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.

Iris CH Distressed – All Mahogany Acoustic Guitar

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The Iris CH Distressed – All Mahogany is a singular and soulful instrument born from the collaboration between Iris Guitar Company and devoted customer and guitarist Cory Hollenhorst. More than just a namesake, the CH model represents Cory’s deep appreciation for vintage-inspired, stripped-down guitars with honest tonal character and timeless styling. With Cory’s input and vision, Iris crafted an all-mahogany model that radiates warmth, focus, and character—perfect for players who seek an expressive, earthy voice wrapped in an elegant, minimalist aesthetic.

Built with a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, the CH delivers the classic tone that all-mahogany guitars are cherished for: a warm, dry midrange with a sweet, mellow high end and strong fundamentals. The response is immediate and personal, ideal for fingerstyle playing, old-time blues, folk, or intimate singer-songwriter work. This tonewood combination offers exceptional clarity and presence while avoiding overt brightness—making it a compelling companion for both vocal accompaniment and solo instrumental work.

Beneath the top lies a thoughtful bracing design using scalloped Adirondack spruce tone bars, which add a touch of air and dynamic range to the otherwise woody and direct tone of mahogany. The mahogany neck, shaped into a comfortable C carve, offers a familiar and approachable feel that suits long playing sessions. Paired with an Indian rosewood fretboard (with a 16” radius and blind fret slots), the neck plays smoothly and cleanly, while small plastic dot inlays offer classic, understated position markers.

A rosewood bar bridge with slanted string holes ensures excellent string-to-top energy transfer, adding sustain and richness to every note. Thoughtful cosmetic touches abound: black/white/black top purfling, a matching rosette, and tortoise binding provide tasteful contrast to the dark warmth of the mahogany body. The tortoise pickguard reinforces the guitar’s vintage aesthetic, lending it an old-soul charm that feels immediately familiar.

Functional appointments complete the build with performance and longevity in mind. The guitar features a bone nut and saddle, off-white plastic bridge pins, and Golden Age relic brass tuners with off-white buttons, which lend an aged appearance while offering modern stability. A bolt-on mortise and tenon neck joint allows for greater serviceability, making the CH a smart long-term investment for any serious player.

Finished in a thin, open pore satin nitrocellulose lacquer, the CH retains its raw and organic character. This finish allows the body to vibrate freely, enhancing the natural tonal qualities of mahogany while also giving the guitar a lightly distressed, well-loved look and feel. At just 3 lb 6 oz, it’s remarkably lightweight, resonant, and inviting—an instrument you won’t want to put down. A TKL hard shell case is included to keep it safe wherever the road may lead.

The Iris CH Distressed is more than just a guitar—it’s a collaborative creation that channels the passion of a player and the craftsmanship of a builder into something enduring and expressive. Thanks to Cory’s inspiration and Iris’ expert execution, the CH stands as a tribute to the power of simplicity, the beauty of mahogany, and the magic that happens when a builder truly listens to the player.

Other specifications include:

Mahogany Top, Back & Sides
Scalloped Adi Spruce tone bars
Mahogany Neck (C Shape Carve)
Indian Rosewood Fretboard (16” Radius and Blind Fret Slots) and Bar Bridge with Slanted Holes.
B/W/B Top Purfling
Tortoise Binding
B/W/B Rosette
Small Plastic Dots on Fingerboard
Tortoise Pickguard
Bone Nut and Saddle
Off-White Plastic Bridge Pins
Bolt-on Mortise and Tenon Neck Joint
Golden Age Relic Brass Tuners with Off White Buttons
Open Pore Satin Nitrocellulose Finish
TKL Hard Shell Case
25" Scale Length
1 3/4” Nut Width
2 5/16" Bridge Spacing
3 lb 6 oz
#1319

For more information about this Iris acoustic guitar, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Iris
Body Style: CH
Actual Weight: 3.6
Condition: Brand New

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Iris DF Sunburst – Adirondack Spruce & Old Growth Honduran Mahogany

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Behind the Scenes at the Bourgeois Guitars Factory with Master Luthier Dana Bourgeois

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New 1 in stock

SKU: 1319

Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz

Iris CH Distressed - All Mahogany

$3,700.00

Condition:: New

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Current Stock: 1

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Description

Other specifications include:

Mahogany Top, Back & Sides
Scalloped Adi Spruce tone bars
Mahogany Neck (C Shape Carve)
Indian Rosewood Fretboard (16” Radius and Blind Fret Slots) and Bar Bridge with Slanted Holes.
B/W/B Top Purfling
Tortoise Binding
B/W/B Rosette
Small Plastic Dots on Fingerboard
Tortoise Pickguard
Bone Nut and Saddle
Off-White Plastic Bridge Pins
Bolt-on Mortise and Tenon Neck Joint
Golden Age Relic Brass Tuners with Off White Buttons
Open Pore Satin Nitrocellulose Finish
TKL Hard Shell Case
25" Scale Length
1 3/4” Nut Width
2 5/16" Bridge Spacing
3 lb 6 oz
#1319