8–38

9–42

10–46

11–54

12–62

11–52

Bright, cutting

Bright with balanced mids

Classic balanced tone

Thicker, punchy, heavier lows

Deep, powerful, very heavy

Bold, slightly brighter mids

Very light, super bendable

Light, smooth bends

Medium, versatile

Firm, chunky feel

Very tight, serious resistance

Heavy but still bendable on top

Beginners, fast soloing

Lead guitarists, expressive players

All-rounders, rhythm + lead, Most common choice

Drop tuning, hard rock, metal

Extreme low tunings, heavy riffing, Metal/Doom

Players who want thick low strings but easier bends