Elixir Strings offer coated guitar strings in a range of different alloys for you to discover. The 'plain' treble strings in a set are straightforward; the lower 'wound' strings are where things get subjective. At the center of each wound string you will find a metal core, around which the string windings are wrapped.
The wrap wire comes in three profiles. Elixir Strings are Roundwound, by far the most popular format with a comfortable ribbed texture and brighter sound. Half Round strings are ground down to give smoother feel and warmer tone, while Flatwound strings have an ultra-smooth surface and a vintage sound that makes them popular for mellow, jazzy playing.
Experiment until you find the profile that is right for you. String gauge is the measurement of a string's thickness and tells you the tone and feel you can expect.
Standard sets for guitar range from super-light to heavy. While the gauge difference might seem minuscule, it can transform playability. To reach a given pitch, heavier strings need to be put under more tension. Although they typically give a bolder sound, it takes more pressure to fret and bend notes. If you really want your guitar strings to stand out as well as your playing does, then these colourful options from DR are a novel eye-catcher.
They might also serve a practical purpose for beginners, too, as new guitarists can quickly identify specific strings based on their colour. One of the most important things to consider when buying the best electric guitar strings for you is the gauge - the thickness - of the strings. Thinner strings are easier to play, as the tension is low - making them easy to bend and softer on the fingers. The downside is that they are more prone to snapping, as there is less resistance against the force you put against it.
Luckily guitar strings are not expensive. This will be one of the cheapest parts of your rig — so experimenting with as many different sets as you can is a good idea. Your ears and fingers do the rest - listen to them, and they'll tell you which strings are right for your particular style and feel. There are other considerations, however, like tuning stability and durability. No string is fully break-proof, but you should be looking for those with a high tensile strength.
While some players prefer the natural feel of an uncoated string, not to mention the lower price, string coatings have evolved to feel evermore natural. They will still feel a little bit different, but they will also stay brighter longer.
That said, the resurgence in popularity of pure nickel strings suggests that players still value that vintage experience, and in terms of warm tone and smooth playability, they are hard to beat. The most common spec for the electric guitar string is nickel-wound steel, which offers a little of the warmth of nickel but with a brighter top end. There are no hard and fast rules over when you should change your electric guitar strings, to be honest.
It also depends on how you want your strings to sound. If you want them sounding at their absolute best for a recording session or tour, then you might want to replace them every few days. Technically yes, but surely you could buy a set of the best acoustic guitar strings instead?
Theoretically, electric strings will work on an acoustic guitar. They are, however, made of different materials specifically so they can work the best on their designated instrument.
Acoustic strings are usually bronze or brass, and electric strings are nickel or steel. The lighter the gauge of string, the less tension it produces - and that makes it much easier to play. You can go lighter, but tone will be compromised - or you can go heavier, but playability will suffer.
Jonathan Horsley has been writing about guitars since , playing them since , and regularly contributes to MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitar World.
MusicRadar The No. Included in this guide: 1. Ernie Ball Paradigm. The best electric guitar strings for ultra-strong, long-lasting performance. Material: Coated and treated nickel-wound steel.
Reasons to avoid - Regular Slinky series still awesome at third of the price. Material: Nickel-wound, high-carbon steel core. Reasons to avoid - Coated strings might last longer. Elixir Optiweb coated electric guitar strings. Boxes Acoustic Guitar Accessories. Laminate Tops Acoustic Piezo vs. Soundhole Pickups Dreadnought vs.
View all Guides. Should I buy a Shell pack or drum kit? Beginners guide to cymbals More Buyer's Guides. Do I want an electric or acoustic kit? Ultimate Guide to Electric Guitar Strings Guitar strings are a major factor in your playing and guitar tone. What are Guitar Strings? What Is Guitar String Gauge? Thin Strings Typically, a thin string gauge pack might consist of:.
Thick strings Heavy packs can look a bit more drastic:. Hybrid Strings These borrow from two different sets. What are the Best Guitar Strings? Ernie Ball Power Slinky Strings Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky Guitar strings. Ernie Ball Extra Slinky electric guitar strings. Ernie Ball Coated Regular Slinky 10 - Ernie Ball Turbo Slinky Strings 9. Ernie Ball Mondo Slinky Strings Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Paradigm Ernie Ball Super Slinky Paradigm Ernie Ball Power Slinky Paradigm Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Paradigm Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky Paradigm D'Addario XL 3 Pack.
Elixir - Electric Optiweb Custom Light 9 - Elixir - Electric Optiweb Medium Light 10 - Elixir - Electric Optiweb Light 10 - Elixir - Electric Optiweb Super Light 9 - Elixir - Electric Optiweb Medium 11 - Price pending. Elixir Electric Optiweb 3 Pack Light 10 - Curt Mangan Strings Shop All Electric Guitar Strings.
Want to Learn More? For more information about other relevant pedals, check out our dedicated guides: Ultimate Guide to Guitar Pickups Ultimate Guide to Guitar Accessories.
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