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.

Bourgeois OMC Custom – Sinker Redwood & Cocobolo Acoustic Guitar

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

Description
Media Gallery
Downloads

The Bourgeois OMC Custom - Sinker Redwood & Cocobolo is a remarkable expression of tonal sophistication and refined craftsmanship, built by one of the most iconic names in modern acoustic guitar luthiery. Dana Bourgeois has been a pioneering force in the world of high-end acoustic guitars for decades. His meticulous attention to detail, commitment to tonewood science, and deep reverence for traditional guitar-building methods have earned him a reputation as a master of voicing and balance. Today, that legacy continues with James Witkus, Bourgeois’ Master Luthier, whose expert craftsmanship and tonal intuition ensure that every instrument leaving the Bourgeois shop meets the highest standards of excellence.

This custom OMC is a uniquely inspiring creation, featuring a rare Sinker Redwood top that offers a lush, nuanced tonal response. Reclaimed from riverbeds after decades underwater, Sinker Redwood is prized for its aged, resonant character. It brings a deep warmth, clear overtones, and a responsiveness that rivals the finest spruce. Paired with rich Cocobolo back and sides, the guitar delivers powerful projection and strong low-end presence while maintaining crisp articulation across the entire register. Adirondack spruce braces add structural strength and further enhance the dynamic range, giving the guitar the ability to respond equally well to delicate fingerstyle or bold strumming.

Visually, this OMC is a feast for the eyes. It is adorned with koa binding throughout the body, fretboard, and headstock, adding golden hues that contrast beautifully against the dark Cocobolo and redwood. The top is framed with elegant black and white purfling and centered by the DB Signature wood rings rosette, which offers a contemporary yet organic touch. The backstrip, heel cap, and endpiece are all rendered in koa as well, tying the aesthetic together with graceful continuity.

The square headstock features Bourgeois’ diamond head shape, with a deep Ziricote veneer that anchors the look in rich earth tones. Gold Waverly tuners with snakewood buttons add a final note of luxury. The ebony fretboard is free of inlays, allowing the natural wood grain to shine and giving the instrument a clean, modern aesthetic. A traditional belly bridge made of ebony maintains visual and tonal cohesion with the fretboard.

Other appointments include a cutaway for full access to the upper register, a satin neck finish for smooth playability, and high gloss finishes on the headstock and body that enhance the depth and complexity of the woods. The guitar uses standard glue construction, and every component is carefully assembled with the precision and care Bourgeois is known for.

With a long scale length of 25.5 inches, a nut width of 1 3/4 inches, and a bridge spacing of 2 5/16 inches, this OMC Custom offers comfort and versatility for a wide range of playing styles. Weighing just 4 lbs 12 oz, it feels balanced and resonant in hand, with every note blooming effortlessly from the soundboard.

This guitar is a tribute to Dana Bourgeois' legacy and James Witkus' master-level craftsmanship. It is a concert-level instrument for the serious player, a collector's dream, and an inspiring partner for anyone who values tone, beauty, and tradition at the highest level.

Other specifications include: