D’Addario XL | The Standard in Electric Guitar Strings (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Daddario XS and XT strings? ›

D'Addario has two main lines of coated strings: XS and XT. XT provides extended life with a natural feel, while XS—our premium coated string—provides maximum life, plus a smooth feel. Both will give you more time between string changes.

Usually, guitarists will jump up a gauge of strings from the super-light 9 to 42s, to the regular 10 to 46 gauge (10s as they're commonly known). Slightly thicker, or heavier as we like to say, this set features gauges 10, 13 and 17 for the high E, B and G strings, and a wound 26, 36 and 46 for the three lower strings.

The short answer is you could, but you probably shouldn't. You can put acoustic strings on an electric guitar, but you'll get less volume, less range and less sustain. If you decide to put electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar, you'll get less volume and sound.

XT strings are also made from a high-carbon steel alloy, like the NYXL and XS lines, but they feature a new coating that's designed to last even longer than the coating on XL strings.

Most players use electric guitar strings with 9s or 10s.

Light gauge, soft metal material, and coated guitar strings are generally the most comfortable and finger-friendly choices that function as soft string guitar options.

Deciding When to Change Strings. Most players should plan on changing strings about once every 3 months or 100 hours of practice—whichever comes first. If you're late by awhile, it doesn't matter. Your strings may last twice this long, or more.

You're probably wondering – can you just play your acoustic guitar through an electric amp (or vice versa)? The answer is yes – you won't break anything by doing so – but you might not get the sound you're looking for.

Electric guitars can have thinner necks and are overall smaller because they don't rely on natural acoustics to create the sound. The smaller size of the electric guitar can make it slightly easier to learn on as a starter guitar. The strings are lighter, the neck is thinner, and the body is smaller.

Are the chords for acoustic and electric guitar the same? ›

Sure, they feel a little different due to neck dimensions and string tension (acoustics are somewhat 'stiffer' in feel), but in terms of forming a chord and strumming it, the two are the same. The musical knowledge you apply to the acoustic guitar will remain the same on the electric guitar.

XT is made with a treated wrap wire, which results in an extended lifespan over similar non-treated strings, as well as a natural feel. XS is coated using a film coating which generally lasts even longer— delivering maximum string life—and affords a smooth feel. Each string satisfies a particular need in the market.

D'Addario XT strings combine high carbon steel cores with an advanced corrosion resistance treatment, giving you enhanced break resistance, pitch stability, and long-lasting performance––all while preserving the tone and feel of your favorite uncoated strings.

Honestly, they're hard to fault, and even at double the price of a traditional string set, they're something of a bargain since they're going to last more than twice as long, and save you the time and effort of several string changes in that time. It's easy to see why Taylor Guitars likes them so much!

I used D'Addario EXL110s for years and I tried other coated strings but went back to D'Addario because of sound, feel, etc. These XT strings sound like an uncoated string, feel like an uncoated string and last longer than even the other coated strings I have tried.