The not so ulimate guide to electric guitar strings

Do heavier strings sound better than lighter ones? What strings are easier to play? Which strings will last longer? And do strings matter at all? Questions we asked ourselves when we discussed strings for electric guitars. These are opinions on sound, playability and durability.

What happend to the ultimate guide?

We were aiming to write the ultimate guide on electric guitar strings. But that was a task well beyond our capabilities. Turns out that there are far more opinions on strings then there are facts about strings. The facts we have, are mostly specifications. They tell us very little about the things that matter most; how do they sound; how do they feel and how long will they last. And the answers to these questions are highly individual and therefore opinionated. So instead of writing the ultimate guide we share some of our experiences and insights. And we will point out other views that are worth checking out.

Strings are one of many factors

Let me start by saying that on an electric guitar the effect of strings is one of many things that will influence your playing. But there are others that will have far more influence. Think of the guitar and pickups you use, your amp and whatever is between your amp and the guitar. So, strings on an electric are not the biggest factor in your sound. But strings have one very important function. They are your very personal connection to the guitar and its sound. They make you feel the guitar. I dare to say that the feel and playability of the string are more important that the sound of the strings. On an electric that is. On acoustics it is a very different game. But that is for a different day. Today it is about electrics.

Let’s dive into the confusing, wonderful world of electric guitar strings, exploring how the right gauge, material, and construction will influence your playing experience.

String gauge, heavy hitters versus lightweights

Let’s kick things off with the age-old debate: string gauge. If you’ve ever wondered whether heavier or lighter strings could change your life, you’re not alone. This is the general opinion.

• Heavier Gauge Strings (e.g., .011–.052)

  These are the muscle cars of the string world. They offer a fuller, richer tone with more sustain and a beefy low-end that can shake the walls. Think of them as your go-to for when you need to fill a room with sound. Whether you’re chugging through a metal riff or laying down some thick, soulful blues, heavier strings give you that extra oomph. But, of course, with great tone comes great responsibility—they’re tougher to bend and require more finger strength. So, if you’re up for the challenge, these strings will reward you with a sound that’s as big as your ambitions.

• Lighter Gauge Strings (e.g., .009–.042)

   On the other end of the spectrum, we have the sprinters—light gauge strings. These are all about speed, precision, and comfort. They’re perfect for fast runs, intricate solos, and those signature blues bends that soar through the mix. Lighter strings are easier on your fingers, making them great for extended playing sessions or for players who value dexterity and fluidity. They might not pack the same punch as heavier strings, but they’ll let you dance across the fretboard with ease.

Other opinions

Now like I promised, there are other opinions. Rick Beato and Reth Shull made a very informative and for some shocking video on how lighter guitar strings are actually better even for a heavy sound.  ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons is the living proof that you don’t need big strings for a heavy sound. He plays .08”s! And Joe Bonamassa and Stevie Ray Vaugh show us that you don’t need light strings for blistering fast licks. Bonamassa plays 0.11 while SRV has been known to play 0.13”. And that never got in his way of doing 5 half step bends.

So, which should you choose? The answer, of course, depends on your playing style. Are you looking to fill arenas with your tone, or do you need to execute lightning-fast solos with pinpoint accuracy? Try experimenting with different gauges to see how they change your sound and feel—you might be surprised by what a simple string change can do.

Sound, finding your perfect sonic match

Now that we’ve covered gauge, let’s talk about how different string types can shape your tone.

• Nickel-Plated Steel Strings

  These are the Swiss Army knife of guitar strings—versatile, reliable, and ready for anything. They offer a balanced tone with bright highs and warm lows, making them a solid choice for players who hop between genres. Whether you’re shredding in a rock band or jamming out some blues, these strings will keep you sounding good without pigeonholing you into one particular style.

• Pure Nickel Strings

  If you’re chasing that warm, vintage tone, pure nickel strings are your ticket to tonal nirvana. They deliver a smooth, mellow sound that’s perfect for classic rock, jazz, and blues. These strings have a softer attack and a rounded, rich tone that can make your guitar sing like it’s straight out of the ‘60s. They might not be the brightest strings on the block, but they more than make up for it with their soulful sound.

