Why do most electric guitar string sets include a plain steel vs. a wound G string and what are the advantages/disadvantages?

The steel core of a wound G string is actually thinner than a plain steel string so the plain steel will usually require more tension to tune to the same pitch.

1. Is wound G String better?
2. What is a wound G string?
3. Why do guitar strings have wounds?
4. Are all electric guitar strings wound?

Is wound G String better?

Generally speaking, with a wound G string you'll get better intonation on your guitar, and better tuning stability. Many guitarists think that a wound G string just sounds better, and balanced better tonally in a set with its fuller, warmer sound.

What is a wound G string?

The wound string will stay flexible to a higher gauge. Tonally, a plain G will sound closer to the plain B and E strings in a set, while a wound G will sound closer to the other wound strings in the set (E, A, and D).

Why do guitar strings have wounds?

The invention of wound strings, such as nylon covered in wound metal, was a crucial step in string instrument technology, because a metal-wound string can produce a lower pitch than a catgut string of similar thickness. This enabled stringed instruments to be made with less thick bass strings.

Are all electric guitar strings wound?

Most notably, the first and second strings in the set are almost always plain steel. The fourth, fifth, and sixth strings, or seventh or eighth strings if you play extended range guitars, are almost always wound.