You want to choose the best strings for your electric guitar. With all the options available, how do you decide which strings to get? With so many brands and types to consider, it can be more than a little overwhelming to know where to start. Why not go with a company that's been making guitar strings longer than almost anybody else in the U.S.A.? That would be D'Addario—one of the most respected names in the industry and the world's largest string manufacturer—known for their exceptional tone, durability and playability.

Always atop the best-seller list, D'Addario electric strings are meticulously designed and manufactured to meet the demands of electric guitarists, with innovative technology that mines a range of materials and methods to create strings that help you find your own voice, no matter what style of genre you play. From the bright, powerful sound of NYXL to the warm, rich tones of XL Chromes, D'Addario has the right strings for every player.

Table of Contents

A Note on Caring for Your Electric Guitar
   When Should I Change the Strings on My Electric Guitar?
A Guide to D'Addario Electric Guitar Strings
   Comparing D'Addario's Electric Guitar String Series
   D'Addario NYXL 1046 Light Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario NYXL 1059 7-String Light Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario XT Nickel Plated Steel Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario EXL110 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario EXL115W Nickel Blues/Jazz Wound 3rd Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario EXl150 Nickel XL 12-String Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario EXL158 Light Baritone Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario EPN110 Pure Nickel Electric Guitar Strings
   D'Addario XL Chromes ECG24 Jazz Light Flatwound Electric Guitar Strings
Where Is the Best Place to Get D'Addario Strings?

A Note on Caring for Your Electric Guitar

Taking care of your electric guitar is just as important as choosing the right strings. While most solid body electrics are not quite as sensitive to their environs, regular maintenance is still important. It can help extend the life of your instrument and keep it ready to riff out. And for semi hollow and hollowbody electrics, they need proper care almost as much as your acoustics. Be sure to clean, dust and polish your guitar regularly, avoid extreme temperatures, and use a humidifier or dehumidifier in your case, such as D'Addario's Humidipak Restore system, along with a D'Addario Humidity and Temperature Sensor, to maintain optimal humidity levels. Oh, and clean and oil that fingerboard, too. As an added bonus, remembering to always wipe down your strings and neck after a playing session will help increase string life, sometimes dramatically. For a deeper dive, check out our Riffs article, Five Easy Ways to Care for Your Electric Guitar.

When Should I Change the Strings on My Electric Guitar?

Regularly slapping on fresh strings is an essential part of maintaining the quality of your electric guitar's sound. How often you should replace your strings depends on a number of factors—how much you play, how aggressively you play, guitar type, body chemistry and many others. As a general rule, if you're playing or practicing every day, you probably should aim to change your strings at least once a month. If you're only picking up the guitar now and then, you might get by with every 3–6 months. Either way, when you start to notice a decrease in tone quality, it's probably past time. Look out for signs such as:

• A dull or muted sound
• Strings feel gritty or grimy
• Difficulty producing a clear, crisp tone
• Warbling sounds, like the pickup isn't sure exactly what note it is
• Changes in string intonation

By changing your strings regularly, you can help maintain the integrity of your guitar and ensure that it continues to produce its best sound.

A Guide to D'Addario Electric Guitar Strings

D'Addario electric strings have developed a reputation for quality, consistency and tone. Not only are they made of the finest available materials, but D'Addario also maintains an active research and development team to make sure that, if there's a better way to make a guitar string, they'll be at the front of the pack. For every guitar, in every style—for every player in every genre—there are D'Addario electric guitar strings to suit. But, with that much choice, how do you decide? Here's a quick comparison chart that should help you home in on which series of strings will be right for you. And, if you're curious to know more about what goes into making strings, check out our Riffs article, How to Choose the Best Electric Guitar Strings.

Before we get to the chart, though, a quick word about D’Addario’s coated strings We often get asked, “What’s the difference between the XS and the XT coatings?” It’s a simple, but profound difference. XT strings use a coating on the wrap wire only. This protects against corrosion while maintaining a more traditional string feel. XS strings, on the other hand, use a polymer coating that is thinner than a human hair to cover the entire string, even the plain strings. This gives a smoother feel with almost no finger noise and a drastically improved string life. Okay, now that we’ve got that dealt with, on to the comparison chart.

Comparing D'Addario's Electric Guitar String Series

Series	Materials	Coated or Plain	Playing Feel	Tonal Character
NYXL	High-carbon NY Steel core with nickel-plated wrap	Plain	Smooth feel, flexible for bending and dynamic playing	Bright and punchy, enhanced midrange presence
XS	Nickel-plated steel wrap with ultrathin polymer coating	Fully coated (entire string, including core and wrap)	Extremely smooth, reduced finger noise	Bright and crisp with reduced overtones, long-lasting tone
XT	Nickel-plated steel wrap with NY Steel core	Coated wrap wire only	Traditional feel with enhanced longevity	Warm and bright, consistent tone over extended use
EXL	Nickel-plated steel wrap over hexagonal steel core	Plain	Balanced tension, suitable for diverse playing styles	Bright, versatile and balanced across the frequency spectrum
EPN (Pure Nickel)	Pure nickel wrap over hexagonal steel core	Plain	Soft and slightly mellow feel	Warm, vintage-inspired tone with midrange emphasis
XL Chromes	Stainless steel ribbon flatwound over hexagonal steel core	Plain	Ultrasmooth feel, minimal finger noise	Warm and mellow, focused on clarity and sustain

D'Addario NYXL 1046 Light Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: For lead players, the NYXL offers excellent note definition, ensuring your solos shine even in dense mixes.

