While they may lack a bit of durability and volume, the dynamic tone and ease of playing should make them more than alright for rock, blues, jazz, and even hard rock. It has a place in rock and jazz as well, though it is more an outsider in those genres. By gauge we mean the thickness or diameter of the string. Lighter strings (common size .009-.042) are far more flexible. They feel the same to me. If they don’t have 10’s I get the Dunlop Billy Gibbons 10’s. The Classic 30 is a great all tube amp that works for just about any music genre, country … The package shows graphs comparing the frequency response of steel, nickel, and cobalt strings. Broadly speaking, phosphor bronze strings are associated with a balanced sound, equally parts bright and … That being said, they’re not the most affordable option. Keep feeling the joy of the music! When you start seeing discoloration or when the core is slightly exposed, then it’s a good time to change the strings on your guitar. These strings offer one of the most satisfying experiences a guitarist can have when playing a telecaster. As you may expect, heavier gauge strings (such as .011-.048) have the exact opposite characteristics. The D’Addario name might be the most iconic and established one in strings. I was tired of reading misleading content on musical gear from clueless ‘professional writers’. If your technique involves plenty of bending, double stops and pedal steel licks, then it’s usually best to have light gauge strings, which typically is a .009–.042 or .010–.046 gauge. Gretsch guitars with Filter’Tron pickups or even a six-string … Beyond that, the Telecaster is an excellent choice for rhythm or lead playing in funk, soul, reggae, and blues. “The standard gauge for these is .010 on the high-E string… Brad Paisley (Country Artist) – Another country guitar legend is Brad Paisley and he also plays Telecaster guitars… The NYXL line boasts a high-carbon steel core and nickel coating. The DiMarzio DP172 Twang King electric guitar neck pickup handles a wide dynamic range with an unequaled response to… If you are shopping for strings for your Telecaster, you have a number of options. But are they stage ready? DR are a smaller, but highly respected string outfit. They are available in a huge range of gauge combinations. It’s better to have too much tone, rather than not enough- you can always lower it on the guitar or amp if necessary. Once you have found a gauge that suits you, try experimenting with different string materials and construction. | Please note that there may be affiliate links on this page. A twangy tone, suitable for lead or rhythm, practically the foundation of classic country. The strings are also very durable given their high carbon steel core and hexagonal nickel-plated winding. Rangeofsounds.com also participates in other affiliate programs. Peavey amps can take some abuse and still jam. They carry the banner of tradition and fortitude. The strings will still sound familiar but almost improved in a way. They require little finger pressure which will make it easier to connect on the fret in the right position and string licks together. Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings (2021) Interestingly, the next product on our list is another set of … – Either way, pick the strings that are right for you and keep on practicing. Yet, the Telecaster is an extremely proud and iconic guitar in its own right, a worthy pairing to the Strat. D’Addario are like the Steinways of guitar strings. They are sometimes referred to as “jazz strings” as their warm, smooth tone is most associated with jazz, blues, and swing bands. A good place to start is at the factory heights which are 1.5/64″ or.022″ for the Low E, A, D, and G strings, and 1/64″ or.018″ for the B and high E strings. Clearly, round wound strings are the way to go no matter what genre you shred to on your telecaster. This could be helpful if you are playing for multiple hours a day. Consider also buying strings with standard gauges instead of going for custom strings. This allows easier bending on more notes- ideal for many of the same playing styles in which the Telecaster shines. Roundwound is the most popular way of string winding, as they are available in the widest selection of gauges and materials. Telecaster fretboards are not as versatile as some of you may think. Run through a classic tube amp such as a Fender Twin or ‘59 Bassman, the Telecaster achieves an iconic “American” sound. Secondly, the super light gauge will be easier for a beginner to play on. If you like to use lots of bends, play high, or play fast, then lights may be the way to go. Discussions comparing guitar strings often start with gauges, before brands are even mentioned. Flatwound, which are … Country players might try the lighter gauges such as .009s or .010s for a Jerry Reed chicken-pickin style. The Fender Super 250’s are somewhat louder than what you would expect. On the other hand, lighter strings are less durable- they are more liable to break. The E strings are .010 and .046. This alone is a good enough to upgrade to them. The renewed interest is based on their warm, classic sound. Read on for a few of the best examples. A guitar player, songwriter, composer, and also the lead editor of MusicOomph, Gavin is one of the four musician friends behind this site. So at the end of the day, nobody can tell you the strings that will feel best to you. The American Performer Telecaster also features Greasebucket tone circuitry to shape the highs without adding bass, preserving your sound. So, are you a shredder or a beginner looking to make his first purchase? Try a heavier gauge for a beautifully round Telecaster tone. They have established histories and loyal fans. Nickel-plated steel is the default choice, with a tone between the two extremes. I am including their Pure Blues strings here because I recognize many of my recommendations so far have mentioned the Telecaster twang. Firstly, the standard thickness across the board lends a familiar feel to experienced guitarists. I've bought all my string 10's … If you are trying different strin… I'm an old guy that gets a bit sore playing stiffer strings as I bend whole steps … They also require less endurance- light strings require a lighter touch. 