How Many Strings Does a Guitar Have? Quick Guide

The typical guitar has six strings. This is true for both electric and acoustic guitars. However, the number of strings on a guitar can vary. Some guitars have up to 9 strings. 

The six-string guitar has a very long history, going back centuries. Its standard tuning system (E-A-D-G-B-E) allows for a variety of musical styles, from classical to rock.

Other guitar variations offer unique playing and musical possibilities, especially extended-range guitars. These instruments offer a wider range of pitch and tonal possibilities.

There are also four-string guitars, such as bass guitars, and 12-string guitars.

The type of guitar you choose ultimately depends on your personal preference and the style of music you play.

Standard Six-String Guitars

Components of the Six-String Guitar

A standard six-string guitar has six strings, each with a unique pitch. The strings are named after the notes they produce when played open (without fretting the strings). These are E, A, D, G, B, and E.

The thickest string is the low E string. The thinnest one is the high E string or just e string.

The six strings are attached to a guitar neck with tuning pegs at the top and the bridge at the bottom.

The neck has frets, metal lines dividing the fingerboard into small segments. They guide you where to place your fingers to play different notes.

Tuning a Standard Guitar

Tuning your six-string guitar is essential for achieving harmonic and melodic accuracy. The standard tuning for a six-string guitar, from lowest to highest, is E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, and E4. Here’s a breakdown of the standard tuning:

• Low E string (E2): the thickest string, 6th from the top;
  
  
• A string (A2): the 5th string from the top;
  
  
• D string (D3): the 4th string from the top;
  
  
• G string (G3): the 3rd string from the top;
  
  
• B string (B3): the 2nd string from the top;
  
  
• High E string (E4): the thinnest string, 1st from the top.

To tune your guitar, you can use one of the following methods:

1. Tuning Forks: Strike the tuning fork against a surface to cause it to vibrate. Then adjust the corresponding string until the pitch matches the tuning fork’s vibration;
   
   
2. Electronic Tuners: Clip the electronic tuner onto the guitar’s headstock. Then pluck the corresponding string. The tuner displays the parameter. It helps you to adjust the pitch by tightening or loosening the tuning peg;
   
   
3. Online Tuners: Access an online tuner and play each string. Use the tuner’s guidance to achieve accurate pitch levels;
   
   
4. Mobile Apps: Download a guitar tuner app to turn your smartphone into a portable tuner.

Other Guitar Variations

Bass Guitars

Bass guitars are a type of guitar that typically has four strings.. It sets them apart from the standard six-string guitar.

They come in both electric and acoustic models.

You can also find bass guitars with five, six, or even more strings.

Some popular tunings for bass guitars include:

• Standard: E-A-D-G;
  
  
• Drop D: D-A-D-G;
  
  
• Five-string: B-E-A-D-G;
  
  
• Six-string: B-E-A-D-G-C.

Twelve-String Guitars

Twelve-string guitars are another exciting variation. With this guitar the number of strings on a standard guitar is simply doubled.

They come in both acoustic and electric versions. These guitars feature six pairs of strings, with each pair tuned in unison or an octave apart.

When you play a twelve-string guitar, you’ll often strum or pluck both strings in pairs. This creates a rich, lush sound.

The tuning of this musical instrument usually follows the same pattern as a regular six-string guitar:

• Standard: E-E-A-A-D-D-G-G-B-B-E-E

Extended-Range Guitars

Extended-range guitars have extra strings. Some of these guitars include seven-string and eight-string models. These guitars are usually designed for electric guitar players. They are favored by specific genres like progressive rock, metal, and jazz.

You can vary the tunings for these extended-range guitars depending on your preferences. The standard tuning for a seven-string guitar is B-E-A-D-G-B-E. An eight-string guitar is typically tuned to F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E.

These extra strings allow you to experiment with new sounds (bigger chords, bigger arpeggios lower riffs).

Extended-Range Guitars

Seven String Guitars

Simply put, extended-range guitars offer more versatility. The extra string on a seven-string guitar is often tuned to a lower B.

This type of guitar has been around for well over 200 years but has gained popularity since the nineties. These days it’s a popular choice in several genres, such as metal, jazz, and Russian ‘gypsy’.

Eight String Guitars

Eight-string guitars provide even more extended range, usually on the lower end of the tonal spectrum. This extra string is usually tuned to a lower F#. The eighth string is mainly used for riffing. These guitars are often used in progressive metal, djent and experimental genres.

Nine String Guitars

For those seeking even greater tonal depth, nine-string guitars exist. These rare instruments feature three extra strings. These extraordinary guitars are mainy used in experimental and progressive genres. 

Tunings of Extended Range Guitars

An essential aspect of extended-range guitars is their tuning. You can tune an extended-range guitar in various ways to achieve a specific sound. For example, you could tune a seven-string guitar to BEADGBE or even drop the lowest string to A for drop A tuning.

Electric Guitar Brands That Offer Extended-Range Guitars

Various guitar brands manufacture extended-range guitars, including:

• Ibanez
  
  
• Schecter
  
  
• Suhr
  
  
• ESP
  
  
• Jackson
  
  
• Strandberg

These brands offer seven- and eight-string guitars. Some brands even produce nine-string models for cutting-edge musicians.

Famous Players Who Use Extended-Range Guitars

Many professional guitarists choose extended-range guitars for their unique sound and versatility. Some notable musicians include:

• Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders): Eight-string guitars;
  
  
• Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström (Meshuggah): Eight-string guitars;
  
  
• Steve Vai: Seven-string guitars;
  
  
• John Petrucci (Dream Theater): Seven-string guitars;
  
  
• Misha Mansoor (Periphery): Seven and eight-string guitars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strings does a guitar typically have?

A guitar typically has six strings, but there are also guitars with more or fewer than six strings.

What are the different types of guitars?

There are various guitars, such as acoustic, electric, classical, and bass.

How are the guitar strings tuned?

The guitar strings are typically tuned to standard tuning (EADGBE). But you can tune them to different notes based on your preference or the musical piece you want to play.

What are the differences between electric and acoustic guitars?

Electric guitars need an amplifier, while acoustic guitars can produce sound without amplification.

What are the materials used for guitar strings?

Guitar strings are mostly made of steel or nylon, depending on the type of guitar and the desired sound.