D'Addario XS Electric Guitar Strings | 11-49 Medium/Heavy
Maximum Life + Fat Tone + Unshakable Stability
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 11-49 set delivers a beefier, more substantial feel that rewards a heavy pick attack with thick, harmonically rich tone. This is the gauge of choice for players who prefer increased tension, enhanced sustain, and a powerful low-end response—ideal for hard rock, blues-rock, and players who tune down a half-step or full step.
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—delivering a bold, commanding presence that cuts through dense mixes.
-
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 can dig in hard without worrying about strings snapping or going out of tune.
-
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.
-
Full, Powerful Gauge (11-49): High strings (.011, .014, .018) provide increased resistance for confident, articulate picking and controlled bends with a rounder tone. Low strings (.028, .038, .049) deliver a thick, punchy, and sustaining low end that anchors your sound with authority—perfect for standard tuning with extra meat, half-step down (E♭), or full-step down (D) playing.
Choose XS when you want your "new string day" feeling to last longer than ever before—especially when you're playing heavy, dynamic styles that demand durability and consistency.
"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 (11-49)
-
E (1st): .011 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core
-
B (2nd): .014 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core
-
G (3rd): .018 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core
-
D (4th): .028 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core
-
A (5th): .038 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core
-
E (6th): .049 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core
Hex-core construction provides superior dimensional stability and enhanced durability for precise intonation—ensuring your chords ring true and your bends stay pitch-perfect.
If you have a heavy hand, a powerful amp, and a desire for thick, singing sustain, the D'Addario XS 11-49 set is built for you. These strings reward aggressive playing with rich harmonic content and a punchy, authoritative low end that makes every riff feel massive. And with XS coating, that robust, fresh-string tone stays with you through marathon rehearsals, sweaty gigs, and long recording sessions—meaning fewer string changes and more consistent performance, night after night.
Upgrade your attack. Extend your performance. Experience the XS breakthrough today.
