D'Addario XS Electric Guitar Strings | 9.5-44 Balanced Tension

Maximum Life + Balanced Tension + Ultimate Versatility

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 9.5-44 set delivers a truly unique hybrid gauge that offers the best of both worlds—the silky, bend-friendly response of a light set with the increased mass, warmth, and punch of a medium set. This carefully calibrated gauge provides balanced tension across all strings, eliminating the common "slinky" feel of ultra-lights while maintaining effortless playability.

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 a commanding presence in any musical context.

• 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 bend, strum, and pick with absolute confidence.

• 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 Perfect Hybrid Gauge (9.5-44): High strings (.0095, .0115, .016) offer slightly more resistance than a standard 9 set, providing improved articulation and a fuller tone without sacrificing bendability. Low strings (.024, .034, .044) deliver a tighter, punchier bottom end than a typical 9-42 set while remaining more forgiving than a 10-46 set. The result is a perfectly balanced, uniform feel across all six strings—ideal for players who find 9s too light and 10s too heavy.

• 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 you've found your ideal gauge and want it to perform at its peak for weeks on end.

"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 (9.5-44)

• E (1st): .0095 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core

• B (2nd): .0115 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core

• G (3rd): .016 | Plain Steel / NY Steel Core

• D (4th): .024 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core

• A (5th): .034 | Nickel-Plated Steel / Hex Core

• E (6th): .044 | 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 with balanced tension that feels just right.

If you've never quite felt at home with standard gauges—if 9s feel too flimsy and 10s feel too stiff—the D'Addario XS 9.5-44 set is the answer you've been searching for. This carefully designed hybrid gauge delivers a beautifully balanced tension profile that feels natural and responsive, allowing you to play with greater control, dynamics, and expression. Whether you're a seasoned pro chasing the perfect feel or a developing player looking for a set that works with you rather than against you, these strings deliver. And with XS coating, that pristine, balanced tone stays fresh gig after gig.

Find your balance. Extend your performance. Experience the XS breakthrough today.