Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (60)
$8.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (352)
$8.99
Amazon
4.8 (33616)
$8.99
Reverb
5.0 (50)
$5.49 New
$7.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (240)
$8.99
zZounds
5.0 (9)
$8.99
Thomann
4.8 (5896)
$5.60

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), a classic choice for musicians seeking a balance between comfortable playability and versatile tonality. These strings are made of nickel-plated steel, offering a warm yet articulate voice that adapts to any genre or style, from rock and blues to jazz and country.

The Super Slinky gauges, ranging from .009 to .042, ensure a balanced tension that allows for effortless bending and solid low notes. The lighter top end provides smooth string bending, vibrato, and fretting, while the heavier bottom end delivers strong, resonant low notes. This unique combination ensures a slinky feel at the top and taut lows at the bottom, giving musicians the best of both worlds.

Furthermore, the nickel-plated steel composition of the Super Slinky strings delivers a tone that is both warm and articulate. The nickel plating adds richness and depth, while the steel core provides clarity and cut. This blend helps each note ring out with beautiful, harmonically complex overtones.

Key Features:

  • Super Slinky gauges from .009 to .042 for balanced tension and versatile playability
  • Nickel-plated steel construction for warm yet articulate voice
  • Offers a balanced tone that's neither too bright nor too dark
  • Tin-plated hex steel core for added durability
  • Ideal for a variety of musical styles, from rock and blues to jazz and country
  • Premium quality strings with reliable performance and long life expectancy
  • Preferred by renowned musicians like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Angus Young.

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042
Core Material Tin-plated Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)?

Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings offer a light gauge that provides easy bending and flexibility, making them ideal for genres like rock, blues, and jazz. Their nickel-plated steel winding delivers a bright tone with excellent clarity.

Are Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings are great for beginners due to their lighter gauge, which makes them easier to press and bend, reducing finger fatigue during practice.

How do Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings compare to Regular Slinky strings?

The main difference is the gauge; Super Slinky strings are lighter (.009-.042) compared to Regular Slinky (.010-.046), offering easier playability and bending, while Regular Slinky provides a slightly fuller tone.

What type of electric guitar is best suited for Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings?

Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings are versatile and can be used on most electric guitars, particularly those used for playing styles that benefit from easy string bending and bright tones, such as rock and blues.

How long do Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings typically last?

The lifespan of Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings depends on playing frequency and style, but they are known for their durability and consistent performance. Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend their life.

GAK

GAK

What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball by GAK

What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings Comparison - The Ultimate Strings Demo! by Guitar World

Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings Comparison - The Ultimate Strings Demo!

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings by Guitar World

Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test! by Brett Kingman

Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test!

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Super Slinky Electric guitar Strings review by Arvin Viray

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Electric guitar Strings review

Arvin Viray

Arvin Viray

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42).

User experience

  • Super Slinkys are favored on Fender-style guitars with longer scale lengths for their sound and durability during hard playing.

    Source
  • Some players noted a significant difference in bend ease and fret pressure when switching from Power Slinkys to Super Slinkys.

    Source
  • A user reported that while Ernie Ball Super Slinkys work well on a Floyd Rose, 1.5-step bends on the .009 string can result in breakage, suggesting caution with extreme bends.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users who switched from D'Addario to Super Slinkys noticed improved tuning stability on guitars with floating tremolos.

    Source
  • Users who switched from DR and D'Addario often cite the ease of bending and tone of Super Slinkys as key reasons.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Super Slinkys are perceived to have less tension than D'Addario NYXLs, which could benefit those seeking easier playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Locking tuners and proper installation technique have prevented string breakage for users who frequently retune.

    Source
  • Switching from a 24.75" to a 25.5" scale with 9-42 gauge can feel stiff; adjusting the trem setup may enhance string flexibility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A hybrid set like 9-46 might offer better tension balance for those who play fast metal, maintaining lightness on higher strings with more weight on lower ones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Review - Nickel Electric Strings

gearank.com

Ernie Ball 2223 Super Slinky strings deliver a nostalgic experience with a versatile tone that's neither too bright nor too dark. They're ideal for those who appreciate the history and lighter gauge feel, making fretting chords a breeze. However, their brilliance diminishes quickly, necessitating frequent replacements, which may deter long-term loyalty. While they offer a springy sound and rich legacy, they may not be the best pick for musicians who prioritize durability over sentimentality.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 44 Reviews and 249 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
S

Great strings - I use 'em on everything!