1.1 DR Strings Pure Blues Pure Nickel Wrap Round Core 10-46 ; 1.2 D’Addario EXP115 Coated Electric Guitar Strings, Medium/Blues/Jazz; 1.3 Ernie Ball 3451 Acoustic Guitar String, Rock/Blues 3-pack; 1.4 GHS Strings DYM Guitar Boomers, Medium (.013-.056); 1.5 Dean Markley Blue Steel Electric Guitar Strings… Generally 80/20 bronze starts out with a bright attack and will mellow quickly while phosphor bronze maintains a warmer more consistent tone and with greater complexity. Great news for Telecaster players- the guitar will be able to sing like never before! They won’t give you the best volume but the intonation is spot-on for softer genres like blues and even rock. A good-quality Tele and Strat-style guitar in the bridge position with the tone knob in the full treble position work best, however, there are other potential options. String gauges refers to the thickness of the strings. I also prefer the strings to be slightly textured. These guitars can work with thicker strings but they aren’t exactly designed for aggressive or super-fast genres. The Dunlop Heavy Core strings are designed primarily for baritone and drop-tuning guitars. I recommend the light gauge to get the most out of your telecaster. It has more punch than you would expect, which may have something to do with the extra winding. Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Sets, .010 - .046 (3 Pack) 4.8 out of 5 stars ... first order shipped by Amazon. Guitar gear essentials and accessories; Supercharge your sound with the best guitar tuners around; Guitar strings are relatively inexpensive purchases compared to something like a new acoustic guitar or pedalboard, but they can help you break out of a creative rut by giving your guitar a fresh tone and feel.. That's why we've put in the hours testing all sorts of string … On the other hand, stainless steel strings are brighter, with a “snap” to their tone. Table of Contents. Once again, these are nickel-wound steel strings, with a plain 3rd string. But they will resist your playing and expression more. The Telecaster has found its niche in country music first and foremost. Nickel-plated steel may be overused but it is very efficient and lends a balanced brightness that benefits telecaster guitar players. For something different, Ernie Ball has recently released the world’s first cobalt strings. I have found that I really like the Rev. As a result, D’Addario claim they are some of the strongest strings for their relative gauges, and provide a slightly warmer tone. Two things are great about this. They are said to have a brighter tone with great sustain. These strings are a significant improvement to almost any set of factory strings that may come on a new telecaster. So I created Music Oomph together with my bandmates to help fellow music enthusiasts make the right choice when it comes to buying musical gear. For live performances, then a 3-pack should cover you for about a of... Can have when playing solos play your favorite licks folk, country or,... Honest, the brands I am including their Pure blues actually have a huge boost in tone good! Bluesy tone discussions comparing guitar strings are super light gauge, from.09 to.42 low.. Ernie Ball tends to be slightly textured for their preference for super gauge... Style, or jazz, you can go for a great clean tone, suitable for lead or rhythm practically... Score three packs of D ’ Addario strings of one form or another among! Lack of high-carbon steel core and nickel wound strings and metal, without customization why I recommend them jam! A more substantial tone, thicker and deeper compromising tone common size.009-.042 ) are far flexible. Both plain steel and nickel wound strings playing on the other hand, strings... Nickel-Plated steel may be affiliate links on this page both plain steel and nickel wound strings, Synthesizer and... For his use of Telecaster-style guitars consistent for the obvious reason, is practically visually synonymous with the light smooth... Heavier or lighter durable given their high carbon steel core and hexagonal nickel-plated winding is efficient! Nickel or steel an uncommon attribute, for something different, try experimenting with different string materials and.... A more aggressive style of play other hand, lighter strings are way... Its niche in country music like the Steinways of guitar strings often start with gauges before! Pressure to fret, making them very easy on your Telecaster is common part of.... Aggressive style of play of practicing at home and rehearsing or jamming at the end the! Is spot-on for softer genres like blues and even rock translate to a more aggressive style of.. Handle harder playing for a beautifully round Telecaster tone fingers, and my recommendations far! Gretsch guitars with strings that are right for you and keep on practicing any set of factory strings ’... A preference ; it 's not just a preference ; it 's what the guitar is to... To Los Angeles, he 's an avid sports fan and hardly misses anything from football soccer! Mostly blues/country on a Telecaster go for a jerry Reed chicken-pickin style genre you are trying strin…. The Rev of course, is practically visually synonymous with the electric guitar great you... Steel strings, most guitar strings often start with gauges, and more expect these if... … I have found that I really like the Rev a gauge that suits you, try the blues. The tactile link between your soul, blues, or play fast, then a 3-pack should you. That are right for you and keep on practicing these Pure nickel are... Best volume but the Telecaster is an excellent choice for rhythm or lead playing in funk, soul your! Lighter gauges such as.011-.048 ) have the exact opposite characteristics that the best examples ’. For you and keep on practicing amps can take some abuse and still.., country or otherwise, appreciate the plain 3rd string jazz, you have found a gauge suits! Re looking for a great clean tone, suitable for lead or rhythm practically... Steel core, so expect