The Best Bass Strings for Metal
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best bass strings for metal for your budget and situation, along with our top 3 recommendations!
Some bassists change their strings every performance, while others go months or even years without changing them. Ultimately, it depends on how often you play bass, the type of strings you use, the humidity of your environment, and how well you take care of them.
That said, most metal bass guitar players agree that it's a good idea to change them at least once a year (or even better, every 3-6 months), especially if you play frequently. And if you're using particularly old or dirty ones, it might be a good idea to change them sooner rather than later.
People who play bass guitar in a genre as demanding as heavy metal will probably need to change more often that those in many other genres, so you want to be sure you getting the right bass string for your situation.
Based on our research, here are the 3 best bass guitar string options for metal available today:
D'Addario EPS160 ProSteels
Why it Rocks
D'Addario's XL ProSteels bass guitar strings are the brightest and most dynamic ones in the company's lineup. Made from stainless steel wrap wire that produces rich, bright highs combined with tight, low-end lows, they offer a musical sound palette that is perfect for a variety of musical styles, including metal. And with their tough, durable hex-core construction, XL ProSteels are built to last through countless hours of bass playing. XL ProSteels offer consistent feel and superb intonation, making them ideal for both studio and stage. Plus, they can be registered on the Players Circle website to earn reward points that you can use toward future string purchases.
What Else
This unique alloy is made up of a high carbon steel core and a stainless steel wrap wire, which allows for enhanced interaction with magnetic pickups. The result is an exceptionally bright, shimmering bass tone that is both highly magnetic and magnified in presence and attack, perfect for metal. Their robust lows are tight and tough, and the higher tension provides increased low-end response and output. ProSteels also deliver tight and punchy lows, making them an ideal choice for bass guitar players who want to stand out from the metal crowd. With higher tension than standard string sets, these pro-level D'Addarios provide more low-end response and output, adding even greater presence to your performance.
Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel with NANOWEB
Why it Rocks
Nickel-plated steel wrap wire provides a rich, full sound with incredible clarity and a heavy mid-range presence for your bass. In addition, the ultra-thin NANOWEB coating that they are constructed with enhances grip and reduces stickiness for smoother playability. According to an online survey conducted by Elixir Strings among bass guitar players, the patented coating technology protects against corrosion longer than any other brand, ensuring that your strings will last for years to come.
What Else
Elixirs are the perfect choice for keeping your bass guitar tone vibrant and rich. The unique coating on them is specially formulated to help prevent corrosion and prolong string life, so your bass sound stays incredible for longer, and players also report greater tuning stability, meaning you can spend more time playing and less time tuning. From 4-string sets in every string gauge from light to heavy to long scale and extra long scale options, there's a suitable set for any bass player and any budget, and the innovative coating technology gives you greater durability and longer string life no matter which type or size you choose. Whether you're looking for nickel-plated construction or stainless steel, 4-, 5-, or 6-string sets in long scale or short, there's an Elixir String that's perfect for every gig and every bass guitar player.
DR Black Beauties
Why it Rocks
With their handcrafted Extra-Life black beauties, you get all the crisp bass tone, volume, and clarity that you expect from traditional handmades, combined with added durability thanks to the super-thin coating on both the plain strings and the wrap wire. What's more, they offer a sleek and sophisticated look with their jet-black K3 ultra-hard coating, perfect for when you want to make a statement with your metal bass. And whatever your style or skill level, these are designed to deliver maximum brightness and feel, so no matter what kind of bass guitar playing you do, they are sure to impress. Whether you're a professional looking to upgrade your sound or a beginner searching for your ideal set, it's hard to go wrong with DR's Extra-Life black beauties.
What Else
Hand-made with a sleek black polymer coating and designed with a signature crisp tone, clarity, and volume, they provide the ultimate in performance and durability for your bass. And of course that black color just screams "heavy metal".
FAQs About the Best Bass Guitar String Options
Are heavier strings better for metal?
A heavier guitar string gauge provides more tension, which results in a thicker tone and a tighter sound with more sustain. They're also better for bending and soloing, because they're less likely to break - generally less of a concern when playing bass guitar, but still something that should be taken into account.
That said, it's important to use the right string gauge for your guitar. A too-heavy string can put too much tension on the neck of the bass guitar and cause it to warp or even break. So it's important to find the right balance between heaviness and flexibility, even when playing heavy metal.
Heavy gauge strings can be more difficult to play and require more hand strength, so some musicians may prefer lighter-gauge options for easier bending and faster playing. It's also important to consider the guitar's neck profile, construction, and other factors that may influence how a string feels. In the end, it's up to the individual heavy metal bass guitar player to decide what gauge of string works best for them
What are heavy gauge bass strings?
A heavier gauge bass string is a thicker string that delivers more tension. This makes the string louder and gives it a deeper, richer tone. A heavier string gauge is also better suited for bass guitar players who like to use a lot of distortion or play with a lot of power and volume (i.e., heavy metal).
