Stratocaster which strings

These strings provide a balance of tension and substance. They are often preferred for genres like jazz and blues but are also well suited to rock. Strings with a medium gauge allow a Stratocaster player to dig in a little, and produce the classic Strat break-ups. They can also produce smooth tone for rung out chords and melodies. Heavy strings gauges are likely to look something like this:. Although these strings are rarer than their thinner counterparts, they are popular amongst metal and blues players.

One of the main advantages of using heavy-gauge strings with a Strat is that they allow you to experiment with drop tunings. Thinner strings handle drop tuning much less effectively, but thicker ones keep the tone powerful when you detune them. They also provide a significantly stronger resistance and therefore require more finger strength. For experienced, technical players, this can be a welcome addition to their Stratocaster. More resistance essentially means a more exaggerated style of playing.

Heavy gauge strings are also known to produce a warm, and resonant tone across the frequency range of a Strat. The tone and playability of a Fender Stratocaster are unrivaled. Its versatility makes the guitar suitable for a wide variety of genres and styles of playing.

To ensure that you get the best out of your Strat, you need to assess which strings are best suited to your needs. The recommendations in this article are all ideally suited to a Stratocaster. Ross is a music producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He is the frontman of The Blue Dawns, where he handles vocal and bass duties.

He has extensive experience with bass, drums and guitar. His most recent project is named Gold Jacket. Top 3 - Stratocaster Strings. Ernie Ball Super Slinky 2. Elixir Strings Nanoweb 3. Ernie Ball Super Slinky. View on Sweetwater. View on Amazon. Dunlop DEN Stratocaster String Gauges.

Electric guitar string gauges are often placed in one of three categories. Final Thoughts The tone and playability of a Fender Stratocaster are unrivaled. Technically speaking, these strings have a steel core, and an iron-cobalt alloy surface. Ernie Ball boasts with graphics on the package that this material provides a higher peak output and clearer tone than the other common materials.

Since stock Stratocasters have single-coil pickups, boosting their output is a plus. Humbucking pickups were invented to the same end. As a matter of fact, while writing my previous guide on strings for the telecaster, I learned of these strings and ordered a couple of packs.

I record with vintage amps, and my recordings have never sounded better. Regular Slinky and Power Slinky medium and heavy gauge, respectively are probably the best pairings with the Strat. If you are playing funk or reggae, try the Power Slinky or even Mammoth Slinky for that thick, laid-back rhythm playing.

Though a little pricey, the reviews unanimously praise their longevity. Since whammy bars tend to throw weaker strings out of tune, this is definitely an advantage! Before nickel-plated steel, electric guitar strings were usually pure nickel, so these strings will give a classic, warm, round tone. Try them for blues or blues-rock! For yet another direction, try ECG23 chrome strings.

Speaking of quacking, the Strat takes to blues like a duck to water. These strings are nickel-plated steel. But while most strings in that category have a hexagonal cross-section steel core, the DR Pure Blues have a round core. Chords ring out sweet and round. Leads become more present with tons of punch and sustain. If you play rock, Americana, classic rock, or blues, give them a try!

Fender produces a wide range of instruments and accessories, including strings, and they rarely miss. The company has achieved success in such disparate areas as guitars and basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, and electric pianos.

But their pure nickel line is highly regarded for a vintage Strat tone, and their line of nickel-plated steel strings were probably on your Strat if you bought it new.

Elixir has made a name for itself with its line of coated electric guitar strings. Try their Nanoweb line for a brighter tone, or Polyweb for a smoother and mellower one. As a Fender Stratocaster player, you are paying tribute to some of the greatest guitarists of all time, and continuing the tradition of soulful, reverent playing they have established. Ultimately, any string can play any style, but your string choice can work for or against your playing style and sound.

Good feel, nice tone, great durability. Messages 1, Strats are the only guitar I prefer 9s on. The rest get 10s. I like my Strat to be a little slinkier. Messages 14, String gauge is such a personal thing, I'm not sure how anyone's answers are going to help you.

Just give both a shot and see which you prefer. Taller Gold Supporting Member. Went with the stock 9's for years on my Strat, and 'just to see Really to me improved the tone, making it a bit fatter. I use 10's on all my PRSs and Fenders. Messages The majority of stock Fender's are 9s out of the box.

Snap Member. Anyone use 11's on a strat or is that just crazy talk? Snap said:. I use 11's. Boogie Member. OM Flyer said:. Average Joe Member. Messages 12, Silver Supporting Member. Messages 10,