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 SR25 CuNiFe Blackguard Telecaster Heavy Relic Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst electric guitar

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The Fender Custom Shop SR25 CuNiFe Blackguard Telecaster Heavy Relic – Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst (NAMM Instrument) is a bold, showpiece-level take on one of Leo Fender’s most influential creations. Built by the elite luthiers at the Fender Custom Shop, this SR25 model merges early-’50s Blackguard DNA with innovative pickup pairing and expressive hardware, resulting in a Telecaster® that feels historic yet unmistakably unique.

Crafted with a resonant 2-piece ash body, this Telecaster delivers the unmistakable snap, clarity, and dynamic punch that made the original Blackguards legendary. The body is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer and treated to a Heavy Relic aging process, giving the Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst finish the look and feel of a road-worn classic. The lacquer checking, worn edges, and naturally aged patina create an instrument that feels decades old, while still performing at the highest modern standard. A ’51 Nocaster-style pickguard completes the authentic early-era aesthetic.

The quarter sawn maple neck is carved into a comfortable ’57 Style Soft “V” profile—substantial yet ergonomically refined. Measuring with a 1.650" bone nut width and a 25.5" scale length, it provides the articulate string tension and snap players expect from a traditional Tele platform. The 9.5" fingerboard radius offers a modern playing feel, perfectly paired with 21 Narrow Tall 6105 frets for effortless bends and articulate note definition. Micarta black dot inlays and a vintage-style slotted truss rod nut preserve the period-correct vibe, while the nitrocellulose lacquer neck finish enhances resonance and provides a smooth, broken-in feel. A 4-bolt vintage neck plate anchors the design with classic Fender construction.

Where this NAMM instrument truly sets itself apart is its versatile SH pickup configuration. In the bridge position, a Custom Shop Hand-Wound ’50-’51 Blackguard Telecaster pickup delivers the iconic bite, twang, and harmonic richness that define early Tele tone. In the neck, a Wide-Range CuNiFe humbucking pickup adds warmth, depth, and powerful articulation. CuNiFe magnets—famed for their clarity and unique response—produce a humbucker voice that retains top-end detail and note separation. Controlled by master Volume and Tone knobs with a 3-position toggle switch (Bridge / Bridge + Neck / Neck), the tonal palette ranges from cutting country snap to thick blues and rock textures, all with remarkable balance and clarity.

Adding to its expressive capability is a Bigsby B5 vibrato system, offering smooth, vintage-style shimmer and subtle pitch modulation without sacrificing tuning stability. Vintage-style tuning machines provide reliable performance and classic aesthetics, while nickel/chrome hardware, knurled chrome control knobs, and a barrel-style switch tip complete the authentically aged look. The guitar comes strung with nickel plated steel strings in .010–.046 gauges, delivering a balanced feel and tone right out of the case.

With its model number 9231016747 and distinctive Heavy Relic treatment, the Fender Custom Shop SR25 CuNiFe Blackguard Telecaster is more than a tribute—it’s a thoughtfully evolved instrument designed for players who appreciate heritage craftsmanship with expanded sonic flexibility. Delivered in a premium hard case, this right-handed Telecaster stands as both a collector-worthy NAMM showcase piece and a stage-ready tone machine built to inspire for decades to come.

Other specifications include:

Model Name: CuNiFe Black Guard Telecaster Heavy Relic - Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst
Model Number: 9231016747
Color: Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst
Body Shape: Telecaster®
Body Material: 2-Piece Ash
Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material: Quarter Sawn Maple
Neck Shape: 57 Style Soft "V"
Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241 mm)
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Narrow Tall 6105
String Nut: Bone
Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
Truss Rod Nut: Vintage-Style Slotted
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Vintage
Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Position Inlays: Micarta Black Dot
Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound 50-51 Blackguard Telecaster
Neck Pickup: Wide-Range CuNiFe Humbucking
Controls: Volume, Tone
Pickup Switching: 3-Position Toggle: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup
Pickup Configuration: SH
Bridge: Bigsby B5
Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
Orientation: Right-Hand
Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard: 51 Nocaster
Control Knobs: Knurled Chrome
Switch Tips: Barrel Style
Strings: Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges)
Hard Case
8 lbs 0 oz
#R143654

For more information about this Fender Custom Shop Instrument, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Fender Custom Shop
Actual Weight: 8.0
Series: Team Built
Body Style: Telecaster
Color: Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst
Model: SR25 CuNiFe Blackguard Telecaster Heavy Relic
Condition: Brand New

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New 1 in stock

SKU: R143654

Weight: 8 lbs 0 oz

Fender Custom Shop SR25 CuNiFe Blackguard Telecaster Heavy Relic - Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst/NAMM Event Instrument #R143654

$5,825.00

Condition:: New
UPC:: 885978865437

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Current Stock: 1

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Description

Other specifications include:

Model Name: CuNiFe Black Guard Telecaster Heavy Relic - Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst
Model Number: 9231016747
Color: Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst
Body Shape: Telecaster®
Body Material: 2-Piece Ash
Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material: Quarter Sawn Maple
Neck Shape: 57 Style Soft "V"
Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241 mm)
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Narrow Tall 6105
String Nut: Bone
Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
Truss Rod Nut: Vintage-Style Slotted
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Vintage
Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Position Inlays: Micarta Black Dot
Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound 50-51 Blackguard Telecaster
Neck Pickup: Wide-Range CuNiFe Humbucking
Controls: Volume, Tone
Pickup Switching: 3-Position Toggle: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup
Pickup Configuration: SH
Bridge: Bigsby B5
Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
Orientation: Right-Hand
Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard: 51 Nocaster
Control Knobs: Knurled Chrome
Switch Tips: Barrel Style
Strings: Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges)
Hard Case
8 lbs 0 oz
#R143654

For more information about this Fender Custom Shop Instrument, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Fender Custom Shop
Actual Weight: 8.0
Series: Team Built
Body Style: Telecaster
Color: Faded Aged 2 Color Sunburst
Model: SR25 CuNiFe Blackguard Telecaster Heavy Relic
Condition: Brand New