Which strings are best for electric guitar? Brands you can trust

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

This article will present the strings of the most famous brands, and which ones you will like - decide for yourself, but remember that in order to successfully master the technique of playing the electric guitar, it is important to learn not only the basics of this art, but also to clearly identify what specific strings are right for you and your instrument. The main parameters that should guide the choice will be described below, as well as the characteristics of the brands of the most famous guitars.

Main criteria

To determine which strings are best for electric guitar, you will be helped by knowing the three main parameters that should be followed when choosing them. Here is a simple list of them:

1. The material they are covered with.
2. Shape of string winding.
3. Calib.

The above characteristics affect both the sound and the convenience of playing onguitar.

Coating material

Electric guitar strings are either made of silver or steel. But the braid is made of different materials. Moreover, there are various techniques for applying it, which differ in the form of braiding the core.

But what should you choose among today's variety and which strings are best for electric guitar? It’s up to you to choose, and you should start from the braid first. Here are her options:

• Synthetic nylon coating that makes the strings comfortable for calmer styles of guitar music. Professionals push them to the limit and the sound is very clear, but for beginners this playing technique is not easy.
• Nickel plated strings are very widely used for the most popular brands of electric guitars. They sound very warm and harmonious, but, alas, they are very impractical, since nickel is a soft material. But playing them is easy and simple.
• Steel-coated strings are not as popular as they are slightly more expensive than nickel strings. But on the other hand, such a winding is the best option, since the sound is clearer, more voluminous and brighter, only the frets suffer from such a neighborhood much more.
• Nickel-plated steel strings combine the virtues of both. Therefore, they can be regarded as the best option for which electric guitar strings to buy.

Shape of winding

Each of the coating materials is applied to the core of the string in a special way and directly affectssound extraction. Here are four winding patterns:

1. The flat shape is the most gentle on the fingerboard. It makes the string very smooth and easy to play. It also gives a muffled harmonious sound, devoid of the side effect of moving the fingers. Jazzmen love them very much.
2. The round shape of the winding is a classic, as it is very inexpensive and widespread (because of its simplicity). The downside is that the sills wear out an order of magnitude faster. The sound is characterized by a whistle from sliding fingers, which many musicians turn from a minus into a plus, as a kind of expression of the main musical idea.
3. The semi-circular shape of the winding can please fans of something new, as it includes elements of the two previous coating schemes. Initially, a round winding is made, which in the next step is subjected to pressure, which gives the tactile sensations of a flat string.
4. The hexagonal shape of the winding is also a combination of two styles and wins in terms of sound beauty due to the hexagonal profile. But nevertheless, the sills wear out much faster.

Also, some string sets are marked FL, which means they have a Floyd Rose tremol system. They are characterized by the absence of special coils attached to the machine. Therefore (although such strings can be seen infrequently) pay attention to this mark.

Diameter

Often, when you get into a conversation between two guitarists, you can hear somethinglike: “No, the nine sound is not as cool as the ten! Take it and you won't go wrong! So what are they discussing? And they are talking about the thickness of the string, that is, about its caliber, and the choice of a set should be guided primarily by the diameter of the first and sixth, which are designated as 9-42. In inches, this is indicated as 0.009-0.042.

Thinner strings are suitable for beginners, as thick strings are hard to master for unworked fingers. But the sound of a thin string vibrates less intensively, therefore it is not so juicy and bright. Most musicians use 10-46 or 9-42 calibers, but it's worth starting with 8-38 nonetheless. It’s just not worth getting involved in playing the latter for a long time, because it’s more expedient to switch to a thicker caliber and extract a more voluminous sound. 11 or 12 gauge strings can be used to hack heavy metal. But in general, the choice should be made based on your own experience and playing style.

