RG550
The Ibanez RG550 is the Japanese-designed shred guitar that defined 80s-90s metal — ultra-thin Wizard neck, superstrat HSH pickup configuration, and Edge tremolo system. Steve Vai-era Ibanez flagship produced in Ibanez's Japan factory with legendary playability. The benchmark against which all metal/shred guitars are measured.
Best strings for Ibanez RG550
Character-matched pairings, ordered by fit
Heavy Core on RG550 — hybrid 10-48 for modern metal RG players wanting tighter low-E.
Paradigm coated for gigging RG players — Edge tremolo stress benefits from Paradigm break resistance.
Super Slinky 9-42 on RG550 — Steve Vai-era shred standard on the guitar Vai made famous.
NYXL on RG550 — modern shred player choice for Edge tremolo stability and bending precision.
More strings in this sonic family
Similar character, different brand or gauge