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.

Ultimate Guitar Body Style Guide

Oct 6th 2025

Guitar Body Style Guide (and Which Is Right for You)

Choosing the right guitar body style can change everything, from comfort and playability to tone and stage presence. Whether you’re drawn to the airy resonance of acoustic shapes or the bold contours of electrics, knowing what suits your needs will guide you toward your perfect match.

Guitar Body Types

There are three major body types for guitars: hollow, semi-hollow, and solid.

Hollow Body

Hollow-body guitars’ primary feature is a hollow chamber. Their classic archtop shape offers warm, resonant tones and excellent projection. The hollow design gives a rich, woody character, but can be more prone to feedback at high volume. They’re often favored in jazz and blues for their expressive tonal response and full-bodied sound.

Semi-Hollow

Semi-hollow guitars feature a solid center block with hollow wings. This hybrid design combines acoustic warmth with better feedback resistance; this type is perfect for rock, blues, and indie players. The slimmer offset body makes them lightweight and comfortable, while offering sustain and resonance that bridge the gap between solid and hollow instruments.

Solid Body

Solid-body guitars are fully solid (usually wood) and purely electric. Their dense construction suppresses feedback and boosts sustain, making them ideal for high-gain, distorted tones. Common shapes like Strat or Les Paul are ergonomically contoured for comfort, and their focused response suits everything from rock and metal to pop and funk.

Guitar Body Styles & Shapes

Beyond body types, guitars also come in a wide range of body styles, with some shapes being exclusive to acoustic instruments and some to electric models.

Acoustic Guitar Body Shapes

Dreadnought

A dreadnought guitar features a large, boxy shape and deep body. Its powerful bass response, strong projection, and balanced midrange make it perfect for strumming and live play. Though it can feel bulky, it’s a go-to for singer-songwriters and many acoustic pros.

Jumbo

Jumbo acoustics are even larger than dreadnoughts, with rounded shoulders and a sweeping lower bout. They deliver booming bass and expansive volume, making them ideal for big strum styles and studio projection, though they are less portable for small spaces.

Parlor

Small-bodied and slender, parlor guitars are easy to hold and ideal for fingerstyle playing. Their tight midrange cuts through mixes and intimate settings, making them a favorite for blues and folk without sacrificing comfort.

Grand Auditorium

Mid-sized and well-balanced, grand auditorium guitars blend portability with tonal warmth. Their slightly narrow waist makes playing easier, while offering responsive mids and clear highs, so they are versatile for fingerstyle, strumming, and light accompaniment.

Grand Concert

Even smaller than the grand auditorium, these guitars are compact with a focused, intimate tone. Great for studio work or travel, they pair well with lighter playing and smaller hands, delivering clarity over brute volume.

Electric Guitar Body Shapes

Fender Telecaster

The Tele’s simple, slab-like single-cut body gives bell-like clarity and snappy attack. It’s lightweight and comfortable, and its bright tone suits country, rock, and blues with clean articulation.

Fender Jaguar

The offset-contour Jaguar features a unique, curvy body and shimmering tone. Shorter scale length adds warmth and playability, making it great for surf, alternative, and indie genres with its moody, jangly voice.

Fender Jazzmaster (Offset)

Slightly larger than a Jaguar, the Jazzmaster shape provides balance and smooth tonal range. Known for its mellow, dreamy tone and versatile rhythm response, it’s well-suited to indie, shoegaze, and jazz.

Fender Stratocaster

The Strat‘s double-cut, contoured body is ergonomic and iconic. With three pickups and a tremolo, it offers flexible tone options (from glassy cleans to fiery blues), making it a go-to for rock, pop, funk, and beyond.

Gibson Les Paul

Featuring a thick, carved top and chunkier feel, the Les Paul offers warmth and sustain with a rich midrange. Its heavier body produces thick, creamy tones ideal for rock, hard rock, and classic blues.

Gibson SG

With its lightweight double-cutaway design, the SG gives easy upper fret access and fast playability. Its bright, biting tone and lighter feel make it popular in rock and metal, favoring players who hammer riffs with speed and comfort.

Gibson Flying V

The Flying V’s pointed, futuristic body looks great on stage and offers aggressive tone with punchy mids and clear highs. It’s bold in both shape and sound; this style is perfect for rock and metal showmanship.

Gibson Explorer

The angular Explorer shares the V’s radical vibe while delivering powerful tone and strong sustain. Its shape helps with balance and gives a commanding presence for genres that lean toward bold performance and heavy riffs.

Gibson ES-335

A semi-hollow icon with dual f-holes and a solid center block, the ES‑335 delivers warm, resonant voicing with less feedback. It’s versatile, comfortable to play, and bridges jazz, blues, and rock beautifully.

Ibanez Iceman

With an asymmetric, contoured body and sharper lines, the Iceman brings modern aesthetics and rock-ready tone. It’s lightweight, fast, and delivers sharp attack; it’s great for hard rock and metal guitarists who prioritize agility and stage presence.