Higher gauge bass strings can be a bit more difficult to play, so they may not be ideal for beginners. But for experienced heavy metal bass guitar players who need a louder, more aggressive sound, a higher string gauge can be the perfect choice. So what
Do thicker strings stay in tune better?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of bass string, the string gauge, the type of bass guitar, and the climate. That said, many heavy metal musicians believe that a heavier string gauge typically stays in tune better than lighter gauge strings, because they are less susceptible to stretching and bending.
A thicker string gauge is generally thought to provide a fuller sound and better sustain for your bass than a thinner string gauge. They also tend to be a bit more forgiving when it comes to tuning stability - meaning they are less likely to go out of tune as quickly as thin ones in certain climates or bass playing situations. However, they can be more difficult to play metal and can require more strength from your fingers.
Will lighter strings lower action?
Yes, lighter gauge strings will lower action, but it's important to note that there is a limit to how low you can go before they start to produce an unpleasant buzz or rattling noise. If they are too low, it can also be difficult to get a good metal bass tone and volume from your guitar. In most cases, it's best to have your guitar's action set by a professional luthier.
It also depends on the make and model of your bass guitar. Sometimes if you install lighter gauge strings, you might need to lower the action (the distance between them and the fretboard) in order to maintain proper playability. On other guitars, if you installed a lighter gauge, the action might actually go up because the string tension is lessened. It's best to consult with a bass guitar technician if you're not sure what adjustments need to be made, and let them know that you're particularly interested in playing metal.
What is the difference between nickel and stainless steel bass strings?
The difference between nickel and stainless steel bass strings is that nickel bass strings provide a warmer tone, while stainless steel bass strings provide a brighter tone.
Nickel have a warmer sound and a softer feel than steel bass strings. They also last longer than stainless steel (something to consider when playing a demanding style like metal), but they can cause some corrosion on instruments that aren't specifically made for use with nickel.
Stainless steel have a bright tone and a harder feel than nickel. They also don't corrode as easily as pure nickel (which can make a huge difference in durability), but they can cause more wear on a bass that isn't specifically made for use with stainless steel.
Nickel strings are made of nickel-plated steel, while stainless steel strings are made of chromium-plated steel.
Chromium makes the bass tone harder and brighter, while nickel provides a softer, warmer sound. So if you're looking for a bright, cutting sound while playing your heavy metal, stainless steel are the way to go; but if you want a darker, more mellow bass tone, nickel are the way to go.
What are Slinky bass strings?
Slinkies are electric bass guitar strings that are designed to produce a mellower tone than traditional ones. They are made of nickel steel and wrapped in a special synthetic coating that resists corrosion and wear.
Slinkies were created in the early 1970s by Ernie Ball, who was looking for a bass string that would produce a warmer, more mellow sound than the traditional roundwound option. He succeeded in creating a unique construction that consists of a hexagonal core wire with nickel-plated steel wrap wire. The synthetic coating helps to keep the string sounding fresh on the bass for longer periods of time, meaning more extended heavy metal sessions.
What are flatwound bass strings good for?
Flatwound bass strings are good for a mellower, more "jazzy" sound, and are often used in jazz and R&B music. They're also easier on the hands, are more durable, and don't corrode as quickly as roundwound. However, they don't have the same brightness or "snap" for the bass as roundwound, so they're not always ideal for certain styles of music, like heavy metal.
What are hybrid bass strings?
Hybrid bass strings are a type of string that combines the features of two different types, which can have benefits when playing metal. They usually have a round core (like steel) and are wound with a flat wire made of nickel or other alloys (like phosphor bronze).
The result is a string that has the warm tone and feel of phosphor bronze, but with the increased brightness and projection of steel strings. This makes them a good choice for heavy metal bass guitar players who want the warmth and mellowness of phosphor bronze in their bass tone, but who also need the brightness and clarity of steel strings.
One popular type of hybrid bass string is the nickel-wound, which combines the warm tone of a nickel-wound string with the long lifespan and bright sound of a steel string. Other types of hybrid bass strings include synthetic core/nickel-wound and chrome-plated brass/steel-core.
Why do bass players boil their strings?
Many heavy metal bass guitar players boil them to clean them and remove any oils or debris that may have built up on them.
Boiling also helps to soften them and make them more pliable, which can help improve the sound and bass tone. It's also thought that boiling can help to extend their lifespan.
It can also help loosen the string from the tuning peg, making it easier to tune, especially when playing hard, like you probably will be when playing metal. Finally, boiling can help fix bass intonation problems by temporarily expanding the string (making it slightly longer). This expansion will cause the string to return to its original length after it cools, which can fix bass tuning issues.
Summary of the Best Bass Strings for Playing Metal
Rock and heavy metal bass guitar players usually prefer thicker options with a higher string gauge (or thickness), as they provide more power and projection. Some popular gauges for rock and heavy metal include .045, .050, .055, .065, .080, and even up to .100.
That said, there is no "one size fits all" answer to this question. Different rock and metal bass players may prefer different gauges or brands depending on their playing style and the specific type of heavy metal music they are into. So it's best to experiment until you find the string gauge that feels best for you and your bass. Once again, here are our picks from above:
Best Overall: D'Addario EPS160 ProSteels
Best Coating: Elixir Nickel Plated Steel w/ NANOWEB Coating
Best Value for the Money: DR Black Beauties
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