Metal guitarists are a rarefied breed who approach their instrument in a way that’s unique from other genres — pushing the limits of down tuning, bending, dive-bombing, and other aggressive techniques. To execute those methods to their fullest takes specialized strings purpose-built for metal. In this article, we take a look at five sets of strings that metalheads will adore, whether they’re into classic or modern styles or anything in between!
Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings — .011–.048
The Don of Downpicking, James Hetfield, was something of a string snapper in Metallica’s garage days. But, in the mid-1980s, as the band was circling the globe and recruiting legions of would-be diehards, James’s blight of broken strings suddenly ceased. So, what happened? At first, even James was stumped. After all, he hadn’t decided to grant “More Beer,” his trustworthy Gibson Explorer, any mercy onstage. Turns out, a guitar tech had outfitted James’s stable of axes with Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky strings — and the rest is history. James has been rocking Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky strings ever since. Made from nickel-plated steel wrapped around a tin-plated hex-shaped steel core wire, Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky strings can handle any damage thrown their way.
D’Addario NYXL1052 Nickel Wound Electric Strings — .010–.052 Light Top/Heavy Bottom
In developing their NYXL electric guitar string series, D’Addario was aiming to create strings with unmatched stability — ones that would bend farther, last longer, and hold their intonation even under extreme stress. Guitarists at Sweetwater will tell you they hit the mark with the D’Addario NYXL strings! Inspired by the steel suspension wires that have held up the Brooklyn Bridge for nearly 140 years, D’Addario NYXLs owe their strength to a high-carbon steel core made with a unique “fusion twist” process and reformulated-nickel string windings, which increase the magnetic properties that activate your pickups for hotter output and a juicier sound. Misha Mansoor, Periphery’s fleet-fingered guitarist, favors this light top/heavy bottom set, which showcases his melodically complex playing style while serving up a hefty chug. They’re an ideal choice for guitarists who cover the entire fingerboard.
Ernie Ball 2214 Mammoth Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings — .012–.062
Speaking of heavy bottoms, few six-string sets can claim the elephantine girth of Ernie Ball 2214 Mammoth Slinky strings. Just look at that .062 bottom string; it’s the size of a bass string! If you’re spelunking in the deepest depths of your guitar’s tuning range, then Mammoth Slinkys are the lifeline you need. On a 25.5-inch scale neck, Mammoth Slinkys provide optimal tension in standard C tuning with no floppiness and clear note articulation when strumming full chords. For heavy riffing, the Mammoth Slinkys churn out brain-smashing lows with osmium-dense harmonics — the heaviest of heavy metals! The Ernie Ball Mammoth Slinky guitar strings are built around a tin-plated hex core with a nickel-plated steel wrap. And the ball ends of the plain strings are tightly wrapped in bronze wire to prevent slippage and to minimize string breaks — a must for forceful players.
Dunlop DHCN1048 Heavy Core NPS Electric Strings — .010–.048 “Heavy”
If you hang out in standard tuning or dip into Drop D and require a thick, brutal tone, then Dunlop Heavy Core strings are a killer choice. Dunlop strings are immensely popular among metalheads, and Heavy Core strings are their most metal-centric to date. Made in Dunlop’s factory in Benicia, California, Heavy Core strings are the product of intense research and development, culminating in a design that features proprietary wrap ratios and carefully selected core wires to withstand maximum aggression. The .010–.048 “Heavy” set applies added tension to the lower strings to coax out extra growl, punch, and bark while retaining clarity. Natural and pinch harmonics scream off the fingerboard, and Heavy Core strings crank up the sustain to stratospheric heights. No matter what metal genre or subgenre you rep, you’ll find a lot to like about Dunlop Heavy Core strings.
DR Strings MT-10 Tite-Fit Compression Wound Electric Guitar Strings — .010–.046 Medium
DR’s most popular guitar strings, DR Tite-Fit strings, aren’t metal strings per se. They’re genre neutral, loved by garage rockers, technical virtuosos, bluesmen, and jazz players alike. Then, why have they shown up on our list? Because these are some seriously bend-tastic strings. DR Tite-Fit strings’ round-core construction imparts an inherently fat sound while being uber-pliable — massive, double-whole-step bends are no problem! DR strings, including the DR Tite-Fits, are made from the most advanced and highest-quality USA metals available, so they’re as reliable as they are full of tone. If you’re a metal player who likes to take the occasional musical swim in the neighbor’s genre pool, then you’ll dig the versatile DR Tite-Fit strings.
String Up with Sweetwater!
Picking the right set of strings is all about your personal style! These are five of our favorites, but, at Sweetwater, we offer an outstanding variety of strings for every type of player. Not sure which strings are right for you? Give our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers a call at (800) 222-4700. Like mountain Sherpas, they’re here to guide you on your journey to the ultimate metal tone!
