Most electric guitars have six strings

A standard electric guitar comes with six strings. This is the setup you'll find on nearly every electric guitar sold—from budget models to professional instruments. The six strings are tuned from lowest to highest pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and E. This tuning has been the standard for over a century and works across every musical genre, from rock and blues to jazz and metal.

The reason six strings became standard is practical: it balances playability with range. Six strings give you enough pitch variety to play full chords and melodies without making the neck so wide that your hands can't reach across it comfortably. Most beginner and intermediate players stick with six strings because the muscle memory and chord shapes transfer easily between guitars.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard electric guitars have six strings tuned E-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest.
  • Seven-string and eight-string guitars add lower strings for extended range, common in metal and progressive rock.
  • Twelve-string electrics have pairs of strings that ring together, creating a fuller, shimmering sound.
  • The number of strings you need depends on the music you want to play and your comfort level with the wider neck.

Seven-string and eight-string electric guitars

Some electric guitars have seven strings or eight strings. These instruments add one or two lower strings below the standard low E, extending the range downward. A seven-string guitar typically adds a low B string, while an eight-string adds both a low B and a low F#. These extra strings let you play deeper notes and wider intervals without shifting your hand position as much.

Seven and eight-string guitars are most common in metal, progressive rock, and djent (a heavy, rhythmic style). Bands like Korn, Meshuggah, and Dream Theater popularized extended-range guitars because the lower strings let them create heavier riffs and more complex chord voicings. The trade-off is a wider neck—your hand has to stretch further to play across all the strings, which takes time to adjust to if you learned on a six-string.

If you're starting out, a six-string is still the better choice. You can always move to a seven or eight-string later once you're comfortable with basic technique. Most teachers and learning resources assume six strings, so you'll find more tutorials and chord charts that match your instrument.

Twelve-string electric guitars

A twelve-string electric guitar has twelve strings arranged in six pairs. Each pair consists of two strings tuned to the same note (or sometimes an octave apart). When you pluck one string, both strings in the pair vibrate together, creating a fuller, shimmering sound that's thicker than a six-string.

Twelve-string guitars are less common than six or seven-string models, but they show up in folk, rock, and alternative music. The Byrds and Tom Petty used twelve-strings to get that distinctive jangly, layered tone. The downside is that twelve-string necks are noticeably wider and heavier, and the extra string tension puts more stress on the neck and tuning machines. They're also harder to keep in tune because you have twice as many strings to adjust.

Twelve-string electrics are a specialty instrument—you'd choose one because you specifically want that sound, not as a general-purpose guitar. If you're curious about the tone, listen to recordings first to make sure it's what you're after.

Uncommon string counts

Beyond six, seven, eight, and twelve strings, you'll occasionally find electric guitars with other configurations. Nine-string and ten-string guitars exist but are rare and usually custom-built. Some experimental instruments have even more strings, but these are niche tools for specific musical styles or avant-garde players.

If you're shopping for your first or second guitar, you won't encounter these uncommon setups. Stick with six-string unless you have a specific reason to explore seven or eight-string territory. The vast majority of songs, tutorials, and community resources assume a standard six-string electric guitar.

How string count affects playability

Adding strings changes how the guitar feels in your hands. Each additional string makes the neck wider, which means your fingers have to stretch further to reach across all six or seven or eight strings. Your fretting hand (usually your left hand if you're right-handed) needs time to adjust to the wider spacing.

More strings also mean more tension on the neck itself. A seven-string guitar has higher total string tension than a six-string, which can affect how the neck bows over time. Luthiers (guitar makers) account for this by adjusting the neck's internal truss rod and the body's bracing, but it's something to keep in mind if you're comparing instruments.

The picking hand (usually your right hand) also has to adapt. With more strings, your picking motion needs to cover a wider area. Most players find this adjustment takes a few weeks of regular practice, but it's not a barrier—it's just something your muscle memory learns.

Choosing the right string count for your music

Your choice of string count should match the music you want to play. If you're learning rock, blues, pop, or folk, six strings covers everything. If you're drawn to metal, progressive rock, or modern alternative music, seven or eight strings might be worth exploring once you're past the beginner stage.

Listen to the artists and bands you admire and find out what they use. If your heroes play six-string guitars, start there. If the sound you're chasing comes from a seven-string, you know what direction to head. The best guitar is the one that motivates you to pick it up and play, and that usually means matching the instrument to the music you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the number of strings on my guitar?

Not easily. Adding strings requires a wider neck and different hardware, so you can't straightforward add a string to a six-string guitar and expect it to work. You'd need a different instrument built for that string count. Removing strings is possible but leaves unused tuning machines and bridge saddles, so it's not practical either.

Do seven-string guitars cost more than six-string guitars?

Generally yes, but not always by much. A seven-string guitar from a major manufacturer costs slightly more than a comparable six-string because of the wider neck and extra hardware. Budget models of both types exist, as do expensive ones. The price difference is usually 10 to 20 percent, not double.

Is a twelve-string guitar harder to play than a six-string?

Yes, for two reasons: the neck is wider, so your hand stretches more, and you have twice as many strings to keep in tune. If you're already comfortable on a six-string, you can learn a twelve-string, but expect a few weeks of adjustment. Most players don't switch between the two regularly because the muscle memory is different.

What if I want to play songs that use seven strings but I only have a six-string?

You can often adapt the song by transposing it (moving it to a different key) or rearranging the riff to fit six strings. Many seven-string riffs can be played on six strings with slight modifications. As you get more comfortable, you might decide a seven-string is worth the investment, but it's not required to start learning.

Do all electric guitars use the same tuning?

Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E on a six-string) is universal, but players sometimes use alternate tunings for specific songs or styles. Seven and eight-string guitars have standard tunings too, but with the added lower strings. Some players tune down a half-step or a full step for a heavier sound, but the relative spacing between strings stays the same.