• Stainless Steel Strings

  These are for the players who like their tone as sharp as their riffs. Stainless steel strings are bright, punchy, and packed with sustain. They’re perfect for cutting through the mix in a high-energy rock or metal setting. Plus, they’re durable and corrosion-resistant, so they’ll keep their tone and feel longer than other strings. If you like your guitar to roar like a lion, these are the strings for you.

• Coated Strings

  For those who like a little extra longevity in their strings (and who doesn’t?), coated strings are a great option. These strings have a thin layer of polymer coating that protects them from the elements—sweat, dirt, and all those things that turn shiny new strings into dull, lifeless wires. While the coating can slightly reduce brightness, the trade-off is strings that last longer and stay sounding fresh. Perfect for players who gig regularly and need strings that can go the distance.

Playability, where comfort meets control

Your tone might be king, but if your strings don’t feel right under your fingers, it’s game over. Playability is all about how comfortable the strings are to play and how they respond to your touch.

• Gauge and Tension

  As we mentioned earlier, lighter strings are easier to play, requiring less force to fret and bend. This makes them ideal for lead work, fast runs, and players who prefer a lighter touch. Heavier strings, while tougher on the fingers, offer more resistance, which can give you more control during bends and vibrato. They also have a more substantial feel, which some players find more satisfying. Gauge and tension are not the same thing. In general a heavier gauge will create more tension. But there are exceptions to this rule.

• String Material

  The material of your strings also affects playability. Stainless steel strings, while bright and durable, can feel a bit rougher under the fingers compared to nickel-plated or pure nickel strings. Coated strings, with their smooth surface, reduce finger noise and make slides feel like you’re gliding on air. If comfort is a priority, you might find that coated strings give you the best of both worlds—good tone and a slick feel.

• Winding Type

  Roundwound strings are the standard, offering a good balance of grip and smoothness. They’re great for most playing styles and are what you’ll find on most guitars straight out of the box. Flatwound strings, on the other hand, have a completely smooth surface, making them ideal for jazz and blues players who want a mellow tone and a super-smooth feel. They’re also great for reducing finger noise and making slides easier.

Durability, strings that stand the test of time

Let’s face it—nobody likes changing strings, especially when they break right in the middle of a gig. Durability is a big deal, especially if you’re a hard player or a frequent gigger.

• Acidity of your hands and cleaning

  Metals tend to corrode more rapidly in an acid environment. The PH value (acidity) of your skin has an effect on how long your strings will last. This is of course personal and there is not much that can be done about it. Playing with clean hands helps. Wiping down your strings with a clean cloth after playing helps also and will make your strings last longer.  If you have a very high PH value playing coated strings is wiser.

• Material and Lifespan

  Stainless steel strings are the workhorses of the string world. They resist corrosion and wear, making them a great choice for players who want strings that can take a beating. Nickel-plated steel strings are also quite durable, though they might not last as long as stainless steel. Pure nickel strings, while offering that sweet vintage tone, tend to be less durable and may need to be changed more frequently.

• Coated Strings

  If durability is your main concern, coated strings are a no-brainer. The coating protects them from the usual culprits—sweat, dirt, and grime—keeping them sounding and feeling fresh for longer. While they might be a bit more expensive upfront, the extended lifespan can make them more cost-effective in the long run. Plus, fewer string changes mean more time playing and less time fiddling with your gear.

Experiment and find your string match

When it comes to electric guitar strings, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best strings for you will depend on your playing style, the tone you’re chasing, and how you like your guitar to feel. The good news is that strings are one of the most affordable and impactful ways to tweak your sound and improve your playing experience.

The strings that we we put on our Kauffmann guitars

When it came to selecting a string for our Kauffmann Guitars there were a few things that stood out for us. First and foremost, our strings needs to be serving our motto ‘it is all about the feel’. We want our guitars to feel easy to play, but we all dislike the lighter feel of a 9-24 set. We wanted a string that felt solid and flexible at the same time. Secondly our guitars are shipped out to dealers and could be in their store for some time and will be played by many different hands. So, durability is a main concern. Therefore, it had to be coated strings. We settled for D’addario XS 10-46. And we found that it is a solid feeling, flexible string with a smooth feel and plenty of durability in it.

Experiment

We encourage you to investigate yourself what string suits your needs. Go ahead, try out different gauges, materials, and windings. You might just find that a simple string change can breathe new life into your playing and inspire you to reach new heights. After all, your guitar deserves the best—so why settle for anything less?