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.

Gibson Custom Shop PSL Les Paul Ultima "Tree of Life" Cobra Burst electric guitar

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

Description
Media Gallery
Downloads

The Gibson Custom Shop PSL Les Paul Ultima “Tree of Life” in Cobra Burst is a breathtaking expression of artistry, craftsmanship, and tone—an heirloom-grade instrument that elevates the Les Paul to its most ornate and luxurious form. Designed as part of the exclusive PSL (Premier Select Line), this Ultima represents the pinnacle of Gibson Custom’s decorative and tonal mastery, combining exquisite materials with meticulous handcrafting to create a guitar that is as inspiring visually as it is musically.

Built in the iconic Les Paul body style, the foundation begins with a solid mahogany back paired with a stunning two-piece quilted maple top. The mahogany body is chambered for enhanced resonance and improved balance, offering a lively, open tonal character while maintaining the sustain and depth synonymous with the Les Paul name. There is no traditional weight relief pattern—allowing the chambering and tonewoods to speak naturally—resulting in a rich, harmonically complex voice. The dramatic Cobra Burst finish highlights the deep, three-dimensional figuring of the quilted maple, shifting beautifully under light and framed by luxurious multi-ply abalone binding that adds a radiant, high-end aesthetic.

The neck is carved from flame maple and shaped into a comfortable Medium C profile, measuring approximately .82" at the first fret and .965" at the twelfth. This carve provides a balanced feel—substantial enough for confident chord work yet smooth and fast for articulate lead playing. With a traditional 24.75" scale length and a 1.687" Corian nut, the guitar delivers the familiar Les Paul response: supple string tension, warm sustain, and effortless bending. The ebony fingerboard offers a sleek, glassy playing surface and is fitted with 22 medium-jumbo frets, enhanced by rolled white and abalone binding over the fret ends for a seamless, luxurious feel along the neck’s edges.

The visual centerpiece of the instrument is its breathtaking Pearl and Abalone “Tree of Life” inlay, intricately set into the ebony fingerboard. This elaborate pattern transforms the guitar into a true work of art, showcasing Gibson Custom’s precision inlay craftsmanship and attention to detail. The abalone binding and ornate fretboard design are complemented by gold-finished hardware, creating a regal aesthetic that perfectly suits the Ultima name.

Tonally, the Les Paul Ultima is equipped with Gibson 490R and 490T humbuckers in the neck and bridge positions. The 490R delivers warm, expressive tones with smooth articulation—ideal for lyrical leads and full-bodied rhythm textures—while the 490T in the bridge position provides focused output, tight lows, and singing sustain. Together, they offer a versatile range that spans blues, classic rock, and beyond. The electronics feature a hand-wired harness with two 500K CTS volume pots and two 500K CTS tone pots, along with a Switchcraft toggle switch, ensuring clarity, reliability, and dynamic responsiveness. The traditional Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece maximize sustain and precise intonation, while Grover tuners with kidney buttons provide dependable tuning stability.

Finishing touches include black speed knobs that contrast elegantly against the Cobra Burst top and gleaming gold hardware, tying together the instrument’s bold yet refined presentation. Every detail—from the chambered mahogany body to the rolled fretboard binding—reflects Gibson Custom Shop’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Gibson Custom Shop PSL Les Paul Ultima “Tree of Life” Cobra Burst (Model LPCPSL000000284) arrives in a Gibson Custom hardshell case and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. More than a guitar, it is a statement piece—an extraordinary fusion of sonic power and visual splendor, crafted for collectors and players who demand nothing less than the finest expression of the Les Paul legacy.

Other specifications Include: