ELECTRIC GUITAR STRING COMPARISON

Drawing on generations of string-making innovation, D’Addario electric guitar strings provide the sound of countless records you know and love, as well as the live vibe of musicians the world over. Check out all we have to offer, from tried-and-true XLs, to our unbelievably long lasting XS sets. 

About Electric Guitar Strings 

D’Addario electric guitar strings are made in the USA to the highest standards of engineering, ensuring the best sound, feel, and strength, no matter how you play. Sets of D’Addario electric strings include two types of strings: plain steel and wound strings. The wound strings are the lower strings on the guitar, usually E, A, & D, (and sometimes G), which are thicker due to the “winding.” Wound strings and the term winding come from the way these strings are constructed—using a hexagonally-shaped steel wire at the core, with another type of metal wire wound around it. By contrast, the other three strings in an electric set are “plain steels,” usually E, B, & G. Plain steels are thinner, are made from one type of alloy, and do not have winding. This allows them to achieve a higher pitch.

D'Addario plain steel strings are most often made with high carbon steel. This high carbon steel also forms the core wire of wound strings. The wrap wire, or winding, for D’Addario electric strings varies from set to set, and often gives the set its unique tonal characteristics, as well as its name. An additional caveat to the above explanation is that some windings have a different texture, not merely a different alloy. So, while standard electric strings are round wound, D’Addario has a few which are flat round or half round, meaning they’ve been ground down in some way to change the tone and feel.

Once electric guitar strings have been constructed, they may also undergo an additional process called “coating.” Coating adds a chemical substance to the outside of the strings to prevent corrosion. D’Addario has two main lines of coated strings: XS and XT. XT provides extended life with a natural feel, while XS—our premium coated string—provides maximum life, plus a smooth feel. Both will give you more time between string changes.

How to Choose Electric Guitar Strings 

These tips will help you better choose your electric guitar strings:

1. The tone of an electric guitar comes from the material of the strings interacting with the pickups.

- Nickel-plated steel is the most popular electric string material, providing a versatile sound for many genres.

- Stainless Steel is brighter, which affords more presence and crunch.

- Pure Nickel strings give you vintage electric tone, delivering a characteristic warmth.

2. Lighter gauge strings are easier to play.

3. Heavier strings give you more volume and resonance.

4. Coated strings increase the strings lifespan, so they stay new longer.