What Are Hybrid Gauge Strings?

What are hybrid gauge strings?

Following on from our recent article about choosing the best string gauge for you, and coinciding with the release of the new Ernie Ball pure nickel Classic R’n’R Slinky sets, I thought it’d be good to delve a little into electric guitar hybrid gauges.

Hybrid Slinky

As the term suggests, hybrid gauges mix up the standard sets we’re all used to, creating gauges that bridge the gaps.

Let’s take the obvious first: 9-46 - Ernie Ball actually calls this ‘Hybrid Slinky’

9, 11, 16, 26w, 36w, 46w

If you know string set gauges, you'll notice that this is composed of - what we'd expect to be - a standard set of 9s and a standard set of 10s. This creates a set of 9s with a heavier bottom, or 10s with a lighter top.

Skinny Top, Heavy Bottom

It’s also popular to take it one step further and jump across gauges. Check out this 10-52 which combines 10s, 11s, and 12s:

10, 13, 17, 30w, 42w, 52w

This combination effectively creates a light-top, heavy-bottom set.  What this offers is the added flexibility to play solo lines, faster melodies, and even bend with relative ease, while maintaining a chunky low end for big, full chords, and a heap of volume.

The Players Gauge

I’m asking for trouble with that heading. 11-52, Ernie Ball calls this ‘Burly Slinky’. As above with the 10-52 set, the 11-52 gauge seems to sit in the perfect sweet spot for both soloing and rhythm playing. And regardless of your choice of wrap material, I think this gauge has an inherent shimmer and natural sparkle which complements the heavier low strings by adding clarity and a sense of presence.

This is a perfect crossover set for an electric guitarist needing to play a tune on an acoustic; but acoustic guitar players will love the balance of this gauge too!

You may already be using this gauge, in which case kudos! However, if you're using 12s, why not consider the custom light 11-52 gauge next time.

Final Thoughts

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