Ernie Ball is the standard for guitar strings and for good reason. Not a single set of these things has had any semblance of a fault or flaw.

Given that I'm very bend-happy with my playing, having something on the lighter side of gauges is super helpful.

Anywhere I could go in this world, a music shop would likely have a set of Super Slinky strings for a reasonable price.

If you're wanting a set of strings that won't feel like bridge cables and does everything you want strings to do? Think pink - play Super Slinkys!

aron_mccracken

Affordable and pack a punch

For a an affordable set of strings these have been my go to string on my Jackson guitar and give me the tone I want

From Gear Setup
roybon

EXCELLENT

Super durable and of the highest quality, but to buy a set of Ernie Ball strings I have to go into debt because in Argentina they are quite expensive. But they are worth it.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
zessenea30

industry standard

The best mainstream strings around. They're much better than d'addario's .

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Tuned to e flat

D

The best strings

Before Ernie Ball Super Slinkys I used Coated Strings. Coated Strings are great. But Ernie Ball Super Slinkys have a different tone.

julianwolf2

[deleted]

T

I use those too! They are great.

C

Best strings money can buy

Good for pretty much any type of music. Classic rock, metal, punk, blues, country. You name it and these strings are good

paulsmithiii

My Electric Strings for Life

I've used Ernie Ball SSs for over 40 years. I've never felt the need to try anything else. They've always been the right gauge with the right tone. I know the next gauge up gives a fatter tone, in fact I use the Regular Slinky's on my hollow body guitars, but for my Strats, my Les Paul, these are perfect.

stevo_guitaro

Affordable

Good affordable strings. World famous for a reason. Love the package design. Little rough feeling after using D'addario NYXL but good strings.

fleshwound

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Jimmy Page is shown using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings in a user-uploaded photo on Ernie Ball’s website.

See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

The preferred guitar strings used by Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong are the Ernie Ball 2221 Nickel Slinky Electric Guitar Strings.

See how Kirk Hammett uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:33 from his own String Theory by Ernie Ball, he talked about what kind of guitar strings still stay in tune and not broken when he use the whammy bar. Until he takes the 3rd pack, he's like: "What is that pack? An Ernie Ball Super Slinky! YES! The Ernie Ball Super Slinky!! That's what we need!!"

See how Paul McCartney uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Facebook

Paul McCartney uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), as noted in a Facebook post by Ernie Ball.

See how Angus Young uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Angus Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

...
Verified via Groundguitar

Angus Young used only Ernie Ball Super Slinky guitar strings (.009-.042) for his electric guitars.

See how Steve Vai uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via YouTube

On 4:00, Steve is talking about Ernie ball Strings

According to Ernie Balls video description: "String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players. In this episode, Ernie Ball artist Steve Vai discusses his influences, his history with playing guitar, and his Ernie Ball strings.

Steve Vai plays Ernie Ball Super Slinky electric guitar strings"

See how Billy Corgan uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via guitarworld

In his article for Guitar World, Billy Corgan mentions using 9-42 gauge strings. Given that The Smashing Pumpkins are known to use Ernie Ball strings, it's likely he uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings.

See how Paul Gilbert uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Gilbert relies on that Super Slinky electric guitar string gauge for his signature tone. #NAMM2020

See how Neil Young uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Neil Young

Singer, Guitarist

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video interview with the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Neil Young states that he has used Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42) for most of his career.

See how Pat Smear uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Pat Smear

Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified

Pat Smear used Earnie Ball Super Slinky 9-42s on his electric guitars during his time with Nirvana.

See how Dave Murray uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via Photo

A rig diagram shows that Dave Murray uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42).

See how Dave Navarro uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Dave Navarro

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Ernie Ball: String Theory video, Dave Navarro discusses his use of Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42).

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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andreberaldino

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1 alternative for Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), curated by the Equipboard community.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Guitar Strings (10-46)

$5.30 - $8.99

similar sound

They both have similar tone but are in different gauges.

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