Shop Now: D'Addario NYXL 1046 Light Electric Guitar Strings

The NYXL 1046 strings are a game changer for guitarists who demand reliability and exceptional performance. Built with D’Addario’s proprietary high-carbon NY Steel core, these strings are engineered to stay in tune longer and resist breakage under intense playing conditions. Their nickel-plated wrap wire enhances tonal clarity and provides a powerful midrange boost, making them versatile enough for a wide range of genres. Whether you’re shredding a solo or strumming chords, the NYXL 1046 delivers a lively, dynamic response with a smooth feel under your fingers.

These strings also offer impressive sustain and a bright, punchy tone that cuts through the mix, making them ideal for both studio recordings and live performances. With improved bendability and an extended lifespan, they’re a favorite among touring musicians and session players alike. And, triple-digit five-star ratings from our customers make this a top choice all around.

D'Addario NYXL 1059 7-String Light Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: Pair these strings with a multi-scale 7-string guitar to maximize clarity and tone across the extended range.

Shop Now: D'Addario NYXL 1059 7-String Light Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

The NYXL 1059 set is designed specifically for 7-string guitars, delivering exceptional low-end clarity and stability for extended-range players. These strings feature D’Addario’s NY Steel core for superior strength and tuning stability, even under the stress of aggressive playing styles. The nickel-plated wrap provides balanced tonal output, ensuring that the low B string maintains definition without overpowering the rest of the set.

Ideal for metal and progressive genres, these strings excel in drop tunings and complex chord voicings. The even tension across the set offers a consistent playing experience, whether you’re riffing on the low strings or soloing on the high ones. Thanks to their robust construction, the D'Addario NYXL 1059 set stands up to heavy picking and intense bending without compromising tone or feel.

 D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: The coating on the XS Nickel strings reduces finger noise, making them a fantastic choice for recording sessions.

Shop Now: D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings .09-.42

The XS Nickel strings bring together cutting-edge technology and D’Addario’s commitment to exceptional tone. Featuring an ultrathin polymer coating, these strings offer an unprecedented level of protection against corrosion without sacrificing tone or feel. The nickel-plated wrap delivers a bright, crisp sound with a smooth and natural playing experience. With less finger noise and enhanced durability, the XS series is perfect for guitarists seeking long-lasting performance. And rave reviews from our customers saying things like, “I've used other strings in the past and these are the best. They sound better, last longer and stay in tune better,” make it clear these are a great choice for the picky player.

The XS Nickel 09-42 set, in particular, provides an extra-light gauge for effortless bends and reduced finger fatigue, making it ideal for players who favor speed and precision. These strings are versatile enough to shine in a variety of genres, from jazz to hard rock, and their extended lifespan makes them a go-to choice for frequent performers.

 D'Addario XT Nickel Plated Steel Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: If you frequently play outdoor gigs, the XT series resists corrosion and maintains tuning stability in varying climates.

Shop Now: D'Addario XT Nickel Plated Steel Coated Electric Guitar Strings .10-.46

The XT Nickel Plated Steel strings combine D’Addario’s high-quality nickel wrap with their advanced Fusion Twist technology, which strengthens the connection at the ball end to minimize breakage and enhance tuning stability. This wrap wire is coated with a microscopic layer that enhances resistance to moisture and grime, allowing the strings to maintain their bright, lively tone over extended periods of use.

The 10–46 gauge is one of the most popular configurations, striking the perfect balance between playability and tone. These strings offer a smooth feel for effortless fretting and bending while delivering a rich, full-bodied sound. The XT series is particularly well suited for guitar players who perform frequently or live in environments prone to humidity, as they retain their fresh-out-of-the-package tone much longer than uncoated strings.

 D'Addario EXL110 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: For players transitioning from coated strings, the EXL110s offer a brighter tone without sacrificing durability.

Shop Now: D'Addario EXL110 Nickel Wound Light Electric Guitar Strings .10-.46

A cornerstone of D’Addario’s lineup, the EXL110 set is known for its excellent tonal balance and unmatched consistency. Crafted with precision-drawn, hexagonal cores and nickel-plated steel wrap, these strings provide a bright and versatile tone that fits a wide range of styles. They’re equally at home in clean jazz progressions or overdriven rock riffs.

The 10–46 gauge offers a medium feel, giving players a comfortable balance of tension and flexibility. The EXL110s are a reliable choice for guitarists looking for a classic sound with modern performance. Whether you’re gigging regularly or jamming at home, these strings deliver a smooth playing experience and consistent tone across the board.

