Best strings for Alternative rock
Ranked by the CYS expert team. Updated 2026-04-20.
#1
#2
Ernie Ball
Power Slinky 2220 Nickel Wound (.011–.048)
.011 – .048
Price tier: $
E StandardEb StandardRock
#3
Cleartone
9410 EMP Coated Nickel-Plated Steel (.010–.046)
.010 – .046
Price tier: $$
E StandardEb StandardRock
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
Dean Markley
Blue Steel 2558 Light Top/Heavy Bottom (.010–.052)
.010 – .052
Price tier: $
E StandardEb StandardRock
#10
EL
Elixir
Optiweb Light (.010–.046)
.10–.46
#11
Elixir
Polyweb 12050 Nickel Plated Steel (.010–.046)
.010 – .046
Price tier: $$
E StandardEb StandardJazz
#12
#13
Ernie Ball
Paradigm Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
.010 – .046
Price tier: $$
E StandardEb StandardPunk rock
#14
Ernie Ball
Regular Slinky RPS 2241 Nickel Wound (.010–.046)
.010 – .046
Price tier: $
E StandardEb StandardRock
#15
#16
Dean Markley
Blue Steel 2552 Cryogenic Light (.009–.042)
.009 – .042
Price tier: $
E StandardEb StandardRock
#17
DR Strings
Pure Blues PHR-10 Pure Nickel (.010–.046)
.010 – .046
Price tier: $$
E StandardEb StandardBlues
