Best strings for playing metal

[SlapPopBass]

What is your string of choice when it comes to playing metal? Especially drop tuning playing and the like? Do you have a specific brand you go to? The store I'm going to has some choices and if you could what would you pick for playing metal? (e.g. Slipknot, Mudvayne songs etc etc.)

 

[Jensby design]

Circle K

 

[4001]

Razor wire

 

[hdracer]

I would use a metal string,
guts just don't cut through

 

[lowendmetal]

If your looking to detune at all try dr ddt strings. Their made for drop tunings, and generally run thicker gauges.

 

[Jon Moody]

Brand is ultimately going to depend on your preference. And given that there are exceptions to the rule on this, I'd probably recommend a steel string over nickel to get that attack and definition. Other than that, it sounds like it's experiment time for you!

 

[Atshen]

String-cut carrots.

 

[u84six]

String-cut carrots.

lmao

 

[jamersonburton]

rotosound. but it depends on what tone you're after, can you give some examples of what bands you enjoy playing to? what bass do you have? what rig do you have? what eq do you like using with your current setup? what are your current strings? do you pick or finger?

 

[BioWeapon]

I really like to string my bass up with barbed wire for gigs!
In all seriousness, there is no best string for metal.

 

[SlapPopBass]

rotosound. but it depends on what tone you're after, can you give some examples of what bands you enjoy playing to? what bass do you have? what rig do you have? what eq do you like using with your current setup? what are your current strings? do you pick or finger?

Hi, in general the metal bands I enjoy listening to are Mudvayne, Metallica, Iron Maiden and the occasional Black Sabbath. Out of those, Ryan Martinie's tone stands out to me the most, and I would love to sound even close to him. The problems are that i) playing on the same skill level as Ryan Martinie would be close to impossible and ii) It is currently impossible for me to have access or even afford a Warwick of any kind. (Malaysia got none coming in, not to mention I'd have to sell off everything I have just to afford one).

Bass wise, I own a Squier VM Jazz, and a Cort Action, but I do have access to a Ibanez K5 Fieldy Sig Bass that one of my close friend owns (which I am currently loaning from him). Rig wise, I myself own a Peavy combo, but I also share a GK rig with one of my cousins, a Fusion 550 with a 2x12 Neo cab. (which I am also gonna use for the gig)

Eq wise I generally like to have my highs and lows around halfway, and my mids all the way up.

Current strings are Dadarrio Chromes (on the J), Rotosound swing bass on the Cort, and some unknown rounds on my friend's Ibanez.

I play fingerstyle mostly, but if the situation calls for it I can use picks. Slap & pop are also quite often pulled out as a habit.

As extra info, the gig I'm going wants to play Slipknot-esque songs, but I'm pretty sure I'll need to pull off a solo between song intervals.

 

[tom once dead]

+1 on Circle K, once you go tension balanced you won't go back.

 

[tnicholson1138]

i use SIT David Ellefson Signature Series .45-.105

 

[AdamR]

Im happy as long as they are fresh stainless steel. Ive used DR, D'Addario, Rotosound and Dean Markley. They all work for me. My band is influenced by the same bands you listed but we arent tuned very low. Were in E flat

 

[tjrtherealmagic]

Rotosound funkmaster fm66 30 50 70 90

 

[darkstorm]

Rotosound.

 

[bigmoosepi]

rotosound


but they're the best for every genre

 

[Jay2U]

I use Ernie Ball flatwounds for everything, metal included. The tuning is BEAD, which covers a range sufficient for about everything.

 

[puddin tame]

I like chromes... Rotosounds sound ok but have a terrible feel IMO

 

[Peepaleep]

I would use a metal string,
guts just don't cut through

+1

Do a little research on bassists you admire and whose sound you want to emulate, then use what they use.

But keep in mind that the tone is in your hands - literally.