How many guitar strings are there?

Most standard guitars have six strings. However, some guitars have 7, 8, or even 12 strings for extended range or special styles. For beginners and most players, the six-string setup is the norm and offers all the range needed for most genres

What are the Names of Guitar Strings?

The strings are named based on pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and high E. Starting from the thickest (lowest pitch) to the thinnest (highest pitch), the names go: E, A, D, G, B, E. A common acronym to remember the order of strings from thickest to thinnest is: Eddie Ate Dynamite; Good Bye Eddie.

What is the order of guitar strings?

From the thickest (top when holding the guitar) to the thinnest (bottom), the order is: 6th (Low E), 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), 1st (High E). Knowing the order helps with tuning, learning chords, and following guitar tabs.

What are some common materials for guitar strings?

Strings can be made from stainless steel, nickel, nylon, phosphor bronze, flat wound

How to Choose Guitar Strings?

If you play electric guitar, nickel-plated steel strings are the most common and work well for most genres, If you’re into blues or vintage rock, pure nickel gives a warmer tone, Stainless steel is a good pick if you want a sharp, bright sound with less corrosion, For acoustic guitars, phosphor bronze strings offer a rich tone with warmth and brightness, 80/20 bronze strings are another option, giving a brighter, punchier sound, Nylon strings are only for classical guitars or beginner nylon-string acoustics; never use them on a steel-string guitar.

What are winding types for guitar strings?

Roundwound strings, flatwound strings, half-round strings

What are roundwound guitar stirngs?

These are the most common type of winding type for guitar strings. They’re bright and have a textured feel, but can be noisy when fingers slide across.

What are flatwound guitar strings?

Smoother and darker sounding, flatwounds are popular in jazz and blues. They produce less finger noise but feel stiffer. They have a very smooth feel and produce a mellow, warm, and dark tone with less sustain and a more percussive attack.

What are half-wound guitar strings?

These are a middle ground between roundwound and flatwound strings. They offer a smoother feel than roundwounds with more brightness than flatwounds, but can be more expensive.

What type of strings are bass guitar strings?

These are thick, low-tuned strings made for bass guitars. They’re available in roundwound, flatwound, or tapewound.

What type of strings are classical guitar strings?

Classical guitar strings should only be made from nylon, as steel strings can damage a classical guitar’s neck and body.

What type of guitar strings to use on acoustic guitars?

Use bronze or phosphor bronze strings, usually with steel cores. Never use nylon or electric strings on an acoustic.

What type of strings should I use on an electric guitar?

Use nickel or stainless steel strings for an electric guitar. Acoustic-specific strings won’t work properly with magnetic pickups.

What are guitar string sizes or gauges?

String gauge refers to how thick the strings are. Thinner strings are easier to play; thicker ones are louder and more durable. Guitar strings come in extra light or super light (0.008-0.038), light (0.009-0.042), medium (0.01-0.046), and heavy (0.011-0.052)

How do I care for guitar strings?

Keep your strings clean by wiping them down after each use. Oils and sweat can make them corrode faster. Store your guitar in a case to protect strings from humidity and dust.

How Often Should I Replace My Guitar Strings?

If you play daily, change strings every 2–4 weeks. Occasional players can wait 1–2 months. Replace them when they sound dull, feel rough, or are hard to tune.

Can I Boil Guitar Strings to Clean Them?

Yes, boiling can temporarily remove grime and restore brightness, especially on bass strings. But it weakens the metal, so it’s not a long-term solution and we recommend just buying new strings instead.

Why Do My Guitar Strings Keep Breaking?

Common causes include sharp bridge edges, worn frets, over-tightening, or old strings. Make sure your guitar is properly set up and check for sharp spots.

What are some popular brands of guitar string?

D'Addario, NYXL (by D'Addario), Ernie Ball, Elixir, GHS Strings, Stringjoy, Fender

Steel vs nylon strings – which is better?

