Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Electric Guitar Strings

Truth is - guitar strings have the same impact on your tone as your amp does

By George CassadrianContributing Author

Article photo - Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Electric Guitar Strings


Still struggling to achieve your favorite tone of your favorite soloist? People often focus on guitar models and pedal/amp configurations, and ignore the rest. Truth is - guitar strings have the same impact on your tone as your amp does. The material and gauge will define pretty much every aspect of your guitar sound. 

The gauge of the strings is marked by the thickness of the thinner string. For example, a 009 gauge means that the High E string is 0.09 inches in diameter. Those gauges also come in different configurations. Also, even the best strings sound dull after some use. Thus, it’s recommended to replace your strings every couple of months. Which ones will you choose next?


008 String Sets

Some folks say that 008 strings are too easy to play and have poor tone. Nevertheless, looks like Jimmy Page has a different opinion on the topic. He’s one of the many guitar legends who are zealous 008’s worshippers. While 008 is the second thinnest gauge, it sounds just great when used correctly. 008’s allow you to get huge, emotional bends and make your riffs sound spacey.


Ernie Ball 2225

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Ernie Ball 2225", read the reviews and join the community!

If you strive to recreate early Van Halen days, then the Ernie Ball 2225 are exactly what you’re looking for. Perfect for shredding and fast leads, Ernie Ball 2225 are also very comfortable to use. Those strings have a lot of air between the notes and produce a clean tone. Take a listen to early Van Halen albums if you’d like to know more about the kind of sound you can achieve.


009 String Sets

The 009 gauge is widely used in blues. For instance, Albert King, a major influence in the world of blues guitar playing, used strictly 009’s. Other guitar legends, including Carlos Santana and James Hetfield have been seen with 009’s in various occasions as well.


Ernie Ball 2223

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Ernie Ball 2223", read the reviews and join the community!

The Ernie Ball 2223 are perfect for those who want to get longer sustain without compromising playability. It’s also a good idea to switch to 2223s is you feel that your 008’s break too often. 


Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Ernie Ball 2222", read the reviews and join the community!

Ernie Ball 2222

The 2222 have juicier low ends than the 2223. The 2222s are also praised for having better expression and more durability than other 009s. In fact, the 009-046 gauge setup has attracted the attention of many guitar legends over the years. For example, Jeff Beck, one of the three noted guitarists to have played with The Yardbirds, is well-known for using 009-046’s.


010 String Sets

There’s a lot that can be told about the classic 010 gauge. It is considered one of the most popular string gauges for a reason. It combines the playability and brightness of thinner gauges and the durability and rich low end of the thicker ones. The 010 is like a middle ground that fits most guitarists’ needs


Ernie Ball 2221

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Ernie Ball 2221", read the reviews and join the community!

Having the same exact gauge as John Borchard's '67 Gibson ES-355, the Ernie Ball 2221 excel when it comes to expression. They feature almost the same low end as the 2222, yet the highs and mids are overall richer.


Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Elixir Nanoweb Light", read the reviews and join the community!

Elixir Nanoweb Light

Elixir strings have a unique signature tone. Many guitarists fall in love with it and refuse to use any other brands. Elixir strings keep sounding great 3 to 5 times longer than ordinary strings. Nevertheless, they might be not the best choice for heavy strummers. 


Daddario EXL110

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Daddario EXL110", read the reviews and join the community!

Daddario EXL110 strings have probably the brighter sound in this category. In addition, thanks to their nickel coating, D’Addario strings reduce fret wear. The EXL110 are also considered the hardest to break than any other 010 gauge strings.


011 String Sets

This string gauge usually has a great tone. They offer a rich and deep sound, and more sustain than thinner gauges. On the other hand, you’ll need to exercise more in order to feel comfortable by playing 011 strings.


Elixir Nanoweb Medium

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Elixir Nanoweb Medium", read the reviews and join the community!

Besides their signature tone, Elixir strings have a special nano-web coating (hence the name). This allows them to accumulate less dirt or grease. On the other hand, they sound slightly less bright than non-coated strings.


Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Ernie Ball 2220", read the reviews and join the community!

Ernie Ball 2220 

2220 have great note definition. They make your guitar sound more powerful and perform great with any tuning. Due to their gauge, they don’t detune easy. On the other hand, they don’t feel too rough and can be easily bended.

 

The Bottom Line

Strings have a great impact on your tone. Whether you want to find your own tone or sound like your favorite guitarist, choosing the right strings is crucial. Every gauge has its own pros and cons, and ultimately the choice comes down to what makes you most comfortable.

About George Cassadrian

One of the two lead singers of Mobvibe, George is an avid songwriter with a refined taste in retro music and beautiful electric guitars.

Contact George Cassadrian at georgecassadrian@musicngear.com

About Music Gear

In this section of the Musicngear blog you can find reviews, how-tos, buying guides & comparisons across a wife range of music gear.

Are you interested in writing a story for this section as a guest or joining the Musicngear team as a Contributing Author? Contact us at info@musicngear.com

Would you like to send us sample gear for reviews? Reach out to Chris Roditis at chrisroditis@musicngear.com