Whether you're new to metal or have a lot of experience in the genre, you probably know that the right strings are absolutely necessary to achieve the tone you want. However, finding the best guitar strings for metal can be a challenge -- after all, the market is just about saturated, and it can be hard to tell what strings are best for you without actually trying them out for yourself.
Finding the right guitar strings for metal can be a journey unto itself. However, in order to help you out, we've collected seven types of electric guitar strings that sound great when playing metal. In the following sections, we'll take you through our choices and tell you a little about each one.
Our Picks - Seven Best Guitar Strings for Metal
Make | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Ernie Ball | Regular Slinky Cobalt | ||
D'Addario | NYXL 1046 | ||
Dunlop | Heavy Core | ||
Elixir | Strings 19102 | ||
Ernie Ball | Mammoth Slinky | ||
Fender | Yngwie Malmsteen Signature | ||
D'Addario | EHR310 |
Review of our Top Picks
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt -- Best All-Around
Important Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Brief Review & Star Rating
Review
Ever heard of a cobalt string? Cobalt strings were pioneered by Ernie Ball, one of the leaders in guitar string technology. Cobalt creates a stronger magnetic connection between pickups and strings than any other string material. And if you rely on high-output pickups like most metal players, you'll appreciate this extra boost.
These strings are also smooth to the touch, making playing a more fun experience. Cobalt string sets are supple yet durable, making them great for string bends and dive-bombing.
Our Star Rating
We think the Slinky Cobalt string sets are the best all-around option. We give them five out of five stars.
D'Addario NYXL 1046 -- Best Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom
Important Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Brief Review & Star Rating
Review
Ernie Ball isn't the only guitar string superbrand to make this list. D'Addario is another well-known maker, and we especially like this string set. It's used by Misha Mansoor of the band Periphery.
These strings are somewhat unique in that the string set order has a skinny string at the top and a heavy string at the bottom. These guitar strings have a high-carbon steel core made with a special process that helps increase output. They also are made to be durable and stable, so you'll be able to bend strings and play aggressively without worrying about losing tuning stability.
Our Star Rating
We think these are the best skinny top/heavy bottom strings on the list. We give them four out of five stars.
Dunlop Heavy Core -- Best for Drop Tunings
Important Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Brief Review & Star Rating
Review
Depending on the genre you play, you may or may not have experience drop tuning. However, many metal players frequently drop-tuned, and with drop-tuning comes the challenge of creating an ideal tone.
These extra heavy strings (10-48) help give you the presence and snarl you need to stand out on stage. They are made with heavy steel cores and Dunlop's special nickel wrap technology to give you a balanced tone with a special focus on the midrange and low end.
Our Star Rating
We think these are the best strings out there for drop tuning. We give them three and half out of five stars
Elixir Strings 19102 -- Best Coated Option
Important Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Brief Review & Star Rating
Review
Elixir guitar strings are known for their long life and excellent playability. You may or may not like coated strings, but if you want to get more life out of your guitar strings, you might want to give them a try -- coating on wrapped strings and anti-rust plating on unwrapped strings helps protect them from corrosion over time.
These medium-gauge strings (11-49) are also a little lighter than some on the list, making them a good choice for those who don't like playing heavy strings. It's also worth noting that these are not your typical nickel wound strings -- they are wrapped with nickel-plated steel.
Our Star Rating
We think these guitar strings are the best-coated option on the list. We give them four out of five stars.
Ernie Ball Mammoth Slinky -- Best Heavy
Important Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Brief Review & Star Rating
Review
For some players, heavy metal requires heavy strings. We've already mentioned Ernie Ball strings here, and we think they're one of the best brands in the business. These heavy strings may be too much for some players -- their gauges range from 12-62.
Because of the string heaviness, Mammoth Slinky guitar strings are great for players who routinely use drop tunings. Wrapped strings have nickel-plated steel wrap, while unwrapped strings are made of high-carbon steel.
Our Star Rating
We think these are the best heavy strings on the list. We give them four out of five stars.
Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Signature -- Best Lighter Gauge
Important Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Brief Review & Star Rating
Review
These strings are a little lighter than some on the list, but if you're a shredder, we think you'll like their incredible playability. These strings range from 8-46 gauges, and like most Fender electric guitar strings, they are made of nickel-plated steel.
These strings also have another unique innovation -- bullet ends. Each string has a bullet-shaped end (instead of a ball end) which helps increase sustain and improve tone. They work well with a tremolo system, making them a great choice for heavy metal players.
Our Star Rating
We think these are the best light gauge strings on the list. We give them four out of five stars.
D'Addario EHR310 -- Best Half Round
Important Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Brief Review & Star Rating
Review
Looking for something different? This set of strings is half-round, meaning that each string has the smoother feel of a flatwound string combined with the tension of a roundwound string.
If you've never played strings of this type, it may take some getting used to. However, the flatter playing surface means you get an extra-slick feel and reduced string noise.
Our Star Rating
We think these are the best half round strings on the list. We give them four out of five stars.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
Like we mentioned earlier, choosing guitar strings for any genre of music can be a challenge. But there are some things to consider before you make your selection. Here's what to keep in mind before you buy it.
What Material?
String material is one of the most important considerations to make. Most electric guitar strings have a steel core, but the wrap wire alloy makes a huge difference in tone and feel.
Many strings are wound with pure nickel. These strings have a warmer tone with less midrange. Nickel-played steel is more common in strings designed for metal, as the sound tends to be a bit sharper and clearer.
Some strings use cobalt alloy winding, which can increase sound output -- a plus for many metal players.
Coated or Uncoated?
Players from every genre run into issues of string longevity. Each time you play, dirt and debris get stuck on your strings. This causes corrosion, which can deaden your sound and lead to early string breakage.
Coated strings tend to last longer, but some players don't like the feel -- it all depends on your preferences.
Choosing a Gauge
String gauge is also critically important. If you often drop-tune, you might need heavier strings. If you have a light touch, a set of lighter gauge strings may sound better. Many metal players tend to lean heavier in terms of gauge -- these strings tend to produce the rich, beefy tones that you so often hear in metal songs.
In Conclusion
We think you can't really go wrong with any of the strings on this list, but our top choice is the Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt set. The combination of comfortable feel with high-output cobalt winding makes these strings great for metal players. That said, if you want a heavy tone to match your heavy metal, you might like the Ernie Ball Mammoth Slinky or the Dunlop Heavy Core. Take your time looking, and you'll almost certainly find the right strings for you. Happy playing!