Neither is “better”; just better for you and your needs as a guitarist. Steel is for acoustic and electric guitars with bright, strong tones; nylon is for classical guitars and gives a soft, mellow sound.

How much are guitar strings?

Most sets cost between $5 and $20, depending on quality, type, and coating.

What are guitar strings made of?

Guitar strings are made from a variety of materials depending on the type of guitar. Electric guitar strings are usually made of steel, nickel, or stainless steel. Acoustic strings are often made from bronze, phosphor bronze, or brass. Classical guitar strings use nylon or a combination of nylon and silver-plated copper. Each material affects the tone, feel, and durability of the strings.

Can you put electric guitar strings on an acoustic?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Electric guitar strings are made for magnetic pickups and won’t sound right on an acoustic. They also have lower tension, which can affect the guitar’s tone and feel. For the best sound and playability, use acoustic strings on acoustic guitars.

Does acoustic string gauge make a difference?

Yes, it makes a major difference. Lighter gauges are easier to play and better for fingerpicking, but they can sound thinner and break more easily. Heavier gauges produce a fuller, louder sound and are better for strumming, but they’re harder on the fingers and may require a stronger setup.

How do I choose electric strings?

Start by considering your playing style and tone preference. If you want a bright tone and long life, stainless steel is great. For a warmer sound, try pure nickel. Light gauges are easier to play and bend, while heavier gauges offer more sustain and volume. Also, match your string type to your guitar’s scale length and setup.

Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1965 Heavy Relic Stratocaster Mercedes Blue electric guitar

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

Description
Media Gallery
Downloads

The Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1965 Heavy Relic Stratocaster in Mercedes Blue is a breathtaking tribute to mid-’60s Fender heritage, masterfully aged and meticulously crafted for discerning players and collectors alike. Showcased as Instrument #222 at the Custom Shop NAMM Event, this Limited Edition model captures the spirit of a road-worn 1965 Strat that has seen decades of stages, sessions, and stories—without sacrificing modern playability and precision.

Finished in a Heavy Relic lacquer, the Mercedes Blue body exudes authentic vintage character, complete with carefully worn edges, lacquer checking, and patina that mirror the natural aging of a beloved original. The lightweight 2-piece select alder body provides classic Stratocaster tonal balance—clear highs, punchy mids, and resonant lows—while Closet Classic hardware and plastics add subtle, time-earned authenticity. A 3-ply mint green pickguard completes the timeless aesthetic, perfectly complementing the aged finish and vintage vibe.

The quartersawn maple neck offers superior strength and stability, carved to a comfortable and substantial 1965 “C” back shape that feels instantly familiar in the hand. Topped with a dark 3A rosewood fingerboard, the neck features a modern 9.5" radius for effortless bends and fluid playability across all registers. Outfitted with 21 narrow tall 6105 frets, this Strat delivers precise articulation and smooth vibrato response, while the bone nut ensures optimal sustain and tuning clarity.

At the heart of this instrument lies a trio of Custom Shop hand-wound ’65 single-coil pickups, including a reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup for hum-canceling performance in positions two and four. These pickups faithfully recreate the shimmering chime, woody warmth, and dynamic touch sensitivity that define the golden era of Strat tone. Paired with modern Stratocaster wiring and 5-way switching, the guitar offers a versatile tonal palette—from glassy cleans and bell-like rhythm tones to biting leads and expressive blues textures.

The vintage-style 6-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge provides classic feel and expressive control, while vintage tuning machines with the Fender logo maintain period-correct aesthetics and reliable tuning stability. An American Vintage string tree with nylon spacer adds another authentic detail, reinforcing the meticulous attention given to every element of the build.

Presented in a deluxe hardshell case and accompanied by a strap and Certificate of Authenticity, this Custom Shop Limited Edition stands as both a performance-ready instrument and a collectible work of art. As showcased at the Custom Shop NAMM Event, the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1965 Heavy Relic Stratocaster in Mercedes Blue embodies the soul of a vintage icon—reimagined through the unparalleled craftsmanship of the Fender Custom Shop.

Other specifications include: