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.

Paul Reed Smith Private Stock 12138 McCarty 594 Singlecut Charcoal Burst Electric Guitar

PRS Private Stock Certificate of Authenticity

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The Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #12138 McCarty 594 Singlecut in Charcoal Burst is a masterfully crafted instrument that represents the absolute pinnacle of PRS design, tone, and artistry. Built through the Private Stock program, this guitar is a true one-of-one creation, combining vintage-inspired performance with modern refinement and extraordinary attention to detail. Every element—from wood selection to finish work—has been carefully chosen to deliver a visually striking and sonically powerful instrument worthy of the most discerning player or collector.

At its core, this Singlecut McCarty 594 features a stunning Curly Maple top with elegant Ebony binding, finished in a dramatic Charcoal Burst that highlights the depth and movement of the figured maple. The back is crafted from Swamp Ash and finished in a White Wash with black grain filler, offering a beautiful contrast while enhancing resonance and clarity. A Curly Maple neck carved to PRS’s revered Pattern Vintage profile provides a substantial yet comfortable feel, perfectly suited for expressive playing and classic tones.

The Ziricote fingerboard, bound in Ebony, adds a rich visual and tonal character, accented by White Mother of Pearl “J” bird inlays with Curly Maple centers—a Private Stock-exclusive detail that elevates the instrument’s elegance. Mother of Pearl side dots ensure clean visibility, while the matching Ziricote headstock veneer, also bound in Ebony, features a White Mother of Pearl Private Stock “J” Eagle inlay with a Curly Maple center, reinforcing the cohesive, luxurious aesthetic from headstock to body.

Finished in high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, this guitar resonates freely while showcasing the natural beauty of its premium tonewoods. The tonal foundation is driven by a pair of PRS 57/08 pickups in the bass and treble positions, delivering warm, articulate vintage-inspired tones with exceptional clarity and dynamic response. The electronics layout includes two volume controls, two push/pull tone controls for coil-splitting versatility, and a classic 3-way toggle, making this instrument equally at home in traditional and modern tonal territories.

Smoked Black hardware completes the refined look, including a PRS Gen III tremolo, PRS Phase III locking tuners with Ebony buttons, and a bone nut for enhanced tuning stability and sustain. Thoughtful details such as Ebony pickup rings, Swamp Ash backplates, clear lampshade control knobs, and a Ziricote truss rod cover further underscore the meticulous craftsmanship. Set up with PRS Signature .010 strings, this guitar arrives ready to perform at the highest level.

Housed in a Private Stock Black Paisley case, the Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #12138 McCarty 594 Singlecut is more than an instrument—it is a statement of artistry, tone, and exclusivity. With its high-gloss nitro finish, premium tonewoods, elegant inlays, smoked black hardware, and legendary 57/08 pickups, this guitar stands as a breathtaking example of what PRS Private Stock is capable of achieving.

Other features include:

Model: Singlecut 594 McCarty
Neck wood: Curly Maple
Fingerboard wood: Ziricote with Ebony binding
Top wood: Curly Maple with Ebony binding
Back wood: Swamp Ash
Headstock veneer wood: Ziricote with Ebony binding
Neck Carve: Pattern Vintage
Side dots: Mother of Pearl
Color / Stain: Charcoal Burst Top, White Wash with Black grain filler back
Fingerboard inlays: White Mother of Pearl "J" birds with Curly Maple centers
Headstock veneer inlays: White Mother of Pearl Private Stock "J" Eagle with Curly Maple center
Finish type: High Gloss Nitro
Pickups: Treble: 57/08 Bass: 57/08
Electronics: Two volume, two push/pull tone controls with a 3-way toggle
Hardware: Smoked Black PRS Gen III tremolo, PRS Phase III locking tuning pegs with Ebony buttons, Swamp Ash backplates, Ebony pickup rings, clear lampshade control knobs, a bone nut, and a Ziricote truss rod cover
Set-Up: PRS Signature .010
Case type: Private Stock Black Paisley
Specials: High gloss nitro finish, Curly Maple top with Ebony binding, Swamp Ash back, Curly Maple Neck, Ziricote Fingerboard & headstock veneer with Ebony binding, White Mother of Pearl " J" bird inlays with curly maple centers, Smoked Black Hardware, and features 57/08 Pickups
8 lbs 6 oz
#416401

For more information about the PRS Private Stock instrument, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Paul Reed Smith
Actual Weight: 8.6
Series: Private Stock
Body Style: McCarty 594 Singlecut
Color: Charcoal Burst
Model: McCarty 594 Singlecut
Condition: Brand New

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Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #9951 Hollowbody II McCarty 594 – Koa (Basic Demo)

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New 1 in stock

SKU: 416401

Weight: 8 lbs 6 oz

Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #12138 McCarty 594 Singlecut - Charcoal Burst

$15,999.00

Condition:: New
UPC:: n/a

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Current Stock: 1

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Description

Other features include:

Model: Singlecut 594 McCarty
Neck wood: Curly Maple
Fingerboard wood: Ziricote with Ebony binding
Top wood: Curly Maple with Ebony binding
Back wood: Swamp Ash
Headstock veneer wood: Ziricote with Ebony binding
Neck Carve: Pattern Vintage
Side dots: Mother of Pearl
Color / Stain: Charcoal Burst Top, White Wash with Black grain filler back
Fingerboard inlays: White Mother of Pearl "J" birds with Curly Maple centers
Headstock veneer inlays: White Mother of Pearl Private Stock "J" Eagle with Curly Maple center
Finish type: High Gloss Nitro
Pickups: Treble: 57/08 Bass: 57/08
Electronics: Two volume, two push/pull tone controls with a 3-way toggle
Hardware: Smoked Black PRS Gen III tremolo, PRS Phase III locking tuning pegs with Ebony buttons, Swamp Ash backplates, Ebony pickup rings, clear lampshade control knobs, a bone nut, and a Ziricote truss rod cover
Set-Up: PRS Signature .010
Case type: Private Stock Black Paisley
Specials: High gloss nitro finish, Curly Maple top with Ebony binding, Swamp Ash back, Curly Maple Neck, Ziricote Fingerboard & headstock veneer with Ebony binding, White Mother of Pearl " J" bird inlays with curly maple centers, Smoked Black Hardware, and features 57/08 Pickups
8 lbs 6 oz
#416401