Finding the best electric guitar strings to make your axe scream can be hard. There are a lot of different guitar strings for electric guitars that all have different features.
Some electric strings are made out of nickel while others are made out of stainless or have some type of coating. Each of these materials produce a slightly different tone. nickel strings tend to be a little warmer while stainless steel strings are fairly bright. Electric guitar string gauges are also important. You’ll want to find a gauge that is comfortable for you and your guitar. Some guitar players, myself included, prefer lighter strings like Super Slinkys while other guitarists like to feel the pain of the bend with heavier strings. The important thing is that you find the string with the right tone and comfort for your playing style.
Let’s review some of the most popular, t0p-rated electric guitar strings and compare their pros, cons, and tones, so you can find the right one.
Compare the Top Electric Guitar Strings in 2020
Contents
- 1 Compare the Top Electric Guitar Strings in 2020
- 1.1 Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Strings
- 1.2 Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Guitar Strings
- 1.3 Elixir Electric Guitar Strings with Optiweb Coating
- 1.4 D’Addario ECG23 XL Chromes Flat Wound Electric Guitar Strings
- 1.5 D’Addario EXL110-3D XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings
- 1.6 D’Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Plated Electric Guitar Strings
- 1.7 DR Strings Tite Fit Electric Round Core Strings
- 1.8 Fender 3150R Pure Nickel Bullet End Electric Guitar Strings
- 2 What We Recommend and Why
Here’s a list of the best electric guitar strings with incredible tone that you should put on your guitar today!
- Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Strings
- Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Guitar Strings
- Elixir Electric Guitar Strings with Optiweb Coating
- D’Addario ECG23 XL Chromes Flat Wound
- D’Addario EXL110-3D XL Nickel Wound
- D’Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Plated Electric Guitar Strings
- DR Strings Tite Fit Electric Round Core Strings
- Fender 3150R Pure Nickel Bullet End Electric Guitar Strings
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Strings
Specs, features, and benefits
If they are good for Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards, why would not they be good for you? A 5o year Ernie Ball tradition stands behind these strings.
These strings make it possible for you to always have that classic and balanced tone, with good intonation and consistency in the way your guitar sounds, regardless of what guitar you use and in which style you play. Regular Slinky wound strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a hex-shaped steel core wire. The core provides durability and consistency.
They have that signature slinky feel (hence the name). Playing them is effortless and easy on your fingers especially if you are a beginner. However, they will not be completely painless. As all Ernie ball slinky strings, they have a brass wire ball end.
They come in different gauges from .010 to .046. They are packed separately in Element Shield Packaging which ensures that you will get good quality strings that will keep their freshness regardless of how long ago they were produced.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable – the set is very cheap so you will be able to change them more often and always keep your signature sound.
- Price to quality ratio – the quality of the string is great especially if you consider how low the price is.
- Soft – easy on the fingers, especially for the beginners and children
- Versatile – they work on any guitar
- Durable – the high carbon steel hex core gives you prolonged durability
- Element Shield Packaging – keeps the strings in the same condition as when they were produced
- Trust- 50 years of Ernie Ball tradition
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Do not really work on acoustic guitars. The sound is soft and silent.
Bottom line
Used by many guitar legends, Ernie Ball Regular Strings will definitely not disappoint. Channel your inner Clapton and rock on with this set of strings. They are highly affordable and durable which makes buying them a really smart decision.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Guitar Strings
Specs, features, and benefits
With over 50 years of Ernie Ball tradition Super Slinky strings are perfect for any playing style and any guitar type. They are used by many renowned musicians including AC/DC’s Angus Young and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Paige. The strings have a classic and balanced tune that suits all playing styles.
The wires are standard ball end wires. They are nickel-plated for a really soft and slinky feel, perfect for solos and bending.
The core wire is hex-shaped high carbon steel which makes them extremely durable even in more aggressive playing sessions. They come in 009 .011 .016 .024w .032 and .042 gauges. The Element Shield packaging keeps the strings fresh and corrosion-safe for a long time.
Pros and Highlights
- Long-lasting – with proper care, they can last you 3 times longer than others
- Rhythm guitar strings- perfect for playing chords, they give out a bright, fine-tuned tone.
- Soft and easy on the fingers – enjoy long practice sessions and complicated solos without discomfort
- Versatility – they work on any guitar and for any playing style
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Great and durable for playing, however, be extremely careful when tuning as they tend to break (especially the high E string) if they are stretched too far
- It takes a little time to break them in
Bottom line
Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings are soft on the fingers, easily bent and are super long-lasting and durable. They are great for guitar players of all genres and are used by many well-known guitar players. The value to price ratio is insanely good.
