The Best Slide Guitar Strings

When playing slide guitar, a medium-to-thick gauge of string thickness will provide a richer, fuller sound and better contact with the slide. The action on the guitar should be set higher than for conventional playing to avoid unwanted fret noises. The best slide guitar strings for acoustic or electric guitar are therefore medium-to-thick gauge and made from bronze or nickel for a bright, warm tone.

D'Addario Phosphor Bronze EJ17 Acoustic

D'Addario Phosphor Bronze EJ17 guitar strings are made for acoustic guitars. The D'Addario company began as a family production line in 1680. The medium thickness gauge and phosphor bronze material is synonymous with warm acoustic tone, ideal for playing slide guitar. The set comes with six strings that are gauged from the high E string (0.013 inch), B string (0.017 inch), G string (0.026 inch), D string (0.035 inch), A string (0.045 inch) and low E string (0.056 inch).

GHS Nickel Rockers RRM Electric

GHS Rockers Electric Guitar Strings are roller-wound electric guitar strings made from nickel. GHS has been manufacturing strings since 1964. The GHS Rockers exhibit a bright, warm tone and are round wound for increased sustain. The medium gauge is ideal for electric slide players. The set comes with six strings that are gauged from the high E string (0.011 inch), B string (0.015 inch), G string (0.018 inch), D string (0.026 inch), A string (0.036 inch) and low E string (0.050 inch).

Elixir Polyweb 80/20 Bronze Acoustic

Elixir's Polyweb Strings are made for acoustic guitars. The Polyweb coating maintains the life of the strings, creating a mellow, warm tone. The bronze string cuts down on unwanted finger noise, especially useful for slide guitar playing. The set comes with six strings that are gauged from the high E string (0.013 inch), B string (0.017 inch), G string (0.026 inch), D string (0.035 inch), A string (0.045 inch) and low E string (0.056 inch).

D'Addario EJ22 Electric

D'Addario EJ22 strings are wound with nickel-plated steel and made for electric guitars. The nickel plating gives the strings a bright edge that is complemented by the thick gauge, ideal for bringing out the glassy tones of electric slide playing. The set comes with six strings that are gauged from the high E string (0.013 inch), B string (0.017 inch), G string (0.026 inch), D string (0.036 inch), A string (0.046 inch) and low E string (0.056 inch).

References

• Celtic Guitar Music: Slide Guitar
• Fret Not Guitar Repair: String Gauges
• D'Addario

Resources

• Strat Talk: Strings For Slide Guitar