Best guitar strings for Metalcore in E Standard
Ranked by the CYS expert team. Updated 2026-04-20.
For Metalcore in E Standard, the ranked pick is Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.048) (.11–.48). It earns the top spot because tagged for e-standard and gauges ideal for e-standard. Below: the full ranking, what real Metalcore players in E Standard are using, and why.
Ranked picks
Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.048)
Why this one: tagged for e-standard; gauges ideal for e-standard
Regular Slinky Cobalt (.010–.046)
Why this one: tagged for e-standard; gauges ideal for e-standard
Super Slinky Cobalt (.009–.042)
Why this one: tagged for e-standard; gauges ideal for e-standard
Beefy Slinky Cobalt (.011–.054)
Why this one: tagged for metalcore; Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
NYXL1046 Nickel Wound (.010–.046)
Why this one: tagged for metalcore; tagged for e-standard
7-String Regular Slinky Cobalt (.010–.056)
Why this one: tagged for metalcore; Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Metalcore players in E Standard
- Jason RichardsonSolo / ex-Born of Osiris
- Keith MerrowConquering Dystopia / Solo
- Mark HolcombPeriphery
- Misha MansoorPeriphery
- Synyster GatesAvenged Sevenfold / Pinkly Smooth
Why these ranks the way they do
We weight four signals: (1) direct genre + tuning tagging on the string set, (2) gauge fit for the tuning's tension floor, (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/metalcore
- Browse every genre that uses this tuning: /tunings/e-standard
Frequently asked questions
What gauge strings for Metalcore in E Standard?
The top-ranked set for Metalcore in E Standard is Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.048), in the gauge range .11–.48.
Which artists play Metalcore in E Standard?
Documented Metalcore players in E Standard include Jason Richardson, Keith Merrow, Mark Holcomb, Misha Mansoor, Synyster Gates.
Can I use standard-tuning strings in E Standard?
You can, but tension drops as you tune down. For E Standard, a heavier set keeps feel and intonation right. See the ranked picks above.
Do coated strings matter for Metalcore?
For gigging and studio work, coated strings last 2–3x longer, which matters whether you play Metalcore or anything else. For pure tone chasing, uncoated is traditional.
How often should I change strings playing Metalcore?
Daily players: every 2–3 weeks. Weekly players: monthly. Tracking in a studio: fresh per session. This is genre-agnostic, Metalcore doesn't change the answer.