Best Plain Guitar Strings of 2026

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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Plain guitar strings are an essential component of any guitar player's arsenal. These strings come in a variety of gauges and materials to suit different playing styles and preferences. They are designed to produce clear and crisp sound, making them ideal for musicians who prefer a more natural and unadorned tone. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, plain guitar strings can help you achieve the sound you desire. With their durability and reliability, they are a must-have for any guitar enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

D'Addario XL Nickel Electric Guitar Strings Cover #TOP 1
D'Addario XL Nickel Electric Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ernie Ball Nickel Plain Single Guitar Strings Cover #TOP 2
Ernie Ball Nickel Plain Single Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Ernie Ball Earthwood Rock and Blues Acoustic Strings Cover #TOP 3
Ernie Ball Earthwood Rock and Blues Acoustic Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Plain Guitar Strings

#TOP 1

D'Addario XL Nickel Electric Guitar Strings

EXL145
Nickel
Heavy, 12-54
D'Addario XL Nickel Electric Guitar Strings Cover
D'Addario EXL145 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, Heavy, 12-54 with Plain Steel 3rd

D'Addario XL Nickel Strings are a bestselling choice among electric guitarists, renowned since 1974. The nickel-plated steel wrap wire delivers a bright, versatile tone, making them suitable for various musical genres. You can rely on their proprietary Hex-Core construction for perfect intonation, ensuring your notes sound precise and clear. The consistent feel of these strings allows for easy playability, enhancing your performance experience. Additionally, their durable design means you can enjoy long-lasting use, making them a dependable option for any guitarist.

What We Like
Bestselling electric guitar strings
Bright, versatile tone
Perfect intonation
Reliable durability
#TOP 2

Ernie Ball Nickel Plain Single Guitar Strings

P00014
Ernie Ball Nickel Plain Single Guitar Strings Cover
Ernie Ball Guitar Strings, Nickel Plain Single, .014 Gauge, 6-Pack

The Ernie Ball Guitar Strings are nickel plain single strings designed for versatility. With a .014 gauge, they are made from specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel, providing durability and excellent sound quality. These strings can be used on electric and acoustic guitars, as well as banjos and mandolins, ensuring you have the right option for various instruments. Their construction not only enhances performance but also offers you the convenience of easy installation and maintenance, helping you focus more on your music.

What We Like
Durable high carbon steel
Versatile for multiple instruments
Easy installation
Excellent sound quality
#TOP 3

Ernie Ball Earthwood Rock and Blues Acoustic Strings

P02008
Rock & Blues
Single Pack
Ernie Ball Earthwood Rock and Blues Acoustic Strings Cover
Ernie Ball Earthwood Rock and Blues w/Plain G 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - 10-52 Gauge

The Ernie Ball Rock and Blues acoustic strings offer a bright and balanced tone, ensuring excellent projection and clarity for your music. Featuring a plain G-string, this set is perfect for those of you who enjoy playing leads on an acoustic guitar. The wound strings are made from 80% copper and 20% zinc, wrapped around a high-carbon steel core, providing durability and enhanced sound quality. Additionally, the Element Shield packaging keeps your strings fresh, ready for your next performance or practice session.

What We Like
Bright, balanced tone
Plain G-string for leads
Durable wound strings
Freshness preserved in packaging
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our plain guitar string research, we found 107 plain guitar string products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,005,912 customer reviews through our big data system to write the plain guitar strings list. We found that most customers choose plain guitar strings with an average price of £6.95.

The plain guitar strings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of plain guitar strings, including D'Addario, Ernie Ball.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.