First, let's decide when we should change the strings on our guitar. Take into account the 4 D's (discolouration, decay, dullness and duration).
Discolouration - the strings no longer look shiny or silver and are now black.
Decay - Run your index finger on the underside of the string and feel for pits where they rub against the frets (you might also detect the bumpy and rough feel of the grime and dirt that has built up!)
Dullness - this takes only a bit of experience to hear, the guitar doesn't sound as bright as it once did, especially when you play a full chord.
Duration - the string won't vibrate as much as it used to because of the dirt, therefore the sustain will suffer.
There are a lot of options when replacing strings on your guitar, and I`m going to guide you through the most popular brand, Ernie Ball (between £5-£7 per pack). From then on, you can experiment with different brands once you know what you are looking for. Strings come in different "thickness levels", called "gauge", and the lower the gauge number the easier they are to press down, bend, etc, but they are less likely to stay in tune when you press down and they are more likely to break . The higher the gauge number the less likely they are to break, they give a "thicker" or "richer" sound, but are more difficult to play, requiring more finger and wrist strength. After playing/experimenting you will have your favourite gauge and brand, but this will probably change constantly! You should not change your strings on the day of a performance, as the strings need time to stretch in, or you risk tuning issues. The day before should be fine.
EXTRA SLINKY
(Gauge 8)
These are the lightest strings you can get hold of. Easy to bend the strings, easy to play and provide a bright sound. They are likely to break, and more difficult to control in terms of tuning as you can go sharp if you press too hard. Notable users: Chuck Berry, Yngwie Malmsteen (top 3 strings), BB King.
SUPER SLINKY
(Gauge 9)
Probably the second most popular gauge. Easy to bend and play, and provide a bright sound. The top string is most prone to break though. I would recommend these for Fender style guitars. If in doubt, go for these, they are a good starting point. Notable users: Mark Knopfler, Gary Moore, Joe Perry, Angus Young, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani.
REGULAR SLINKY
(Gauge 10)
Probably the most popular gauge. A little heavier than the Super Slinky strings. Harder to bend on the top three strings but provide a richer sound. Notable users: Eric Clapton, Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, Richie Sambora, Keith Richards.
POWER SLINKY
(Gauge 11)
Work best on Gibson style guitars. Require a lot of strength but far less likely to go out of tune so you can strike the strings much harder than the lighter strings. The sound will be much "phatter" and "beefier" than the lighter strings. These are hard work though! You have to have fingers like Superman! Notable users: Keith Richards, Joe Bonamassa, Yngwie Malmsteen (bottom 3 strings).
SKINNY TOP HEAVY BOTTOM
(Gauge 10 on top, heavier bottom)
The capability for agile solos on the top three gauge 10 strings and big sounding riffs on the lower heavier three strings, you can hit the stings harder without going sharp. Requires some finger strength.
HYBRID SLINKY
(Gauge 9 on top, heavier bottom)
Like Skinny Top Heavy Bottom but lighter. Agile for solos and beefy for those rock riffs, the best of both worlds. I have used these a lot. Requires some finger strength for the bottom three strings. A great progression from the Super Slinky.
NOT EVEN SLINKY
(Gauge 12)
These are seriously heavy and not for the faint hearted. They have a big sound but they are incredibly difficult to play. Unless you have fingers on steroids (or you de-tune your guitar) I would avoid these!
BEEFY SLINKY
(Gauge 11, heavier bottom)
In between the Power Slinky and the Not Even Slinky. You will need some muscle in those fingers to get the best out of these. Suitable for de-tuning.
6 STRING BARITONE SLINKY (Gauge 13)
These are seriously insane. For detuning the guitar. The only notable user: Stevie Ray Vaughan.