 D'Addario EXL115W Nickel Blues/Jazz Wound 3rd Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: The wound G string offers more accurate intonation, making it a favorite for players who perform with complex chords and extended voicings.

Shop Now: D'Addario EXL115W Nickel Blues/Jazz Wound 3rd Electric Guitar Strings

The EXL115W set stands out for its wound G string, which provides a richer, warmer tone that’s perfect for blues and jazz players. This unique feature offers enhanced tuning stability and a more balanced response across the fretboard. Constructed with a nickel-plated steel wrap over a hex-core wire, these guitar strings offer a smooth feel and articulate tone that excels in clean or lightly overdriven settings.

With a slightly heavier gauge, the EXL115W set provides a robust sound and improved sustain, making it ideal for expressive soloing and intricate chord voicings. Whether you’re bending blues notes or crafting jazz melodies, these strings respond with clarity and warmth.

D'Addario EXL150 Nickel XL 12-String Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: Pair the EXL150 set with a compressor pedal to bring out the shimmering harmonics of your 12-string guitar in studio or live settings For an example of this sound, check out Roger McGuinn’s 12-string playing with the Byrds. 

Shop Now: D'Addario EXL150 Nickel XL 12-String Electric Guitar Strings

The EXL150 set is tailored for the unique demands of 12-string electric guitars, offering balanced tone and consistent tension across all strings. Constructed with a nickel-plated steel wrap over high-carbon steel cores, these strings deliver a bright and clear sound that enhances the natural chime of a 12-string instrument. Whether you’re strumming rhythmically or picking intricate melodies, the EXL150 set ensures excellent articulation and sustain.

Designed to handle the increased tension of a 12-string setup, these strings provide stability and tuning reliability while maintaining the comfort needed for extended play. The medium-light gauge helps reduce finger fatigue, making it easier to explore the full sonic potential of your instrument.

D'Addario EXL158 Light Baritone Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: Use the EXL158 strings in drop tunings for a powerful low-end punch without sacrificing clarity or tuning stability. 

Shop Now: D'Addario EXL158 Light Baritone Electric Guitar Strings

The EXL158 set is designed specifically for baritone guitars, providing the tension and tonal clarity needed for lower tunings. Featuring a nickel-plated steel wrap over a hexagonal core, these strings offer a robust low-end response while retaining crisp highs and balanced mids. Perfect for genres like metal, rock and alternative, the EXL158 set excels in both clean and overdriven tones.

The light gauge configuration ensures playability without compromising the fullness of the sound. Whether you’re laying down thunderous riffs or melodic lines, these strings provide the stability and durability required for extended-range performance.

 D'Addario EPN110 Pure Nickel Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: Combine these strings with low-output pickups for an authentic vintage sound that’s both warm and dynamic.

Shop Now: D'Addario EPN110 Pure Nickel Regular Light Electric Guitar Strings

The EPN110 set features pure nickel wrap wire for a warm, vintage-inspired tone that’s perfect for classic rock, blues and jazz. With a regular light gauge and a high-carbon steel core, these strings deliver a smooth playing experience with balanced output across all frequencies. The pure nickel construction emphasizes midrange warmth while softening the treble for a rounder, more mellow sound.

Players seeking a more traditional feel and tone will appreciate the nuanced response of the EPN110 strings, which harken back to the sound of the ’50s and ’60s. These strings are ideal for guitarists aiming to recreate the tonal character of vintage recordings. These also get close to universal five-star ratings from our customers.

 D'Addario XL Chromes ECG24 Jazz Light Flatwound Electric Guitar Strings

• Pro Tip: Pair the XL Chromes with a hollowbody guitar to achieve the quintessential jazz tone: smooth, balanced and rich in character.

Shop Now: D'Addario XL Chromes ECG24 Jazz Light Flatwound Electric Guitar Strings

The ECG24 set is D’Addario’s premium offering for jazz guitarists, featuring flatwound construction for an ultrasmooth feel and reduced finger noise. Built with stainless steel ribbon winding over a hexagonal core, these strings produce a warm, mellow tone with exceptional clarity. The flatwound design enhances note definition and sustain, making them a top choice for traditional jazz, blues and even vintage rock.

With their light gauge, the XL Chromes provide a comfortable playing experience, whether you’re comping chords or improvising solos. These strings also excel in recording environments, where their reduced finger noise and focused tone allow for pristine audio capture.

Where Is the Best Place to Get D'Addario Strings?

You're there already! Seriously, Guitar Center, whether you're here on our website or in one of our over 300 stores nationwide, always has a huge selection of D'Addario strings in stock. Our Guitar Center Repairs counter can even help you string up your guitar and make sure it's in top-notch condition for your next gig. If you're still not sure what strings you need, talk to one of our knowledgeable associates in the store, or a Gear Adviser at our call center, and they can help you figure out just what will be right for you. And, if it's been so long that you've forgotten, there's nothing quite like the sound and feel of a fresh set of strings on your favorite guitar to get you playing more. And that's what we all need.