Best guitar strings for Blues in Open G
Ranked by the CYS expert team. Updated 2026-04-20.
For Blues in Open G, the ranked pick is D'Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze Medium (.013–.056) (.13–.56). It earns the top spot because tagged for blues and tagged for open-g. Below: the full ranking, what real Blues players in Open G are using, and why.
Ranked picks
EJ17 Phosphor Bronze Medium (.013–.056)
Why this one: tagged for blues; tagged for open-g
Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.048)
Why this one: gauges ideal for open-g; Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Regular Slinky Cobalt (.010–.046)
Why this one: gauges ideal for open-g; Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Super Slinky Cobalt (.009–.042)
Why this one: gauges ideal for open-g; Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
Beefy Slinky Cobalt (.011–.054)
Why this one: Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias)
9410 EMP Coated Nickel-Plated Steel (.010–.046)
Why this one: tagged for blues; gauges ideal for open-g
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/blues
- Browse every genre that uses this tuning: /tunings/open-g
Frequently asked questions
What gauge strings for Blues in Open G?
The top-ranked set for Blues in Open G is D'Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze Medium (.013–.056), in the gauge range .13–.56.
Which artists play Blues in Open G?
We are still sourcing verified artist examples for this combination. Submissions with citations welcome.
Can I use standard-tuning strings in Open G?
You can, but tension drops as you tune down. For Open G, a heavier set keeps feel and intonation right. See the ranked picks above.
Do coated strings matter for Blues?
For gigging and studio work, coated strings last 2–3x longer, which matters whether you play Blues or anything else. For pure tone chasing, uncoated is traditional.
How often should I change strings playing Blues?
Daily players: every 2–3 weeks. Weekly players: monthly. Tracking in a studio: fresh per session. This is genre-agnostic, Blues doesn't change the answer.