Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

When you’re ready to let your guitar sing with ease, the Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38 strings offer a light touch with powerful tone. Designed for guitarists who crave effortless playability, these strings are perfect for intricate solos and expressive bends. The extra slinky gauge provides a lighter feel, allowing for swift finger movements without sacrificing your unique sound.

Crafted from high-quality materials, the pure nickel wrap delivers a vintage warmth and clarity that perfectly complements any style of music. Whether you're unleashing a blistering solo or strumming along to your favorite tunes, these strings promise a responsive and dynamic performance every time.

Each set of Ernie Ball Extra Slinky strings is precision-manufactured to ensure consistent performance and long-lasting durability. Trusted by musicians around the world, they provide the reliability you need, whether you’re rehearsing, recording, or performing live.

Key Features:

  • Gauge: Extra Slinky 8-38
  • Pure nickel wrap for warm, vintage tone
  • Light gauge for easy playability and expressive bending
  • Precision-manufactured for consistent performance
  • Long-lasting durability

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .008, .011, .014, .022w, .030, .038
Core Material Tin-plated Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38 strings for electric guitar?

Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38 strings provide a lighter gauge, which makes them ideal for players who prefer easier bending and less finger fatigue. They deliver a bright tone with clear articulation, suitable for styles that require fast playing and expressive bends.

Are Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38 strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, these strings are well-suited for beginners due to their lighter gauge, which makes them easier to press down and bend. This can help new players develop finger strength and technique without excessive discomfort.

How do Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38 strings affect guitar tone?

These strings offer a bright and lively tone with excellent clarity, making them suitable for genres requiring articulate lead lines and solos. The nickel-plated steel winding provides a balanced sound with a touch of warmth.

Can Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38 strings be used for drop tuning?

While possible, these lighter gauge strings may not maintain optimal tension in lower tunings. They are best suited for standard tuning or slightly altered tunings where tension is not significantly reduced.

What is the core material of Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38 strings?

The core material is tin-plated hexagonal steel, which provides strength and durability while maintaining flexibility for expressive playing.

FuzzBass66

FuzzBass66

Trying Out EXTREMELY Light Gauge Strings (Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38!!!)

Video thumbnail for Trying Out EXTREMELY Light Gauge Strings (Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38!!!) by FuzzBass66

Trying Out EXTREMELY Light Gauge Strings (Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38!!!)

FuzzBass66

FuzzBass66

Video thumbnail for Ernie ball Extra Slinky 8-38 testing on Parker Nitefly Guitar. Distorted tone by Andrea Rossi

Ernie ball Extra Slinky 8-38 testing on Parker Nitefly Guitar. Distorted tone

Andrea Rossi

Andrea Rossi

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38.

Setup and maintenance

  • Les Paul users may need to adjust the truss rod and intonation when switching to 8-38 strings due to lower tension.

    Source
  • Installing 8s could require pickup height adjustments and other setup tweaks to maintain proper playability.

    Source
  • Users report that switching to 8-38 strings may require adjusting the bridge height to prevent fret buzz, especially on guitars with low action settings.

    Source
  • Players have observed that extra light strings are more prone to slipping off the fretboard during bends, especially on guitars with narrower necks.

    Source

User experience

  • Players note that 8-38 strings on Les Pauls can feel "floppy" due to the shorter 24.75-inch scale length.

    Source
  • Strings lighter than 10s may not fit well in a factory Les Paul nut, potentially causing tuning issues.

    Source
  • Some users find that lighter strings can cause tuning instability during aggressive strumming, necessitating a lighter touch to maintain pitch consistency.

    Source
  • It's been noted that extra light strings can feel like "chicken wire" for some players, potentially compromising grip and control, particularly in fast passages.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 8-38 strings might be beneficial for players wanting to develop a softer touch due to their ease of bending.

    Source
  • Players favor 8-38 strings for fast, technical playing styles due to their ease of bending and reduced finger fatigue during extended sessions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Several guitarists note that while SRV used heavier gauges like 13s, artists like Billy Gibbons successfully use 8s without sacrificing tone, demonstrating that lighter strings can still deliver quality sound.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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malloweee3

Super Bright

Really good if you like to tune up. Really light on the fingers, because of the smaller gauges. They don't break as easily as you may think.

m0foguy

Yes

I slapped a pair of these on my SG special and they work amazing. Great tone with the bending ability of the gods.

Artist usage

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See how Paul Gilbert uses Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via Ernie Ball

Paul Gilbert uses Ernie Ball 8-38 strings

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 8-38, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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awwim

awwim

Gear IQ 1869

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