What guitar strings should I buy

Recommended Videos

sseh2661

New member
Feb 19, 2011
75
0
0
I've recently taught myself how to play guitar and I borrowed an electric guitar of my friend. Although the problem is that the strings are rusty as and one of them actually snapped whilst I was running it. I'm not interested in buying the most expensive strings out there, I just want ones that will work.
 

Rylot

New member
May 14, 2010
1,819
0
0
I've got Ernie Ball Extra Slinky Titanium coated strings on my Fender. $7.99 USD and I've never had one of them break. Non titanium should run about $5 for a decent set.
 

sseh2661

New member
Feb 19, 2011
75
0
0
Rylot said:
I've got Ernie Ball Extra Slinky Titanium coated strings on my Fender. $7.99 USD and I've never had one of them break. Non titanium should run about $5 for a decent set.
Thanks man
 

Rylot

New member
May 14, 2010
1,819
0
0
sseh2661 said:
Rylot said:
I've got Ernie Ball Extra Slinky Titanium coated strings on my Fender. $7.99 USD and I've never had one of them break. Non titanium should run about $5 for a decent set.
Thanks man
Just to make sure they'd work I'd take the guitar into the where ever you're buying the strings.
 

TheRightToArmBears

New member
Dec 13, 2008
8,674
0
0
Rylot said:
I've got Ernie Ball Extra Slinky Titanium coated strings on my Fender. $7.99 USD and I've never had one of them break. Non titanium should run about $5 for a decent set.
What they said!

Ernie Balls are great, I've only broken them when I start playing like a raving lunatic.
 

Berethond

New member
Nov 8, 2008
6,474
0
0
Normally I'd recommend 18-gauge steel strings, non-coated. They'll get you the best sound.
But since you're just starting, go pick up some cheap ones at you local music store.
 

Rylot

New member
May 14, 2010
1,819
0
0
Kasurami said:
Rylot said:
I've got Ernie Ball Extra Slinky Titanium coated strings on my Fender. $7.99 USD and I've never had one of them break. Non titanium should run about $5 for a decent set.
If you're wanting a cheapish pair of strings that are still good, I'd have to agree with Rylot here.

I personally use Elixirs, but they're pretty expensive and the price point puts a lot of people off. They aren't overly expensive - US$15-20 I think for a pack - but you're better off sticking with Ernie Balls for now. Both are an awesome choice, I just happen to prefer the Elixirs; probably out of habit.
I'm just not good enough to justify spending more than $10 USD for a set of strings. Plus I just like working on my guitar so I'll restring it every few months just for shits and giggles.

OT: Your avatar is made of win. So, so much win.
 

Julianking93

New member
May 16, 2009
14,715
0
0
sseh2661 said:
I've recently taught myself how to play guitar and I borrowed an electric guitar of my friend. Although the problem is that the strings are rusty as and one of them actually snapped whilst I was running it. I'm not interested in buying the most expensive strings out there, I just want ones that will work.
D'Addario strings are the ones I use the most as they're relatively cheap and have a great sound.

The 10 or 11 gauge strings are best for me since I mostly play metal and they're a perfect size, but that's just really according to whatever you're currently playing.

Elixir makes really good strings too but they're a bit more expensive, so if you want quality without breaking your wallet simply for strings, D'Addario works pretty well.
Kasurami said:
I personally use Elixirs, but they're pretty expensive and the price point puts a lot of people off. They aren't overly expensive - US$15-20 I think for a pack - but you're better off sticking with Ernie Balls for now. Both are an awesome choice, I just happen to prefer the Elixirs; probably out of habit.
15 - $20? o_O
I can't find those anywhere under $40, at least not here >.>
 

Starp

New member
May 7, 2009
82
0
0
Really all depends on what you're going to be playing. If it's regular E tuning then 11 gauge will work great. I've never had any problems with cheap ones, and especially if you're just learning, cheap would be best, as you're probably not interested in small quality differences.
If it's metal the thinker the better really. I play with C-standard, and 12 gauges work great for me.
 

BonsaiK

Music Industry Corporate Whore
Nov 14, 2007
5,635
0
0
sseh2661 said:
I've recently taught myself how to play guitar and I borrowed an electric guitar of my friend. Although the problem is that the strings are rusty as and one of them actually snapped whilst I was running it. I'm not interested in buying the most expensive strings out there, I just want ones that will work.
As far as brand goes any will do. Different companies have all sorts of reasons why their strings are supposedly the best but having tried over a dozen different brands over the years I'm damned if I can tell a difference.

Size matters though (go on, someone quote me out of context, give me a laugh). 10-46 is the standard gauge that a guitar is usually strung up with when it's in the factory. Heavier strings will get you a bassier tone but lighter strings are easier to play and to bend. If you're doing any sort of metal I'd recommend the lightest strings possible unless you like down-tuning, for cleaner styles of playing heavier strings sound better and are more durable but keep in mind those bends will be harder. I stick with 10-46 personally, seems to be a good all-rounder gauge.
 

sseh2661

New member
Feb 19, 2011
75
0
0
BonsaiK said:
sseh2661 said:
I've recently taught myself how to play guitar and I borrowed an electric guitar of my friend. Although the problem is that the strings are rusty as and one of them actually snapped whilst I was running it. I'm not interested in buying the most expensive strings out there, I just want ones that will work.
As far as brand goes any will do. Different companies have all sorts of reasons why their strings are supposedly the best but having tried over a dozen different brands over the years I'm damned if I can tell a difference.

Size matters though (go on, someone quote me out of context, give me a laugh). 10-46 is the standard gauge that a guitar is usually strung up with when it's in the factory. Heavier strings will get you a bassier tone but lighter strings are easier to play and to bend. If you're doing any sort of metal I'd recommend the lightest strings possible unless you like down-tuning, for cleaner styles of playing heavier strings sound better and are more durable but keep in mind those bends will be harder. I stick with 10-46 personally, seems to be a good all-rounder gauge.
Thanks man i was actually wondering about the sizes because i had no idea what the best would be
 

Ver1ty

New member
Mar 12, 2011
16
0
0
Ernie Ball's or DR strings. As a beginner, start off with 009 then move on to 010. Just remember to practice, even 20 mins a day should do. Good luck. :)
 

similar.squirrel

New member
Mar 28, 2009
6,021
0
0
I would recommend light strings. Nothing more unforgiving for a beginner than heavy strings and high action ><.

Ernie Ball's are good, as everybody keeps saying.