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.

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

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This vintage Rickenbacker 360/12 is a classic semi-hollow 12-string electric guitar, prized for its unmistakable chime, elegant design, and enduring collectability. Built with a maple semi-hollow body and a set-in maple neck, it delivers the bright, articulate tone and harmonic richness that have made the 360/12 a cornerstone of recorded music history.

The guitar features a comfortable 24 3/4" scale length with 21 frets, a rosewood fingerboard with pale white triangle inlays, and a 7 1/4" fingerboard radius, offering smooth playability and excellent note definition across the neck. Dual pickups wired in parallel mono configuration provide clarity, balance, and the signature Rickenbacker shimmer ideal for lush chords and melodic passages.

This example shows small finish cracks consistent with age, visible in the photos, and otherwise presents well. It is fitted with black hardware, deluxe vintage reproduction machine heads, a 6-way split saddle bridge, and a trapeze tailpiece. The trapeze tailpiece has been replaced; the original tailpiece is included in the case but is broken. Neck binding is present, and overall construction remains solid and resonant.

Weighing approximately 7 lbs 13 oz, the guitar balances comfortably whether played seated or standing. Included is a hard case for secure transport and storage. Serial number F37296.

A superb opportunity to own an iconic vintage Rickenbacker 360/12 with authentic character, classic tone, and undeniable visual appeal—ideal for players, collectors, or studio use.

Other specifications include:

Body Type Semi-Hollow
Small finish cracks (See Pictures)
No. Frets 21
Scale Length 62.9 cm (24 3/4'')
Neck Width at Nut 41.4 mm (1.63'')
Neck Width at 12th Fret 49.05 mm (1 .931'')
Crown Radius 18.4 cm (7 1/4'')
Body Wood Maple
Neck Wood Maple
Fingerboard Wood Rosewood
Weight 3.6 kg (8.0 lbs.)
Overall Length 101 cm (39 3/4'')
Overall Width 38.1 cm (15'')
Overall Depth 38.1 mm (1 1/2'')
Neck Binding Yes
Fret Marker Style Triangle pale white
Tailpiece Trapeze
Bridge 6-way split saddle
Neck Type Set-in
No. of Pickups 2
Output Type Parallel Mono
Machine Heads Deluxe Vintage repro
Hard Case
Black Hardware
Replaced Trapeze Tailpiece (Original in case *Broken*)
7 lbs 13 oz
F37296

For more information about the Rickenbacker 360/12, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Rickenbacker
Series: 360
Body Style: 12 String, Semi Hollow Body, 360
Actual Weight: 7.13
Color: Vintage White
Model: 360/12
Condition: Very Good

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Used 1 in stock

SKU: F37296

Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz

1990 - Rickenbacker 360/12 - Vintage White

$2,999.00

Condition:: Used

Quantity:

Current Stock: 1

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Description

Weighing approximately 7 lbs 13 oz, the guitar balances comfortably whether played seated or standing. Included is a hard case for secure transport and storage. Serial number F37296.

A superb opportunity to own an iconic vintage Rickenbacker 360/12 with authentic character, classic tone, and undeniable visual appeal—ideal for players, collectors, or studio use.

Other specifications include: