Best guitar strings for Alternative metal in Drop A
Ranked by the CYS expert team. Updated 2026-04-20.
For Alternative metal in Drop A, the ranked pick is Ernie Ball 7-String Slinky Cobalt (.010–.062) (.10–.62). It earns the top spot because tagged for drop-a and gauges ideal for drop-a. Below: the full ranking, what real Alternative metal players in Drop A are using, and why.
Ranked picks
7-String Slinky Cobalt (.010–.062)
Why this one: tagged for drop-a; gauges ideal for drop-a
7-String Slinky Cobalt Custom (.009–.062)
Why this one: tagged for drop-a; gauges ideal for drop-a
7-String Regular Slinky Cobalt (.010–.056)
Why this one: tagged for drop-a; Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Not Even Slinky Cobalt (.012–.056)
Why this one: Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Beefy Slinky Cobalt (.011–.054)
Why this one: Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.048)
Why this one: Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Alternative metal players in Drop A
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/alternative-metal
- Browse every genre that uses this tuning: /tunings/drop-a
Frequently asked questions
What gauge strings for Alternative metal in Drop A?
The top-ranked set for Alternative metal in Drop A is Ernie Ball 7-String Slinky Cobalt (.010–.062), in the gauge range .10–.62.
Which artists play Alternative metal in Drop A?
Documented Alternative metal players in Drop A include Jim Root, Mick Thomson.
Can I use standard-tuning strings in Drop A?
You can, but tension drops as you tune down. For Drop A, a heavier set keeps feel and intonation right. See the ranked picks above.
Do coated strings matter for Alternative metal?
For gigging and studio work, coated strings last 2–3x longer, which matters whether you play Alternative metal or anything else. For pure tone chasing, uncoated is traditional.
How often should I change strings playing Alternative metal?
Daily players: every 2–3 weeks. Weekly players: monthly. Tracking in a studio: fresh per session. This is genre-agnostic, Alternative metal doesn't change the answer.