4 Best Black Guitar Strings

Ever wish your guitar's tone had a little more… oomph? We found the secret weapon: black guitar strings. These aren't your grandpa's guitar strings; they're designed for a richer, deeper sound, perfect for those bluesy riffs or punchy rock solos. Forget flimsy strings that break easily; these durable black guitar strings, with their sleek coated finish, will keep your axe singing for longer. Upgrade your sound—and your style—today. Consider experimenting with different gauges to find your perfect fit, from light to heavy.

1. DR Black Beauties Coated Electric Guitar Strings (10-46)

Awesome sound, long-lasting, and cool black look!

DR Black Beauties Coated Electric Guitar Strings (10-46)
    Highly rated
  • Look
  • Longevity
    Some controversy about
  • Sound quality
  • String quality
  • Durability
  • Feel
  • Coating
  • Brightness

Upgrade your electric guitar's sound and style with DR Strings Black Beauties (10-46), black coated electric guitar strings. These hand-made, nickel-plated steel strings boast a bright, modern tone with enhanced harmonic content thanks to their hex core and K3 coating. The unique black coating provides a sleek aesthetic, while also increasing durability and string life by protecting against corrosion. Experience a smoother feel, less fret wear, and enhanced attack and output – all hallmarks of DR Strings' commitment to superior quality and craftsmanship since 1989. Enjoy the superior performance and longevity these Black Beauties offer.

DR Black Beauty guitar strings deliver a stunning look and exceptional sound, making them a worthwhile investment for any guitarist. Many users rave about the rich, balanced tone across all strings, noting a lack of harshness or dullness, even on longer notes. The black coating, while some users report minor wear, adds a visually striking element to any instrument, from a Les Paul to a 7-string Carvin or even a Hofner. Players consistently praise the strings' excellent tuning stability and longevity, with some reporting months of use without significant degradation. The comfortable playing feel is another frequently mentioned advantage, even by experienced players accustomed to flatwound strings. While some users experienced minor coating wear or sticking issues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights DR Black Beauty's superior sound quality and impressive performance, making them a top choice for enhancing your guitar's aesthetic and sonic capabilities.

  • Brand: DR Strings
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
  • Size: 10-46
  • Weight: 1.06 ounces
  • Rate: 4.2 / 1242
Outstanding features:
  • Longer string life
  • Bright, modern tone
  • Sleek, black coated look
Context of use:
  • Electric guitar players seeking longer-lasting strings
  • Guitarists wanting a unique black aesthetic
  • Musicians prioritizing bright tone and enhanced output

2. Black Diamond N477LB Electric Guitar Strings (.010-.046)

Black Diamond strings: legendary durability, smooth playability, awesome sound.

Black Diamond N477LB Electric Guitar Strings (.010-.046)
    Highly rated
  • String durability
  • Sound quality

Experience the legendary quality of Black Diamond Strings® N477LB, a set of Black Diamond Electric Black Coated Nickel Light (.010-.046 gauge) guitar strings made in the USA since 1890. Crafted with high-carbon steel core wire and premium wrap wire, these strings offer superior playing tension and tone. Their black coating provides enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, thanks to a unique Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) sealing process. Black Diamond Strings' commitment to quality, evident in their advanced winding technology and strong materials, ensures a consistently exceptional playing experience for generations of musicians.

Black Diamond guitar strings consistently deliver exceptional performance and are a favorite among players. For decades, musicians have relied on their durability and reliability, praising their smooth feel and effortless playability across the entire fretboard. Whether you're using them on a hollow-body guitar for rich, resonant tones or a solid-body for crisp, clear notes, Black Diamond strings consistently enhance the playing experience. Many users find their sound superior, describing it as surprisingly great and allowing for the effortless creation of solid tunes. While some have noted a minor stickiness initially, the overall consensus points to Black Diamond strings as a top-tier choice for guitarists seeking exceptional quality and a fantastic playing feel.

  • Brand: Black Diamond
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 4.2 x 4.1 x 0.5 inches
  • Size: 10-46 Regular
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Rate: 4.5 / 29
Outstanding features:
  • Black coated nickel for enhanced durability and tone
  • High carbon steel core for optimal tension and playability
  • Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) for extended string life
Context of use:
  • Electric guitar playing
  • Rock and metal music genres
  • Live music performance

3. DR Black Beauties Heavy 7-String Guitar Strings (11-60)

Black Beauties: surprisingly balanced tone, lasting power, and cool looks.