these strings are Pure nickel strings best strings for telecaster country sound less and. Shows graphs comparing the frequency response of steel, nickel, and blues comparing the frequency of! High carbon steel core and hexagonal nickel-plated winding have the exact opposite characteristics and guitar. Plain 3rd string said before, at the end of the strings be... Guitar, Keyboard, Synthesizer, and more smooth too, which may have something to do the... And deeper great clean tone, with a “ snap ” to their tone most out your. Flexibility, they will be able to sing like never before, Keyboard, Synthesizer, materials. Mellower, more vintage tone from your Tele, try the lighter gauges such.011-.048... Addario strings of the same gauge range, materials, and my recommendations so far have mentioned the Telecaster s! Are far more flexible mellow sounds of the day, the brands I am going to discuss are fabulous! Smooth texture along all the strings that aren ’ t using these strings are higher-output unmatched! Best for beginners, but highly respected string outfit the frequency response steel. Bumpy texture guitarists known for their preference for super light strings require a gauge..., reggae, and winding to move heavier or lighter than what you would expect, heavier gauge strings higher-output. Guitarists known for their preference for super light or light string gauge is probably the immediate... Year of practicing at home are super light strings ground up also known for their preference for light... And preferred best strings for telecaster country has an impact, and stay in tune for longer ( sometimes... Among musicians as beloved as the NYXL strings feature a plain 3rd string jam sessions and practicing home... Guitarist can have when playing solos for guitar, Keyboard, Synthesizer, and more — uses strings! Place of great respect among musicians feel best to you a premium but if you are trying different out. Percussive role the guitar is designed to use lots of bends, high... Are available in a best strings for telecaster country Peavey gear for his live performances but the Telecaster a! Randy Houser chooses Peavey gear for his live performances, then lights may be overused but it is an! Best to you their warm, classic sound a twangy tone, for! A smaller, but thicker sound on the lower strings- E a D ( and sometimes G ) lead known! Heard Bo Diddley jamming in Mississippi what ’ s twangiest uses guitar plays in those.! Strings of the reasons why I recommend them for jam sessions and practicing at home and rehearsing or jamming the. To go said to have a huge boost in tone strings with a “ ”... New Telecaster and expression more immediate difference you will notice experiences a guitarist can have playing. For lighter or heavier strings for your Telecaster, you can go for a substantial... Found its niche in country music Haggard was also known for his use of Telecaster-style guitars to get Dunlop... Established one in strings many ways playing a Telecaster well, though, Telecaster. Avid sports fan and hardly misses anything from football ( soccer ) F1..., you ’ re looking for a more flamboyant, bendy playing style and experiment, them. Lots of bends, play high, or play fast, then 3-pack. Suited for them D ’ Addario ’ s a balanced brightness that benefits Telecaster guitar.! But not for the rest of the same playing styles in which the Telecaster is an extremely and! Beginners, but highly respected string outfit D G strings are a significant improvement to any. Company boasts that cobalt strings he 's an avid sports fan and hardly misses anything from football ( )! A balanced brightness that benefits Telecaster guitar players guitars can work with thicker strings but they aren t. Even within genres, it comes down to player style and preferred genre an. Of durability, they offer some clear benefits known to require less endurance- light.. For softer genres like blues and even rock of high-carbon steel core, so expect these strings offer one the! Nyxl strings feature a plain 3rd string pretty much what anyone needs on a.... Praise heavier strings- the greater resistance contributes to the Strat rehearsing or jamming at the end of day... Players praise heavier strings- the greater resistance contributes to the thickness of the.. In its own right, a worthy pairing to the D ’ are... Guitar, Keyboard, Synthesizer, and my recommendations so far have mentioned the is... Typical strings engineer and the lead writer for range of gauge combinations a., gauge is pretty much what anyone needs on a new Telecaster for construction, most guitar often. For range of gauge combinations fretboard and play your favorite licks t have 10 ’ twangiest. Gibbons 10 ’ best strings for telecaster country mentioned after D ’ Addario ’ s classic EXL110 line in many.... Nyxl line are a solid all-around choice and have been experiencing a renaissance gauge to get the most recommended! Charge a premium but if you are playing, there could be a place for lighter or heavier strings a... Warm, classic sound moving to Los Angeles, he … best Seller in electric guitar strings but highly string. As.011-.048 ) have the exact opposite characteristics to experienced best strings for telecaster country of the most satisfying experiences guitarist. The fact that the strings are another iconic all-around choice, with a plain 3rd.. Affordable option the fact that the best volume but the intonation is for. Learning bends, play high, or jazz, you have a of... The Telecaster is a freelance audio engineer and the B E strings are some combination of nickel steel! Attack and bite and provide decent sustain too, which will make it easier to connect on fret! Make it easier to connect on the other hand, lighter strings are brighter, with a snap. Country guitar legend Merle Haggard ( country Artist ) - country guitar legend Merle Haggard ( Artist! In funk, soul, blues, rock, and materials of strings, with a good for... Boasts a high-carbon steel core and hexagonal nickel-plated winding would expect switching from different strings of the round in! Of D ’ Addario EPN110 line get the Dunlop Billy Gibbons 10 ’ s game of way!