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.

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special HH Bass Guitar in Oxblood

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The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special HH in Oxblood is a powerhouse of bold design, legendary tone, and modern refinement—a bass that commands attention both visually and sonically. Drenched in a deep, sophisticated Oxblood gloss finish, this StingRay 5 Special exudes vintage class with a modern edge. The sleek black pickguard slices across the rich body color, adding a touch of attitude that hints at the aggressive yet versatile tones waiting under the hood.

Crafted from select hardwood, the StingRay’s contoured body is as comfortable as it is iconic. Measuring 13-3/8 inches wide, 1-5/8 inches thick, and 45-3/4 inches long, it’s perfectly proportioned for balance whether you’re standing center stage or locked in a groove in the studio. Tipping the scales at a solid yet comfortable 9 lbs 2 oz, this bass delivers a reassuring presence without weighing you down during marathon sets.

The neck of the StingRay 5 Special HH is a thing of pure player-focused beauty. A select roasted maple neck provides incredible stability and a touch of warmth to the overall tone, while the fretted fingerboard feels fast and responsive beneath your fingertips. Finished with Ernie Ball Music Man’s signature gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax blend, the neck’s natural feel is addictively smooth—ready for everything from rapid-fire slap lines to soulful, singing runs. An 11-inch neck radius and the generous width—1-3/4 inches at the nut expanding to 2-3/4 inches at the last fret—make it a dream for players who crave space and precision. The 22 high-profile, wide stainless steel frets promise smooth bending and lasting durability, gig after gig.

Hardware is designed for total reliability. The custom lightweight tuning machines sport tapered string posts and ergonomic clover keys that make tuning quick and stable. The 5-bolt neck attachment guarantees perfect alignment with zero shifting, while the sculpted neck joint provides unhindered access all the way up the fingerboard. Need to tweak your setup? The adjustable truss rod is easily accessible—no need to remove strings or parts when the action calls for fine-tuning.

But where this StingRay really flexes its muscle is in its electronics. Outfitted with a pair of powerful neodymium humbuckers, this HH configuration serves up a massive range of tones—from classic StingRay punch to thunderous low end and articulate highs with extra girth and growl. The 3-way lever switch lets you explore different pickup combinations with ease, while the robust 3-band active preamp, powered by an 18-volt system, gives you unmatched headroom and tonal control. Dial in sparkling treble, tight mids, and chest-thumping bass to sculpt your signature sound—whether you’re holding down a deep groove or pushing the mix forward with authority.

Complete shielding—including a graphite acrylic resin-coated body cavity and an aluminum-lined pickguard—ensures your tone stays noise-free under the harshest stage lights. Strung with Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass strings (.045–.130), the StingRay 5 Special HH is ready to thunder straight out of its included EBMM/Mono case.

With the StingRay 5 Special HH in Oxblood, Ernie Ball Music Man has crafted a bass that’s more than an instrument—it’s an invitation to own the stage, drive the groove, and leave a lasting impression every time you plug in. It’s everything players love about the iconic StingRay, reimagined for a new generation who refuse to settle for anything less than extraordinary.

Other specifications include:

Size 13-3/8" wide, 1-5/8" thick, 45-3/4" long (34.0 cm wide, 4.1 cm thick, 116.2 cm long)
Weight 9 lbs, 2 oz (4.16 kg) - varies slightly
Body Wood Select Hardwood
Body Finish Gloss
Black Pickguard
Scale Length 34" (86.4 cm)
Neck Radius 11" (27.9 cm)
Headstock Size Only 9" (22.9 cm) long
Frets 22 - High profile, wide, Stainless Steel
Neck Width 1-3/4" (44.5 mm) at nut 2-3/4"" (69.9 mm) at last fret
Neck Wood Select roasted maple neck
Fingerboard Fretted
Neck Finish Gunstock oil and hand-rubbed special wax blend
Neck Colors Standard – Natural with finished headstock
Tuning Machines Custom Music Man, lightweight with tapered string posts and ergonomic clover design
Truss Rod Adjustable - no component or string removal
Neck Attachment 5 bolts - perfect alignment with no shifting; Sculpted neck joint allows smooth access to higher frets
Electronic Shielding Graphite acrylic resin coated body cavity and aluminum lined pickguard
Controls 3-band active preamp with 18 volts of headroom; vol, treble, mid, bass
Switching Single Pickup - 3-way lever pickup selector
Pickups Two Humbucking with Neodymium magnets
Left Handed No
Strings 45w-65w-80w-100w-130w (Regular Slinky Bass #2836)
Build Code 208-OXB-10-01-MB-CR
EBMM/Mono Case
9 lbs 2 oz
#K07086

For more information about the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special HH, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Ernie Ball Music Man
Series: Stingray 5
Body Style: 5 String
Color: Oxblood
Model: StingRay 5 Special HH
Actual Weight: 8.4
Condition: Brand New

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SKU: K07086

Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special HH - Oxblood

$2,949.00

Condition:: New
UPC:: 749699127482

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Description

Other specifications include:

Size 13-3/8" wide, 1-5/8" thick, 45-3/4" long (34.0 cm wide, 4.1 cm thick, 116.2 cm long)
Weight 9 lbs, 2 oz (4.16 kg) - varies slightly
Body Wood Select Hardwood
Body Finish Gloss
Black Pickguard
Scale Length 34" (86.4 cm)
Neck Radius 11" (27.9 cm)
Headstock Size Only 9" (22.9 cm) long
Frets 22 - High profile, wide, Stainless Steel
Neck Width 1-3/4" (44.5 mm) at nut 2-3/4"" (69.9 mm) at last fret
Neck Wood Select roasted maple neck
Fingerboard Fretted
Neck Finish Gunstock oil and hand-rubbed special wax blend
Neck Colors Standard – Natural with finished headstock
Tuning Machines Custom Music Man, lightweight with tapered string posts and ergonomic clover design
Truss Rod Adjustable - no component or string removal
Neck Attachment 5 bolts - perfect alignment with no shifting; Sculpted neck joint allows smooth access to higher frets
Electronic Shielding Graphite acrylic resin coated body cavity and aluminum lined pickguard
Controls 3-band active preamp with 18 volts of headroom; vol, treble, mid, bass
Switching Single Pickup - 3-way lever pickup selector
Pickups Two Humbucking with Neodymium magnets
Left Handed No
Strings 45w-65w-80w-100w-130w (Regular Slinky Bass #2836)
Build Code 208-OXB-10-01-MB-CR
EBMM/Mono Case
9 lbs 2 oz
#K07086