth Feel, 6 String Set, Light 10-13-17-26-36-46
- 3 packs of Super Slinky electric guitar strings.
- One of the original Slinky gauges, Super Slinky has remained one of the most popular electric guitar strings for decades.
- Bright, balanced tone.
- Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials.
- Ernie Ball Super Slinky electric guitar strings are one of the original Slinky gauges and are played by Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Angus Young, and legions of guitarists around the globe. These electric guitar strings are precision manufactured to the highest standards and most exacting specifications to ensure consistency, optimum performance, and long life. Super Slinky wound strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a hex-shaped steel core wire. The plain strings are made of specially tempered tin-plated high-carbon steel, resulting in a bright and well-balanced tone for your guitar. Super Slinky gauges are .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042. 3 individual sets.
- Our #1 selling guitar strings, Super 250s are included on all Fender electric guitars when leaving the factory
- Nickel-plated steel combines the high output and dynamic sound of steel with the smooth feel of nickel
- Hex core construction creates more brightness along with a faster pick attack
- Ball-end design with classic Fender colors help make string changes a breeze
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Pure nickel was commonly used in electric guitar strings of the '50s and '60s
- Warm, vintage tone
- Preferred by players across many genres, Regular Slinky’s 10-to-46 gauge has become the industry standard
- Signature Slinky feel
- Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials
- LEADING GUITAR STRINGS: Made with nickel plated steel wrap wire and our proprietary POLYWEB Coating. For a warm longest-lasting tone along with a comfortable, slick and fast feel
- BRILLIANT TONE: Elixir Strings are often rated the best electric guitar strings, you can trust in our consistently reliable performance. From our light electric strings to our heavier gauges
- CORROSION RESISTANT: The POLYWEB Coating protects from tone-deadening sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. Elixir Strings retain their out-of-the-box tone longer than other coated or uncoated strings
- MADE IN THE USA: Elixir Strings are lab- and field-tested and made to exacting specifications in our state of the art facility. Versatile and durable, they keep your guitar always sounding its best
- CONTENTS: 1x Single Pack of Elixir Electric Guitar Strings, Nickel Plated Steel with POLYWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Warm Tone with Comfortable Feel, 6 String Set, Light 10-13-17-26-36-46
- 2223 Nickel Super Slinky Pink Electric Guitar Strings 3 Pack
- Three-pack of Ernie Ball 2223 Nickel Super Slinky electric guitar strings
- Gauges 9-11-16-24w-32-42
- Nickels are the most popular of the Ernie Ball Slinky guitar strings
- They're made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around tin-plated hex-shaped steel core wire
Best Electric Guitar Strings Buying Guide
Before choosing the best electric guitar strings you should consider following options:
1. Gauge: The first thing to look for when choosing your new strings is the gauge. It’s important to get something that fits your needs.
For example, if you’re looking for something that gives you a lot of sustain, you can opt for a thicker gauge. A heavier gauge also gives you more flexibility and tone.
If you’re looking for something that’s more suited for punk rock, jazz, and country styles you can opt for a lighter gauge.
2. Material: There are different materials that guitar strings are made from. Some of the most common ones are: Nylon, Stainless Steel, Bronze, and Cobalt.
Nylon strings are a really good option for beginners because they are easier on the fingers when you first start to play the guitar.
There are also what’s called “blended” sets that are made from two different materials. For example, you can get a set with a nylon and bronze or nylon and steel.
If you’re looking for something that has a “bright” tone to it, you can opt for a bronze or steel string.
Cobalt strings are a newer type of string that is quickly gaining popularity. They are known for their bright sound and smooth feel.
3. Gauge Variation: You can get different variations of the gauge you choose. For example, you can get a set of strings in .012, .016, .032, and .042.
Or you can get a set in .012, .016, .026, and .032. The former is known as a “half step” gauge variation, while the latter is known as a “one step” variation.
These variations are a good option if you already have a guitar that uses “standard” strings (typically .012-.058).
This is because you can get a similar sound with a half or one-step variation.
4. Brand: The brand of strings you buy is important because some brands are known for their quality, while others are clearly overpriced.
There are a lot of reputable manufacturers on the market, but some of the best include GHS, Ernie Ball, and DR.
These are some of the most popular and affordable brands you can get.
5. Ease of Installation: Strings are easily the most essential part of any electric guitar.
They are also the easiest part to break, and if you’re in the middle of a live show and you break a string, it’s not a good look.
It’s important to get strings that are easy to install because it can save you a lot of time in the long run.
6. Tone: Tone is really subjective, and what is good for one person may not be good for another. There are different factors that can affect the tone of a guitar string.
Some of these factors include the gauge, material, and brand. If you’re looking for something that gives you a brighter tone, you can opt for a bronze or steel string.
If you’re looking for something that is more mellow, you can opt for a nylon or cobalt string. In the end, it all comes down to what you prefer.
What else you should know about electric guitar strings
1. What are the best electric guitar strings for beginners?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. However, some beginner guitarists may find that lighter gauge strings are easier to play and easier on the fingers, while others may prefer heavier gauge strings for a fuller sound. Ultimately, it is advisable to experiment with different types of strings to find the perfect balance for your own playing style.
2. What are the best electric guitar strings for metal?
There is no definitive answer to this question since different guitarists have different preferences when it comes to electric guitar strings for metal. However, some commonly recommended strings for metal guitarists include the following:
-Ernie Ball Super Slinky: These strings are made from nickel-plated steel and are designed for a bright, cutting sound. They are also very affordable and easy to find.
-D’Addario Xtreme: These strings are made from high-carbon steel and are designed for a heavier, more aggressive sound. They are also relatively affordable.
-Dunlop ZW-45: These strings are made from nickel-plated steel and are designed for a thick, heavy sound. They are on the more expensive side but are well worth the price for metal guitarists.
3. What are the best electric guitar strings for rock?
The best electric guitar strings for rock are typically going to be thicker strings, such as 10-46. These thicker strings will give you more volume and sustain when you are playing.
4. What are the best electric guitar strings for blues?
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s preferences are different. Some guitarists prefer lighter strings for blues, while others prefer heavier gauge strings. Ultimately, it is up to the individual player to experiment with different types of strings to see what works best for them.
5. What are the best electric guitar strings for jazz?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different guitarists have different preferences. Some popular choices for electric guitar strings for jazz include roundwound strings, which are known for their bright, articulate sound, and flatwound strings, which have a smoother, more mellow tone. Ultimately, it is up to the individual guitarist to experiment with different types of strings to find the ones that best suit their playing style and the specific sound they are trying to achieve.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best electric guitar strings. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best electric guitar strings will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.