D'Addario XS Electric Guitar Strings | 10-46 Regular Light

Maximum Life + Balanced Tone + Versatile Performance

Product Overview

D'Addario XS represents the absolute pinnacle of coated string technology. Originally debuting to critical acclaim in the acoustic world, the XS Electric line brings the same groundbreaking innovation to the electric guitarist. Engineered at D'Addario's Farmingdale, New York facility, the XS 10-46 set delivers the most popular, all-purpose gauge in electric guitar history—offering the ideal middle ground between effortless bending and substantial pick attack. This is the gauge that works for everything: from sparkling cleans to cranked rock, from funky rhythm to searing lead.

The XS series completes D'Addario's definitive extended-life portfolio, offering the maximum possible string life with an ultra-smooth playing feel, without sacrificing the iconic, vibrant D'Addario tone.

• Maximum String Life: Features an impossibly thin film coating (1/10 the thickness of a human hair) that completely shields wound strings from corrosion, combined with D'Addario's proprietary dispersion coating on plain steels to protect every string.

• Reformulated Nickel-Plated Steel Wrap: Specifically engineered for electric guitars, this new wrap wire provides a noticeably brighter tone, increased output, aggressive bite, and exceptional sustain—giving you presence in any mix.

• Unmatched Tuning Stability & Strength: Built with D'Addario's exclusive NY Steel high-carbon core and plain string wire, alongside patented Fusion Twist technology, delivering superior break strength and precise intonation—so you stay in tune through aggressive strumming and deep bends.

• Smooth, Fast Feel: The advanced micro-coating offers a slick, friction-reduced surface that minimizes finger squeak and facilitates faster playability, all while maintaining the tactile precision and control you expect.

• The Versatile Workhorse Gauge (10-46): High strings (.010, .013, .017) provide enough tension for confident, punchy picking while still offering expressive bending capability. Low strings (.026, .036, .046) deliver a warm, full-bodied low end that anchors your sound with authority—perfect for rock, blues, country, pop, jazz, and everything in between.

• XS Series: Maximum life with a smoother, more lubricated feel.

Choose XS when you want your "new string day" feeling to last longer than ever before—especially when your gig bag covers multiple genres and you need a set that does it all.

What the Pros Are Saying

"D'Addario has outdone themselves with their latest line of guitar strings. XS Electric strings feel extra smooth without being slippery and deliver a 'new string feel' at a higher level. They also feel new for longer and seem to enhance the natural timbres of your instrument. Guitarists of all styles and sounds, including those who don't pay much attention to string types, will notice a big difference."
— Alex Skolnick (Legendary Guitarist)

Tech Specs (10-46)

• E (1st): .010 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core

• B (2nd): .013 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core

• G (3rd): .017 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core

• D (4th): .026 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core

• A (5th): .036 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core

• E (6th): .046 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core

Hex-core construction provides superior dimensional stability and enhanced durability for precise intonation—giving you consistent, reliable performance across the entire fretboard.

If you're looking for a single set of strings that can handle any style, any amp, and any gig, the D'Addario XS 10-46 is your answer. This is the gauge that has graced countless classic records and continues to be the top choice for working musicians who demand reliability without compromise. With XS coating, you get that coveted "fresh string" brightness and slick feel for far longer than traditional sets—meaning fewer changes, more consistency, and more time doing what you love: playing.

Upgrade your standard. Extend your performance. Experience the XS breakthrough today.