Tens Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying strings for a tens guitar sounds like a simple decision — grab the .010 set from whichever brand is on the shelf — but there are real differences between brands and constructions that affect how long they last, how they feel under the fingers and how the guitar ultimately sounds. Benjamin Wood's guide covers what those differences are and how to choose well.

The Core Specifications of a Tens Set

A standard tens guitar set is: .010, .013, .017, .026w, .036w, .046w (where 'w' denotes a wound string). The first three strings are plain steel; the lower three are wound. The winding material is where the main variation between brands occurs.

Nickel-wound strings (a steel core wound with nickel-plated steel) are the most common and give the balanced, warm-bright tone associated with electric guitar. Pure nickel wound strings (less common and more expensive) have a slightly warmer, vintage character and reduced brightness. Stainless steel wound strings are brighter, last longer and feel different under the fingers — better suited to players who want maximum output and don't mind a crisper feel.

Coated vs Uncoated

Coated strings (Elixir is the dominant brand) have a polymer coating over the winding that dramatically extends life. The coating prevents corrosion and reduces the accumulation of debris in the windings that makes uncoated strings go dead. The trade-off is a slightly different feel — smoother, less grippy — and, for some players, a slightly less immediate tonal response.

For a tens guitar that isn't played every day, coated strings make considerable practical sense: they can last three to four times as long as uncoated sets under similar conditions, which offsets the higher price. For a gigging player who changes strings before every significant performance regardless of condition, coated strings offer less of an advantage.

Major Brands: What to Expect

• D'Addario XL: consistent, reliable, good intonation, available in virtually every gauge. The NYXL variant uses a different core construction that claims improved pitch stability and break resistance.
• Ernie Ball Regular Slinky: the .010-.046 set is one of the best-selling string sets in the world. Consistent, bright and affordable. Super Slinky is the .009 equivalent; Hybrid Slinky bridges the gap with .009 top strings and .046 bottom strings for a lighter feel with more low-end body.
• Elixir Nanoweb and Optiweb: Nanoweb has a slightly warmer feel and longer life; Optiweb is designed to feel closer to uncoated strings. Both last significantly longer than uncoated alternatives.
• GHS Boomers: popular in rock and heavier styles; slightly brighter and more aggressive-sounding than D'Addario. Durable and affordable.
• DR Strings: known for a hand-wound construction that many players find more characterful than machine-wound alternatives. The Pure Blues set (pure nickel) is a specific choice for players seeking a vintage voicing.

Choosing for Your Playing Style

On a tens guitar, the string choice should complement the music being played:

• Blues and classic rock: nickel-wound or pure nickel. D'Addario XL, Ernie Ball Regular Slinky, DR Pure Blues.
• Country and clean styles: nickel-wound, possibly slightly heavier bottom strings for more twang. D'Addario XL or hybrid sets.
• Heavy rock and metal: stainless steel wound for brightness and durability. GHS Boomers or D'Addario EXL series.
• Light players or rarely changed strings: coated sets. Elixir Nanoweb or Optiweb.

Buying Tips

Buy in multipacks — most brands sell packs of three or more at a meaningful discount over single-set prices. Store unused sets in a cool, dry location; strings in their original packaging can last for a year or more before opening. Keep an extra set in the guitar case at all times; string breakage at rehearsal or on stage is a routine inconvenience that a spare set converts into a five-minute interruption.

For context on what tens actually do for your sound and setup, the complete tens guide covers the full picture. And before you commit to a specific gauge, the common mistakes to avoid is worth a read.

Bottom Line

Buying strings for a tens guitar is a practical decision with real tonal consequences. Nickel-wound for most players, coated if longevity matters, stainless if brightness and durability are the priority. Buy in bulk, keep a spare set on hand and change strings before they noticeably degrade rather than after.

Frequently Asked Questions