Although choosing the best strings for our own musical style, guitar and personal preference is largely a matter of trial and error (having considered some basic guidelines), a useful starting point is to consider what your own guitar heros use. Many famous guitarists endorse a particular brand, or even have their own Signature Series (such as Pink Floyd's David Gilmour Signature Series of GHS Boomers for example), so a good starting point are the websites of major string brands (see "Guitar String Manufacturers" for a list).

As suggested by Adrian Taylor (@casinoboogie on Twitter), we at Guitar String Guide have decided to start adding "What guitar strings does xxxx use" in our FAQ section. As a starting point, Adrian challenged us with the question "What strings does James Dean Bradfield (of the Manic Street Preachers) use?" We're grateful to Andrew Morgan of Welsh online store A Strings ( http://astrings.com ) for the answer. Andrew is lucky enough to supply not only James Dean Bradfield, but also Rock God Brian May of Queen!

Andrew writes... James Dean Bradfield (of the Manic Street Preachers) used to be endorsed by Ernie Ball but he moved over to Optima Strings in early 2010. He uses the Chrome Electric strings, either gauges 10-46 or 11-50, depending on what guitar he's playing.

If you want to know which strings your guitar idol plays, let us know via Twitter to @guitarmanuk and we'll do our best to find out and add to our FAQs.
But remember... using the same guitar and strings as your hero won't make you sound like them! If only it was that easy...

PS: Brian May uses Optima Gold Electric 9-42. Thanks Andrew. ;)