Standard Electric Guitars Have Six Strings
Most electric guitars have six strings. This is the standard setup you'll find on guitars made by Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Stratocasters, Telecasters, and nearly every other mainstream brand. The six strings are tuned from lowest to highest pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and E. If you're learning guitar or buying your first electric, six strings is what you should expect.
The six-string layout has been the industry standard for over a century because it balances playability with range. Your fingers can reach across the neck comfortably, and the pitch range covers everything from deep bass notes to high treble. Most songs you hear on the radio—rock, pop, blues, country, metal—are written for six-string 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 heavier, deeper 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 affects neck width, string spacing, and the types of music the guitar suits best.
Seven-String and Eight-String Guitars for Lower Tunings
Some electric guitars have seven strings or eight strings. These models add one or two extra strings below the low E, giving you access to much lower pitches. A seven-string guitar typically adds a low B string, while an eight-string adds both a low F# and a low B. Brands like Ibanez, Schecter, and ESP make seven and eight-string models as standard offerings.
Seven and eight-string guitars are popular in metal, progressive rock, and djent music because the lower strings let you play heavier riffs and create darker tones. If you tune a standard six-string guitar down to compensate, the strings become loose and muddy. An extra string solves that problem. However, the neck is wider and the strings are spaced closer together, which takes adjustment if you're used to a six-string.
Eight-string guitars are less common than seven-string models. They're mostly used by players who want maximum low-end range or who play in very heavy tunings. If you're starting out, a seven-string is easier to transition to than an eight-string.
Twelve-String Electrics for 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, with one string an octave higher than the other. This creates a shimmering, chorus-like effect that sounds fuller and richer than a six-string. The lowest four strings are usually paired at the same pitch, while the highest two strings are paired an octave apart.
Twelve-string guitars are less common in electric form than in acoustic form. They're harder to play because the strings are closer together and require more finger strength to press down. They're also harder to keep in tune because there are twice as many tuning pegs. Some players use them for folk, rock, or alternative music to get that distinctive jangly tone, but they're not a beginner instrument.
How String Count Affects Playability and Neck Width
The number of strings changes how the guitar feels in your hands. A six-string has a standard neck width of about 1.69 inches at the nut (the part closest to the headstock). A seven-string neck is typically 1.77 to 1.85 inches wide to accommodate the extra string. An eight-string can be 1.9 inches or wider. That extra width might seem small, but it changes finger spacing and reach, especially for players with smaller hands.
Twelve-string necks are usually the same width as six-string necks because the strings are paired, not spread out. However, the doubled strings make the neck feel thicker and heavier. If you switch from a six-string to a seven-string or eight-string, expect a two to four week adjustment period before your hand position feels natural again.
Specialty Guitars With Different String Counts
Beyond six, seven, eight, and twelve strings, some specialty electric guitars exist with other configurations. Nine-string and ten-string models are rare but available from custom builders and a few manufacturers. These sit between eight-string and twelve-string territory and are almost always ordered by experienced players with specific musical goals.
Some extended-range guitars use different tuning systems or string gauges to achieve their sound. For example, a nine-string might tune the extra strings differently than a seven-string plus two more. If you're interested in a specialty guitar, research the specific tuning and playability before buying, because they're not standardized the way six, seven, and eight-string models are.
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 country, a six-string is the right choice. If you're drawn to metal, progressive rock, or modern alternative music, a seven-string is worth considering once you're comfortable with a six-string. An eight-string is a step beyond that and is best left until you've played seven-string for a while.
Twelve-string guitars are a specialized tool for a specific sound. They're not better or worse than six-strings—they're different. If you hear a song and love that shimmering, full tone, that's likely a twelve-string or a twelve-string effect added in the studio. Don't buy one just because you like the sound; try one in person first, because the playability is significantly different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more strings to my six-string guitar?
No. Adding strings requires a different neck, bridge, and tuning system. You would need to buy a new guitar built for that string count. Retrofitting a six-string is not practical and will not work well.
Do seven-string guitars cost more than six-string guitars?
Seven-string guitars typically cost $50 to $200 more than a comparable six-string model from the same brand, depending on the quality level. The extra string and wider neck add to manufacturing cost, but the difference is not huge.
Is a seven-string guitar harder to learn than a six-string?
If you already know six-string, a seven-string is not much harder—the extra string is just below the low E, and you learn it as you go. If you're a complete beginner, start with six-string. Learning on seven-string when you've never played guitar before adds unnecessary difficulty.
What tuning does a seven-string guitar use?
A seven-string is typically tuned B-E-A-D-G-B-E, with the low B added below the standard six-string tuning. Some players tune it differently depending on the music, but B-E-A-D-G-B-E is the standard.
Are twelve-string electrics good for beginners?
No. Twelve-string guitars are harder to play, harder to tune, and more expensive. Start with a six-string, and if you want that fuller sound later, you can explore a twelve-string once you have solid technique.