Best guitar strings for Metal in B Standard
Ranked by gauge fit for the tuning, then documented player use. Method below.
For Metal in B Standard, the ranked pick is Ernie Ball 7-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Slinky Cobalt (.010–.062) (.010 – .062). It earns the top spot because its .062 low string suits B Standard and it is tagged for Metal in B Standard. Below: the full ranking, what real Metal players in B Standard are using, and why.
Ranked picks
7-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Slinky Cobalt (.010–.062)
Why this one: Its .062 low string suits B Standard; it is tagged for Metal in B Standard
7-String Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.058)
Why this one: Its .058 low string suits B Standard; it is tagged for Metal in B Standard
EXL158 XL Nickel Wound Baritone Light (.013–.062)
Why this one: Its .062 low string suits B Standard; it is tagged for Metal
Metal players in B Standard
- Jeff LoomisNevermore (reformed 2026) / ex-Arch Enemy
- Kerry KingSlayer
- Tony IommiBlack Sabbath / Heaven & Hell / Solo
Why these ranks the way they do
We weight four signals: (1) gauge fit for the tuning's tension floor, which counts most, (2) direct genre + tuning tagging on the string set, (3) documented artist use in the same genre + tuning, and (4) producer recommendations. Evidence is shown on each card above.
Still exploring?
- Browse every tuning this genre lives in: /genres/metal
- Browse every genre that uses this tuning: /tunings/b-standard
Frequently asked questions
What gauge strings for Metal in B Standard?
The top-ranked set for Metal in B Standard is Ernie Ball 7-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Slinky Cobalt (.010–.062), in the gauge range .010 – .062.
Which artists play Metal in B Standard?
Documented Metal players in B Standard include Jeff Loomis, Kerry King, Tony Iommi.
Can I use standard-tuning strings in B Standard?
You can, but tension drops as you tune down. For B Standard, a heavier set keeps feel and intonation right. See the ranked picks above.
Do coated strings matter for Metal?
For gigging and studio work, coated strings last 2–3x longer, which matters whether you play Metal or anything else. For pure tone chasing, uncoated is traditional.
How often should I change strings playing Metal?
Daily players: every 2–3 weeks. Weekly players: monthly. Tracking in a studio: fresh per session. This is genre-agnostic, Metal doesn't change the answer.