Guitar Strings

Guitar strings are as important as the guitar itself. Heck, without the strings, you got nuthin’!

Sometimes it takes a while to figure out which strings you like. You have to test things like tone, how well they stay in tune, the string gauge. This all factors into choosing the strings you end up using for your unique sound.

Guitar Player Magazine usually has a number of guitarist interviews in each issue, and part of the interview is "What gear are you using?" These musicians will sometimes let you know which strings they’re using. This way, if there’s a particular sound you’re after, you can get an idea which strings are being used to help you get the tone you’re after.

Here’s a list of just some of the guitar string manufacturers out there. They all have a good reputation and have plenty of rock guitarists endorsing (promoting) the strings of their choice.

I’ve used them all and have my favorite, but you have to figure out what works for you. Try ’em out for yourself...


D’Addario

D’Addario makes a good set of guitar strings. Some of the artists using D’Addario strings are:

  • 3 Doors Down
  • Brad Delson (Linkin Park)
  • Death Cab For Cutie
  • Peter Frampton
  • Billy Martin (Good Charlotte)
  • Neal Schon (Journey)
  • Joe Satriani

You can check out their selection of strings and all sorts of other good content by clicking on the logo below.

D'Addario Strings

Here's a very cool video on how D'Addario strings are made:

It's probably a very similar process for every other manufacturer.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Slinkys are favorites among rock musicians. Some of the rock artists using Ernie Ball Strings are:

  • AC/DC
  • Bowling for Soup
  • Benji Madden (Good Charlotte)
  • Incubus
  • Nickelback
  • No Doubt
  • Sugarcult

In addition to their line of strings, Ernie Ball has a line of instrument care products: wipes, polishes, fretboard conditioners and string cleaners. Head out to the Ernie Ball website here.

Ernie Ball also has a line of guitars that are promoted by some pretty heavy-hitters. These are known as the Music Man line of guitars. Check 'em out here.

GHS

GHS has a great website with a lot of good information about guitar strings. For rock, the GHS Boomers strings are a favorite. Just a few of the rock artists to use GHS Strings are:

  • Def Leppard
  • Green Day
  • Goo Goo Dolls
  • David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

You can check out GHS Strings here.

If you need to get yourself some new ones now, head on over here for a good selection of guitar strings. You can get some pretty good deals on GHS, Ernie Ball, Fender strings and more.

SIT ("Stay In Tune")

These just happen to be my favorites. They really do "stay-in-tune"! These guitar strings also have a nice, bright tone. It’s kinda cool when you find out there’s a well-known (but hidden) resource right in your back yard. I live pretty close to Akron, Ohio, so they’re right around the corner from me. Rock artists using SIT strings:

  • Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
  • Foreigner
  • Joe Walsh (The Eagles)
  • My Chemical Romance
  • Taking Back Sunday

This is the SIT Strings website.

Of course I haven’t covered all the different string manufacturers. I just happen to have experience using these manufacturers. Do you have a favorite string brand? Tell me about the guitar strings you like.