Best guitar strings for Rhythm and blues in Open G
Ranked by the CYS expert team. Updated 2026-04-20.
For Rhythm and blues in Open G, the ranked pick is Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.048) (.11–.48). It earns the top spot because gauges ideal for open-g and Cobalt editorial pick (CYS bias). Below: the full ranking, what real Rhythm and blues players in Open G are using, and why.
Ranked picks
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)
EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light (.012–.053)
Why this one: tagged for open-g
Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Light (.012–.053)
Why this one: tagged for open-g
Rhythm and blues players in 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/rhythm-and-blues
- Browse every genre that uses this tuning: /tunings/open-g
Frequently asked questions
What gauge strings for Rhythm and blues in Open G?
The top-ranked set for Rhythm and blues in Open G is Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt (.011–.048), in the gauge range .11–.48.
Which artists play Rhythm and blues in Open G?
Documented Rhythm and blues players in Open G include Keith Richards.
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 Rhythm and blues?
For gigging and studio work, coated strings last 2–3x longer, which matters whether you play Rhythm and blues or anything else. For pure tone chasing, uncoated is traditional.
How often should I change strings playing Rhythm and blues?
Daily players: every 2–3 weeks. Weekly players: monthly. Tracking in a studio: fresh per session. This is genre-agnostic, Rhythm and blues doesn't change the answer.