Guitar strings

[Dagless]

I've been using Ernie Ball super slinky 9 gauge for all my electrics since ever. But my style has somewhat changed. from solo's to rhythm and that.

What would be good strings for a rhythm player? Or would they just not matter? I do like my current strings but I'm always up for a change. Just got some Earthwoods for my acoustic too, which are very, very nice.

What strings does everyone else use?

[CanadaRAM]

rhythm = thick and chunky strings

Less bending, more meat

I'm trying the Elixirs with the micro teflon coating. Seem fine so far.

[iGav]

Ernie Ball super slinky 9 gauge ;) :p

and

Dean Markley .13's through .56's. ;)

[dylan]

I use Ernie Ball RPS 12's for lead and rhythm.

The heavier the better.

[netdog]

If you strengthen your fingers, say with an acoustic with heavier strings, then electric .11s will seem to you like .09s seem to you now, but your tone will be a lot better. Those little spring loaded finger grip exercisers are also good. Strengthen those fingers and kiss those .09s goodbye.

[Kernow]

I use the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky. The lower strings are thicker for rhythm playing, but the top strings are the same as the super slinky

[andy89]

I use what evers on offer :p
But I prefer the slightly thicker strings,
Must be because I used to play acoustic for so long:rolleyes:

[jessica.]

I couldn't agree more about the gripmaster.

As for the strings, I use D'Addario strings. I used to use EBs but they were out one day and I picked these up and never turned back.

[floyde]

I don't know if they're good for rhythm, but I use Dean Markley Blue Steel 9's (exclusively :cool: ). They have a nice crunchy feel. I like thicker strings, but I once got some JZ gauges and they screwed up my hardware :( . I never touched anything above .009 ever again...

I'm surprised so many people use Ernie Ball, for some reason, I just can't stand them. But I guess it's just me.

[MattG]

Elixirs, for everything...they sound great and they last long.

[dornoforpyros]

I'm surprised so many people use Ernie Ball, for some reason, I just can't stand them. But I guess it's just me.


The first (and last) set of Ernie Ball strings I bought lasted about 2 weeks, and I managed to break one just putting them on. So ever since then it's been Dean Markley

[Saluki Alex]

I'm going to have to go with CanadaRAM and MattG and recommend Elixirs.

[skibob1027]

Elixirs, for everything...they sound great and they last long.

Totally agree! You'll pay a couple of bucks extra, but the tone and longevity of the strings make it well worth it - especially on acoustics. On electrics they are great as well, though.

[SuperSnake2012]

I use GHS Boomers right now. I can't use 9s anymore, they are too thin and don't pack much punch. 10s or bust :)

[Brize]

Another vote for Elixir strings here (Acoustic, Nanoweb).

[bartelby]

I've been using Ernie Ball super slinky 9 gauge for all my electrics since ever. But my style has somewhat changed. from solo's to rhythm and that.

What would be good strings for a rhythm player? Or would they just not matter? I do like my current strings but I'm always up for a change. Just got some Earthwoods for my acoustic too, which are very, very nice.

What strings does everyone else use?


I use gauge 13s of whatever brand I can find 13s in.

[nicoritschel]

I use gauge 13s of whatever brand I can find 13s in.

The same goes for me as well.

[MattG]

Totally agree! You'll pay a couple of bucks extra, but the tone and longevity of the strings make it well worth it - especially on acoustics. On electrics they are great as well, though.

If you're ever looking for a deal, this guy has pretty good prices and gets them out to you really fast...I've ordered them several times.
http://www.stringsandbeyond.com

(not affiliated with them in any way)

[skibob1027]

If you're ever looking for a deal, this guy has pretty good prices and gets them out to you really fast...I've ordered them several times.
http://www.stringsandbeyond.com

(not affiliated with them in any way)

Wow! Those are amazing prices for Elixers - how's the shipping costs/customer service?

[jaysmith]

Elixirs, for everything...they sound great and they last long.
most of my friends started playing elixirs and have worn by them ever since. they do sound great.

[MattG]

Wow! Those are amazing prices for Elixers - how's the shipping costs/customer service?

If you order something like 4 or 5 (or more) sets, the shipping is free. Also, he usually throws in free picks and a handwritten "thank you." Pretty nice!

[swano]

I've been using blue steel's forever, I love them. I tried the Eddie Van Halen strings, being a fan of his, and I broke most of them...this was years ago. I've also used rnadom other brands but I keep going to Blue Steels. They sound good and last a good while..... pick you're favorite gauge, everyone had different playing styles and have their own preferences, that's a no win argument!

[notjustjay]

I, too, love Elixirs.

[strider42]

I've been using blue steel's forever, I love them. I tried the Eddie Van Halen strings, being a fan of his, and I broke most of them...this was years ago. I've also used rnadom other brands but I keep going to Blue Steels. They sound good and last a good while..... pick you're favorite gauge, everyone had different playing styles and have their own preferences, that's a no win argument!

Are you talking about those 5150 brand strings. I got a 10 pack of those on sale a long time for a great price. Worst strings I ever had in my entire life. Every pack broke at least one string within a few days, some almost immediately. I think they were made by ernie ball. Don't trust them at all anymore.

I don't really play anymore, but need to get some new strings for the acoustic I still have. I used to have great sucess with D'Adarios trongs (I think that's the name). I don't know what thickness I'll go though. Like I said, I do't play much anymore, so my fingers aren't as strong as they used to be. And my acoustic has relatively high action. But maybe I'll check out these elixir strongs so many people seem so high on.

Anyone play classical? Any brands you recommend for those. I also have a classical guitar I need strongs for.

[Angelus520]

I mostly play rhythm and use thin Dunlop Tortex .50 picks so I go with heavy strings on my Tele and have to concur with Elixir strings. I started using them on my 12-string acoustic when they first came out in the mid-late '90s and won't go back to regular strings. My Taylor acoustic even came with them when I bought it in '99.

[hellodon]

i've been sold on blue steel for electric and elixir for acoustic for a while now.

[DZ/015]

For classical guitar I use Augustine reds. Never had a problem with them.