Picking the Right Guitar Body Style

Picking the right guitar design for your needs isn’t always an easy decision, although keeping the following in mind can guide you to the right choice.

Type of Guitar

If you prefer unplugged playing or acoustic tone, lean toward steel-string acoustics like dreadnought or auditorium. For amplified tone versatility, choose electric bodies: solid for aggressive styles, hollow or semi-hollow for warmer, jazzier voices. If you have difficulty choosing between the two, explore electric-acoustic hybrids.

Genre

Different genres favor different shapes:

Jazz and blues pros often choose hollow or semi-hollow like ES‑335.
Country players love a Telecaster‘s twang.
Rockers gravitate toward Strat or Les Paul styles.
Modern imprints like Flying V or Explorer suit metal.
Folk and pop artists often use dreadnought or grand auditorium acoustics.

Playstyle

Strummers may prefer the projection of dreadnoughts or jumbos while fingerstylists often favor parlors or grand auditoriums for clarity. Shredders benefit from lightweight solid bodies like the SG or Iceman while solo performers may choose Strat or Les Paul for tone variety.

Performance Location

Where you perform can influence the type of guitar you favor. At home, lighter and smaller bodies (parlor, grand auditorium, SG) suit comfort. On stage, dreadnoughts project well acoustically, while solid electrics resist feedback live. In studios, semi-hollows and acoustics with warm resonance give rich recording tones.

Experience

How much experience a guitar player has can influence the body style they choose.

Beginners may start with manageable, lighter instruments like grand auditorium or SG. Intermediate players will appreciate Strat, Les Paul, Telecaster shapes with versatile tone. Experts or collectors seek iconic or niche shapes (like ES‑335, Flying V, or rare body styles) for specific tonal and aesthetic appeal.

Keep your own experience and future goals in mind when perusing your options.

Body Size

The size of both the guitar player and the instrument can make a difference. Smaller players or those preferring compact instruments benefit from parlor, grand concert, or SG shapes. Larger-bodied guitars like dreadnoughts and jumbos are ideal for broader hands and full, powerful sound.

Try out different instruments to see which one feels best in your hands.

Guitar Body Type FAQs

How many guitar body types are there?

There are three broad categories: hollow, semi-hollow, and solid-body. Each category spans multiple styles, from large-bodied acoustics like jumbos to streamlined electric designs like Strats and Les Pauls.

What is the best body shape for a guitar?

No single shape is “best.” It depends on your playing style, comfort, and tone preferences. Dreadnoughts offer projection for strummers, while parlor guitars offer portability and clarity. Solid-body electrics suit high-gain tones; hollow bodies give warm resonance. Try different shapes to see what feels and sounds right to you.

What are the different styles of guitars?

Styles of guitars include steel-string acoustics (dreadnought, jumbo, parlor, auditorium), classical guitars, solid-body electrics (Strat, Les Paul, SG), semi-hollow electrics (ES‑335), and hollow-body archtops. Each style offers its own tone, feel, and genre affinity.

Does the shape of an electric guitar matter?

Yes, shape affects playability, weight, and tone. Contoured bodies (Strat) offer comfort, double cutaways provide easy fret access, and dense bodies (Les Paul) offer sustain. Aesthetic elements also signal genre and stage presence.

Which electric guitar body shape is right for you?

Choose based on comfort, tone, and genre vibe. For example, many choose Strats for versatile tone, Les Pauls for sustain and warmth, SGs for lightweight play, Telecasters for twang, and Flying Vs or Explorers for visual impact in rock and metal.

What is a parlor acoustic guitar?

A parlor guitar is a small-bodied acoustic with a narrow waist and compact size. It offers focused midrange tone and excellent playability; it is ideal for fingerstyle and relaxed, intimate playing.

What are the benefits to a hollow-body electric guitar?

Hollow-body electrics provide airy warmth, natural resonance, and a vintage tone beloved in jazz and blues. Their lighter weight offers comfort, though they require mic’ing or moderate volume setups to avoid feedback.

How does the body shape of a guitar affect its sound?

Body shape affects resonance, projection, tone balance, and sustain. Tight waists give focused mids; large bodies deliver depth and volume. The material and shape define tonal color, from bright clarity to mellow warmth, and sustain properties.

Pick the Right Body Style

Knowing the guitar body style that matches your tone, comfort, and style takes the guesswork out of choosing. Whether you’re chasing acoustic warmth or electric edge, start your search at Eddie’s Guitars; our expert staff and test-ready instruments will help you find your perfect match, body and all.

Expert Insight From: Alejandro Montero – Electric & Acoustic Guitar Expert
Alejandro has over a decade of experience in the music retail industry and a vast knowledge of electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. His hands-on experience helps ensure our guides and insights are grounded in real-world expertise.

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