What are the calibers

1. Fine - from 0.008-0.009, ideal for beginners learning the very basics of the art of playing the guitar. But over time, it is better to switch to thicker strings to improve the quality of the sound.
2. Medium - 0.010, characterized by a balance between the sound of the string and its thickness. This caliber is widely used by performers of various genres.
3. Thick strings - from 0.011 to 0.013, are favorites for representatives of metal culture, as playing such strings requires great skill and virtuoso skills. Sound production is very bright, juicy andexpressive.

List of proven manufacturers

To help you choose the strings that are right for you, here is a list of well-known manufacturers, after reading which you will be much clearer on how to choose electric guitar strings based on your own preferences.

• Elixir. The company produces high quality strings, which, unfortunately, are not cheap. Of the main advantages, one can single out a deep timbre of sound that envelops every note. The Elixir strings are coated with a polymer winding, which is quite pleasant to the touch. And it is thanks to her that they do not get s alted and last longer. In general, choosing Elixir strings, you will not be disappointed. After all, based on the foregoing, they are practical and pleasant to hear.
• D addario. They are a real dinosaur of the instrumental market, as the strings of this manufacturer have proven themselves well a century ago. Moreover, "Dadario" is still ubiquitous and loved by the people. Admirers can be found all over the world, which is not surprising, because D addario are time-tested and can be trusted. Moreover, they are more affordable than strings from other manufacturers.
• Ernie Ball. They differ primarily in that they are sealed in foil packaging, and not in a plastic bag. The strings are created using the latest developments in this area. The outer coating is made of a special anti-corrosion alloy, which in itself is a huge plus. In addition, Ernie Ball are strengthenedspecial titanium wire, which allows you to better keep the system. But they are much more expensive than their competitors.
• Dunlop. Strings for electric guitar, also distinguished by an unusual packaging VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor), which is a special envelope, the manufacturing technology of which allows you to keep the strings in the most favorable conditions. They are made in North America and are universal for any style of performance.

Ibanez

The electric guitar from this Japanese manufacturer is known worldwide as the "Ibanez" pioneered the US music market. This brand has its own, very complicated history.

Initially, the company was engaged in selling Italian-made guitars. But in light of the tragic events (civil war) that took place in Italy, the instrument-making workshop was destroyed, and the Japanese acquired the rights to manufacture guitars under their own name, setting up their production.

Ibanez electric guitars feature deep-cut horned guitars. With the onset of the 80s of the last century, the Roadster Guitar and Roadster Deluxe models gained popularity, the tremolo of which is Floyd Rose, and the colors are very bright and fashionable.

Today, the Ibanez electric guitar is known everywhere and is quite democratic at a price that varies from $200 to $1500. Therefore, you can safely stop your choice on it.

Yamaha

Electric guitars from this Japanese manufacturer have received recognition from a wide range of musicians. For the price they are quite affordable, and in terms of quality they can compete for first place among the representatives of the most expensive brands. The history of their production began in the 60s, when the company's acoustic models made a serious sensation among guitarists around the world.

It is noteworthy that, when creating the first electric guitar, Yamaha foresaw the increased interest of the people in a new (at that time) type of instrument, and they were right. Moreover, the affordable price was initially, which is also a kind of marketing ploy.

Today, the enterprising and practical Japanese have a fairly wide choice of models, and, most likely, among them there will be “the right option” for you.

Fender

Is the most favorite brand among hard rock and heavy metal artists. And it all started with the fact that back in 1946, Leo Fender founded a company for the production of this wonderful instrument. Nowadays, the factory produces personalized guitars, which are made individually, following all the wishes of the customer.

In addition, Fender re-releases old models that have become hits for true music lovers. The Stratocaster and Telecaster have long established themselves as excellent instruments, becoming the standard of sound.

Now the company has a variety of models, including: Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Mustang, Roscoe Beck Bass and Prodigy. But, in addition to excellent electric guitars, Fender produces various devices,amplifiers and other electronics for a cool sound. The price of the instrument varies from $800 to $3,000.

In general, when choosing which strings for electric guitar are best, trust your ear, tastes and preferences, and then your heart will tell.