Light
Nickel Wound 9–42
The bend-friendly default. Lower tension means faster vibrato and less fatigue, at the cost of some low-end authority when you tune down.
BrightFastResponsive
Various · Medium
Nickel Wound 10–46
The TGP take
The all-rounder. Enough tension for tight rhythm work and drop-D, still forgiving enough for full-step bends. If you're unsure, start here.
Best for
RhythmDrop DAll-purpose
Tone character
BalancedPunchyStable
More from the String Counter
Hybrid
Heavy Bottom 10–52
Light on top for the solos, thick on the bottom so drop tunings stay defined instead of flapping. The standard compromise for modern rock and metal.
TightHeavyDefined