Standard Electric Guitars Have Six Strings
Most electric guitars have six strings. This is the standard setup you will find on guitars made by Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Schecter, and nearly every other major manufacturer. The six strings are tuned from lowest to highest pitch as E, A, D, G, B, and E — a pattern called standard tuning.
The reason six strings became standard has to do with both physics and playability. Six strings give you enough range to play melodies, chords, and bass notes without the neck becoming so wide that your hand cannot reach across it comfortably. This balance has held steady since the electric guitar's invention in the 1930s.
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 notes and are common in metal and progressive rock but require different technique and learning.
- Twelve-string electrics exist but are less common and produce a fuller, chorus-like sound by doubling most strings.
- The number of strings you choose depends on the music you want to play and how comfortable you are learning a different neck width.
Seven-String and Eight-String Guitars Add Lower Notes
Some electric guitars have seven or eight strings. A seven-string guitar adds one extra string below the standard low E, usually tuned to B. An eight-string guitar adds two extra strings, typically tuned to F# and B below the standard set. These extra strings give you access to lower pitches and are especially popular in metal, progressive rock, and djent music.
The trade-off is that the neck becomes wider, which takes time to adjust to if you learned on a six-string. Your hand position changes, and chord shapes work differently. Many players who switch to seven or eight strings practice for weeks before the wider spacing feels natural. If you are just starting out, a standard six-string is usually the better choice.
Twelve-String Electrics Create a Fuller Sound
A twelve-string electric guitar has twelve strings arranged in six pairs. Most pairs are tuned to the same note, which creates a shimmering, chorus-like effect. The lowest four pairs are usually tuned an octave apart — the lower string is one octave below the higher one — while the top two pairs are tuned in unison.
Twelve-string guitars sound fuller and richer than six-string models, which is why they are popular for rhythm parts and acoustic-style playing on an electric. The downside is that the neck is noticeably wider and thicker, and the extra strings require more finger strength to press down. They are also heavier and less common in stores, so you may need to order one.
Less Common String Counts: Nine, Ten, and Beyond
Some manufacturers make nine-string, ten-string, and even higher-string guitars, though these are specialty instruments. A nine-string typically adds one string below the standard six, while a ten-string might add two or three. These are almost always custom orders or boutique models, not instruments you will find in a typical guitar shop.
Players who choose these instruments usually have a specific musical reason — extended range for composition, experimental tuning systems, or playing in a band where the guitar needs to cover both bass and lead parts. Unless you have a clear reason to explore beyond eight strings, you will find far more learning resources, replacement strings, and used instruments in the six, seven, and eight-string categories.
How String Count Affects What You Can Play
The number of strings changes what music sits comfortably under your fingers. A six-string guitar covers the range needed for rock, blues, country, pop, and most folk music. Seven and eight-string guitars open up lower tunings and extended range that suit metal, progressive rock, and modern alternative styles.
If you are learning to play, your first guitar should match the music you actually want to play. If you love classic rock and blues, a six-string is the right choice. If you are drawn to modern metal or progressive music, a seven-string might make sense. Switching later is possible, but starting with the right tool saves frustration.
What to Look for When Choosing a String Count
Before you buy a guitar with a non-standard string count, try one in person if you can. Visit a music store and hold a seven-string or eight-string to feel how the wider neck affects your hand. Spend five minutes playing straightforward chords and scales to get a real sense of the adjustment.
Also check what music you will actually be learning. If your teacher or the songs you want to learn are written for six strings, a seven or eight-string will require you to adapt the material yourself. Look at the cost of replacement strings too — specialty string counts are more expensive and harder to find than standard six-string sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the number of strings on my guitar?
You can add strings to some guitars, but it requires modifications to the headstock, nut, and bridge. It is usually cheaper and easier to buy a guitar with the string count you want rather than modify an existing one. If you already own a six-string and want to try seven strings, renting or borrowing one first is a smarter move.
Do seven-string guitars use the same tuning as six-string guitars?
A seven-string guitar keeps the standard six-string tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and adds a low B string below the low E. Some players tune the extra string differently depending on the music, but low B is the most common choice and the one most learning resources assume.
Are twelve-string guitars harder to play than six-string guitars?
Yes, twelve-string guitars require more finger strength because you are pressing down twice as many strings at once. The wider neck also takes adjustment. Most players find them harder to learn on, so they are better as a second guitar after you are comfortable with a six-string.
What string count do most professional musicians use?
Most professional musicians play six-string guitars because they work for nearly every genre and style. Seven and eight-string guitars are common in metal and progressive music but less so in rock, blues, country, and pop. Your choice should be based on the music you want to play, not what is most common.
Do I need special strings for a seven or eight-string guitar?
Yes, seven and eight-string guitars use different string sets than six-string guitars because the extra strings have different gauges and lengths. You cannot use a standard six-string set on a seven-string guitar. Specialty string sets are available from most major manufacturers but cost more and may take longer to order.