Elixir Electric Guitar Strings with Optiweb Coating
Specs, features, and benefits
The long-standing tradition of Elixir strings speaks for itself. There are many talented and famous guitar players that would choose Elixir over any others.
The reason for that s in the sound they produce- bright, sharp, and vibrant, suitable for various styles and guitars. They are not the cheapest out there, however, the quality is perfect so it pays out.
You will enjoy the light gauge (.010 – .046) strings for their traditional feel, and you will enjoy them for a longer time due to the protective coating that allows them to keep the tone for far longer than any other coated or uncoated strings.
The coating protects the string from outside factors like sweat, dirt, air, and all the other factors that can damage the condition of your strings.
Pros and Highlights
- OPTIWEB coating – this super thin, patented coating provides an uncoated feel for all of you who enjoy the good traditional feel
- Anti-corrosion coating – protects the strings’ from corrosion thus prolonging their life
- Finger noise is minimal
Cons and Potential Flaws
- The sound is maybe too bright and metallic (essentially it depends on what you like your guitar to sound like)
- Not so consistent- the sound depends not only on the strings but on the type of wood and the guitar itself
Bottom line
Elixir strings are a perfect choice for electric guitars; they are easy on the fingers and have a good longevity. The sound depends on the type of the guitar.
D’Addario ECG23 XL Chromes Flat Wound Electric Guitar Strings
Specs, features, and benefits
The D’addario Phosphor Bronze guitar strings are worldwide famous. This brand has existed since 1974.
The strings are made of steel core, which is then lined with phosphor bronze. In other words, the high-quality materials are used in the production and guarantee long lifespan.
One of the great things about these medium electric guitar strings is that they re corrosion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them falling apart. The most advanced and high-quality digital wire-making technology was used for making them. These are medium electric guitar strings that are corrosion-resistant, which again confirms their long lifespan.
Besides being very light, they also produce a smooth, vibrant and above all balanced tone while being played on. Since the strings are wrapped they have the ability to produce very warm and unique sound that opens a whole new dimension while playing. This great combination of materials prevents strings from breaking down any time soon.
Another key point is that D’Addario made sure that all of the materials used for production are safe and far from harmful for the environment. The string gauges in this set are Plain Steel .010, .014 and Phosphor Bronze .020, .028, .038, .048. It’s also important to mention that this is one of the most affordable options for guitar strings on this list.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable
- They produce a warm sound
- High-carbon steel core
- Wrapped phosphor bronze wire
- Corrosion-resistant
- High-quality materials
- Extra Light to Medium Gauges
Cons and Potential Flaws
- The string can be rough on your fingers
- The strings are not coated
Bottom line
If you’re looking for electric guitar strings that are high-quality but affordable at the same time, you should choose this item. Also, make sure to choose based on whether you like coated strings, because these are not coated, and also whether you like light strings. Either way, they produce a warm sound and will last you a long time.
D’Addario EXL110-3D XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings
Specs, features, and benefits
D’Addario offers a tradition and experience in making guitar strings of over a century. They combine the tradition with technology to get the best results for you and your music.
Made in the USA, These strings are made of best quality metals and they use contemporary and improved winding machines (computer-controlled) to provide the long-lasting and intonation consistent sound. They come in 6 gauges, the higher three are plain steel and the lower three are nickel-wound.
Because of the value that you get for the price you pay, the D’Addario EXL 3-pack set is the bestselling pack, depending on how much you are using them, this offer gives you at least three times the playing hours than other strings (even other D’Addario types).
The hex-shaped high carbon steel core (highly durable) is wound with nickel-plated steel. Nickel-plated strings are gentle on the frets and will postpone wearing off, and also, it gives the strings the recognizable, bright tone, suitable for any style.
Pros and Highlights
- Value for price – coming in 3 sets for a very affordable price, these strings make up for a great investment due to their D’Addario signature quality
- Perfect intonation – wound on a digitally controlled machine, these strings have consistent intonation
- Versatility – could be used on a variety of guitars and for all of the playing styles
- Coated -they will not be damaged by corrosion and other outdoor influence
- 6% more magnetic properties for louder playing
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Complaints about damaging during packaging and transportation.
Bottom line
D’Addario EXL is our top choice due to its playability, versatility, high endurance, how they affect the frets, and intonation, tone type, and price. You can literally use them on any guitar and play any style from heavy metal to soft jazz. These long-lasting strings come in the pack of three sets which will prolong the period for buying new ones, plus they are super durable, to begin with.