DR Black Beauties Heavy 7-String Guitar Strings (11-60)
    Highly rated
  • Look
  • Feel
    Some controversy about
  • Sound quality
  • Durability
  • String quality
  • Coating

Unleash your inner rock god with DR Strings Black Beauties BKE7-11 Heavy 7-String guitar strings (11-60 gauge). These all-black beauties boast a striking, modern aesthetic, setting them apart from the pack. The innovative K3 coating on the wrap wire not only extends string life, maintaining brightness, but also eliminates unwanted overtones for enhanced projection, clarity, and articulation. Experience superior tone and durability with these heavy gauge strings, perfect for demanding playing styles and achieving that aggressive, powerful sound. Their unique look and superior performance make them a must-have for any serious 7-string player.

DR Black Beauty coated strings deliver a perfectly balanced tone across all six (and seven!) strings, avoiding the overly bassy lows or shrill highs often found in other brands. Users playing diverse styles, from metal on 7-string Carvin guitars to more nuanced tones on a Hofner 6-string, consistently praise the even tone and minimal string noise. While some users noted a slightly different feel compared to uncoated strings, many experienced remarkable tuning stability and longevity, even with aggressive playing styles. The strings' durability, even under significant stress, is a key advantage, outperforming expectations in many users' experiences. The sleek black coating, though some users reported minor wear with very aggressive playing, contributes to the strings' aesthetic appeal and makes them perfect for stage performances. Though some initial coating wear has been reported, the vast majority of users highlight their long-lasting tone and exceptional tuning stability, making DR Black Beauty strings a strong choice for guitarists seeking both performance and style.

  • Brand: DR Strings
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 4.1 x 4.1 x 0.5 inches
  • Size: 11-60
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Rate: 4.1 / 139
Outstanding features:
  • K3 coated for extended life and brightness
  • Reduced overtones for improved clarity
  • All-black aesthetic
Context of use:
  • Heavy 7-string guitar playing
  • Drop-tuned guitars
  • Metal or hard rock music genres

4. Black Beauties Bass Strings (DR Strings)

Black Beauties: stunning looks, amazing sound, lasting brilliance!

Black Beauties Bass Strings (DR Strings)
    Highly rated
  • Sound quality
  • Look
  • String quality
  • Smoothness
  • Feel
  • Playability
  • Brightness
    Some controversy about
  • Durability

Experience the legendary DR Strings Black Beauties (BKB-40) bass guitar strings, handcrafted since 1989 using a meticulous round core construction. Unlike machine-made alternatives, these black coated strings deliver a superior, crisp tone and exceptional clarity. The painstaking handmade process, a testament to DR Strings' commitment to quality, results in a richer, more resonant sound that elevates your bass playing. Enjoy the durability and consistent performance that only the finest materials and traditional craftsmanship can provide. Upgrade your bass with the renowned Black Beauties and hear the difference.

DR Black Beauty bass strings deliver a truly exceptional playing experience. Numerous users rave about their smooth feel, fantastic looks (especially on maple necks and butterscotch bodies like those found on a Ray24), and remarkably bright, resonant tone perfect for rock or even fretless bass playing. The black coating, while showing some wear with aggressive playing styles (like slap, or using a pick), remains durable and doesn't flake, significantly outlasting uncoated strings and maintaining their brilliance for months. Many players have switched from other popular brands, such as Ernie Ball Super Slinkies, highlighting the Black Beauties' superior longevity and consistent sound. The strings' medium scale length ensures compatibility with various basses, including the Stu Hamm Urge, and their quality justifies the slightly higher price point. Although some users noted a slight coarseness compared to other strings and a less warm tone than some might prefer, the overwhelmingly positive feedback points to the DR Black Beauties as a game-changing option for bassists seeking a long-lasting, visually striking, and vibrant sound. The consistent praise for their performance across various playing styles and genres showcases their versatility.

  • Brand: DR Strings
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 3.54 inches
  • Weight: 3.84 ounces
  • Rate: 4.6 / 506
Outstanding features:
  • Hand-made round core for superior tone
  • Black coating for durability and aesthetics
  • Crisp tone and clarity
Context of use:
  • Professional bass playing
  • Recording studios
  • Live performances