Best Electric Guitar Strings
By: The Gear Dude | Date: 23rd May 2020
Which guitar strings should I buy? Guitar strings like many of the best things in life do not last forever. In fact, to keep your instrument playing in tune and sounding the best they will need to be changed regularly. It's arguable but I’m not sure there is a better feeling than the first chord on a new set of strings. Tonally it is when the guitars you love sound the best. I am of the opinion that old and dead strings and even sub-par strings will hinder you as a player. As the strings you play are a tool of musical expression they should be at their best as much as possible.
Now here is the tricky question, which guitar strings are right for you? Guitar strings come not only in different sizes, but every manufacturer uses a different blend of metals to create their product. Some even come with a protective coating on them to extend their life. You will find that there is no right or wrong as to which strings you may end up preferring. In this article I will discuss what I believe are some of the best choices available to you today.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky
Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Great value
Widely available
Slinky feel and tone
Cons
Not long lasting
Feel not for everyone

Ernie Ball Paradigm Regular Slinky
Nickel Plated Steel Electric Guitar StringsPros
Ultra-Tough
90-day replacement
Harmonically rich
Cons
Std. Slinkys better value
Expensive

Ernie Ball Cobalt Regular Slinky
Iron/Cobalt Alloy Electric Guitar StringsPros
Enhanced output
Bright
Soft Feel
Cons
Expensive
No more durable

D’Addario EXL
Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Great Feel
Stay in tune
Many Gauges available
Cons
NONE

D’Addario EXL Balanced Tension
Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Consistent tension
Green packaging
Long life
Cons
NONE

D’Addario NYXL
Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Bright and responsive
Smooth feel
Great tuning stability
Cons
Expensive

D’Addario XT
Nickel Plated Steel Electric Guitar StringsPros
Enhanced durability
Extended string life
Very stable tuning
Cons
Expensive
Feel not for everyone

Elixir Optiweb
Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Ultra-thin coating
Great high-end
Cons
Expensive

GHS Boomers
Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Great Value
Natural Feel
Cons
Short life
Feel not for everyone

Fender Original Bullets
Pure Nickel Electric Guitar StringsPros
Great on a Fender
Low squeak
Vintage Feel
Cons
Not great for high gain

Gibson Brite Wires
Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Vintage style string
Stable tuning
Low noise
Cons
Not bright
Short life

DR Strings Tite-Fit
Compression Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Great Tone
Great Tuning Stability
Cons
Feel is not for everyone
Awkward packaging

DR Strings VERITAS
Quantum Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsPros
Great Tone
Long Life
Stable tuning
Cons
Pricey
Feel is not for everyone

