Standard Electric Guitars Have Six Strings

Most electric guitars come with six strings. This has been the standard since the electric guitar became common in the 1930s and 1940s, and it remains the most popular setup today. The six strings are tuned from lowest to highest pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and E (often written as E–A–D–G–B–E).

The reason six strings became standard is practical: it gives you enough range to play most songs, enough space between strings to pick or strum cleanly, and enough familiarity that learning materials, chord charts, and tab notation are everywhere. If you walk into a music store and pick up an electric guitar without asking, it will have six strings.

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 heavier, darker tones and are common in metal and progressive rock.
  • Twelve-string electrics double most strings to create a fuller, shimmering sound, though they are less common and harder to play.
  • The number of strings you need depends on the music you want to play and your experience level—beginners should start with six.

Seven-String and Eight-String Guitars Add Lower Notes

Some electric guitars have seven strings or eight strings. These models add one or more strings below the 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# (or sometimes a low A). These extra strings sit wider apart on the neck, which takes adjustment if you are used to a six-string.

Seven and eight-string guitars became popular in metal and progressive rock because the lower strings allow for heavier, darker tones and more complex chord voicings. Bands like Korn and Meshuggah helped make seven-strings common in the 1990s. If you listen to modern metal or djent music, you will hear them frequently. However, they are less common in blues, country, or classic rock, where six strings remain the standard.

Twelve-String Electrics Create a Fuller Sound

A twelve-string electric guitar has twelve strings arranged in six pairs. Most of the pairs are tuned to the same note but at different octaves—for example, the lowest pair might be two E strings, one an octave lower than the other. This creates a shimmering, fuller sound that is popular in folk, rock, and pop music. The Rickenbacker 12-string, used by The Beatles and many other bands, is the most famous example.

Twelve-string guitars are harder to play than six-strings because the strings are closer together and require more finger strength to fret cleanly. They are also more expensive and less common in music stores. Most people do not start on a twelve-string; they move to one after gaining experience on a six-string.

Less Common String Counts: Five, Nine, and Beyond

A few other configurations exist, though they are rare. Five-string electrics are sometimes used in bass guitar playing or experimental music, but they are not standard for lead or rhythm guitar. Nine-string guitars exist but are uncommon; they typically add strings both above and below the standard range. Some luthiers (guitar makers) build custom guitars with unusual string counts for specific musical styles or tuning systems.

Unless you have a specific reason—a particular song you want to play, a band you want to join, or a tuning system you want to explore—you should start with a six-string. The vast majority of learning materials, instructors, and fellow players work with six-strings, which makes them the easiest path forward.

How String Count Affects What You Can Play

The number of strings changes what notes you can reach and how you play them. A six-string guitar covers a range of about four octaves, which is enough for most songs. A seven-string extends that range lower, letting you play heavier riffs and lower bass notes without changing position on the neck. A twelve-string does not extend the range much but makes the same notes sound richer and fuller because each note rings out twice.

Your choice should match the music you want to play. If you are learning classic rock, blues, or folk, six strings is all you need. If you are drawn to metal or progressive rock, a seven-string might suit you better—but only after you are comfortable on a six-string first. Jumping to a seven-string as your first guitar usually slows down your learning because the wider spacing and different muscle memory make basic techniques harder to build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add extra strings to a six-string guitar?

No, not practically. The neck and body of a six-string guitar are designed for six strings, and adding more would require rebuilding the instrument. If you want seven or eight strings, you need to buy a guitar built for that configuration.

Do all electric guitars have the same string thickness?

No. String thickness (called gauge) varies by set. Lighter gauges are easier to play but break more easily; heavier gauges are harder on your fingers but last longer and produce a thicker tone. Most beginners use a standard gauge, and you can change it without affecting the guitar itself.

Is a six-string guitar easier to learn than a seven-string?

Yes. Six-strings are narrower, so your fingers have less distance to travel. Most learning materials and teachers assume six strings. Start with six, and move to seven or eight only if the music you want to play requires it.

What is the difference between a twelve-string and two six-string guitars?

A twelve-string has all twelve strings on one neck, so you play chords and melodies with both hands on one instrument. Two six-strings would be two separate guitars. The twelve-string sound is unique because the paired strings ring together, creating a chorus-like effect.