Best guitar strings for Nu-metal in Drop A
Ranked by the CYS expert team. Updated 2026-04-20.
For Nu-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 Nu-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)
Nu-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/nu-metal
- Browse every genre that uses this tuning: /tunings/drop-a
Frequently asked questions
What gauge strings for Nu-metal in Drop A?
The top-ranked set for Nu-metal in Drop A is Ernie Ball 7-String Slinky Cobalt (.010–.062), in the gauge range .10–.62.
Which artists play Nu-metal in Drop A?
Documented Nu-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 Nu-metal?
For gigging and studio work, coated strings last 2–3x longer, which matters whether you play Nu-metal or anything else. For pure tone chasing, uncoated is traditional.
How often should I change strings playing Nu-metal?
Daily players: every 2–3 weeks. Weekly players: monthly. Tracking in a studio: fresh per session. This is genre-agnostic, Nu-metal doesn't change the answer.