D’Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Plated Electric Guitar Strings
Specs, features, and benefits
D’Addario has been one of the best electric guitar string manufacturers ever since 1905. The tradition and quality, combined with new technologies created the most durable strings there are. The patented and new break-resistant, high-carbon steel core and plain steel alloy give you the opportunity to be as hard on the strings as you want while you are playing your music. They stay in tune 131% longer than standard electric guitar string, which is also managed by using new twisting technologies and processes.
Nickel-plated string windings give you better magnetic properties which will allow you to play louder than before. The complete set consists of all six gauges. The higher three (.010, .013, .017 gauge) are plain steel, and the lower three (.026, .036, .046 gauge) are nickel wound. The difference provides you with a great tone combination. The strings have standard ball end.
Pros and Highlights
- Super strong – the break-resistant high-carbon steel core and plain steel alloy ensure extra strength and durability
- In tune – the improved tuning stability makes NYXL strings perfect for quick tuning and even longer tuning consistency (131% longer than other strings)
- Corrosion-resistant packaging – keeps your strings fresh for a longer period of time
- Versatile – perfect for any playing style
- Players’ Circle – you can join the Players’ Circle and get a chance to win valuable prizes and attend events
Cons and Potential Flaws
- The most expensive set of strings
- Packed together – remove them carefully from the packaging so that you avoid tangling and damaging
Bottom line
D’Addario NYXL guitar strings are the superior choice if you are shredding on your heavy metal tunes. They truly are the strongest strings out there and are perfect for all of you who are a little aggressive with your strings while you bend and dive. They are also suitable for other playing styles.
DR Strings Tite Fit Electric Round Core Strings
Specs, features, and benefits
DR is a company that makes a lot of string models aimed to cater at your own specific needs. They combine the classic, old school technology with a modern, contemporary choice of the materials of the best quality to give you the most enjoyable playing experience. The Tite Fit strings have a round core which is an old construction technique (as opposed to the modern, hex core strings). They are round-wound and nickel-plated which promotes longevity in strings.
The round core produces a fatter sound. The sound is also bright and keeps its brightness even when the strings get a little worn out when there is usually a little muddiness in the sound. They come in a variety of gauges (they seem a little tenser until they are broken in), once you break them in they are highly flexible which makes them great from playing all styles from classic rock, and metal, to jazz and blues.
Pros and Highlights
- Highly durable – Tite Fit strings last longer than other strings
- Classic design and technology for a safe and consistent experience
- Modern, most expensive metals with the highest quality promote the strings’ durability.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- They are packed two by two, so more attention is required when you want to replace the entire set (1&4, 2&5, and 3&7).
- A little stiff before they are broken in
Bottom line
A very sturdy, long-lasting string, the DR Tite Fit is a great choice for all of you who like your strings with a little more tension. They are not expensive and as a plus, they last longer than other strings, especially if you do not abuse them, which gives you more playing hours for less money.
Fender 3150R Pure Nickel Bullet End Electric Guitar Strings
Specs, features, and benefits
Bullet end strings provide greater tuning stability and sustain through improved string-bridge contact. This is the main upper hand of these strings. You will not wear them out quickly, and you will not have to tune them quite so often.
They are German-made which promotes trust, especially when combined with the decades-long tradition of Fender quality. They are a bit on the pricey side, but with the quality, you get, buying them pays off.
The bullet is made of pure nickel which makes the sound warm and a little vintage. They come in a variety of gauges – from .010 to .046. For a given gauge, the Fender originals come with less tension, compared to the other strings in the same gauge.
Aside from longevity, the bullet end provides greater sustain and easier bands compared to the standard ball-end strings. The strings are also nickel which prolongs the life of your frets and saddle as well, as they will not be worn out easily. The strings are easy on the fingers and are only for electric guitars.
Pros and Highlights
- Bullet end – makes any Strat or tremolo guitar consistent in sound
- Versatile – does not have to be used only on trem guitars
- Style versatility – they are great for playing blues, jazz or classic rock
- Consistency – the sound they produce is consistent
- In tune – they stay in tune longer
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Higher, thinner strings are prone to breaking
Bottom line
Fender Bullet End strings are just perfect if you are playing a Fender Strat because they fit perfectly and give you stability and richness of sound. You can use them on other guitars; as well, just listen to what sounds the best for you.
What We Recommend and Why
After we have thoroughly examined and compared all these guitar strings, we can safely say that Ernie Ball Super Slinky guitar strings would be our choice. The price for value ratio is great. The sound they give is superb, and although you would not make a mistake by purchasing any other strings on this list, these are guaranteed to give the best playing and listening experience for a long time.