Light
Nickel Wound 9–42
The bend-friendly default. Lower tension means faster vibrato and less fatigue, at the cost of some low-end authority when you tune down.
BrightFastResponsive
Various · Hybrid
Heavy Bottom 10–52
The TGP take
Light on top for the solos, thick on the bottom so drop tunings stay defined instead of flapping. The standard compromise for modern rock and metal.
Best for
Drop tuningsMetalHigh gain
Tone character
TightHeavyDefined
More from the String Counter
Medium
Nickel Wound 10–46
The all-rounder. Enough tension for tight rhythm work and drop-D, still forgiving enough for full-step bends. If you're unsure, start here.
BalancedPunchyStable