The guitar is one of those instruments that have become synonymous with modern music. It is definitely something that has been a part of many iconic images associated with this century. However, while most people are familiar with the general shape of the guitar, there can be some unfamiliarity when it comes to the number of strings it has. So, without further ado, let us find the answer to the question of “How many strings does a guitar have?”
Table of Contents
The Standard Number Of Guitar Strings: 6
While the guitar has a long and storied history that dates back many centuries, it didn’t have any standard rule for the number of strings it should have for most of its history. However, over the last century or two, guitar makers have settled on 6 strings as the standard, and even today, a large majority of guitars come with 6 strings. It has sufficed for most musical genres, but modern music has pushed for a few changes that we will touch upon in a moment.
One thing that is almost universal is the way in which the strings are arranged. If the guitar were to be positioned in its normal playing orientation. The top-most string would be the thickest, with each string below it being thinner. Thus, the lowest string would be the thinnest. The consequent pitch of the strings will be in reverse. The top-most string will have a heavy bass-rich sound because of its lower frequency. The bottommost string will be the shrillest. This does lead to some confusion when it comes to the way guitarists refer to the strings. Most guitarists categorize the strings based on the pitch. As such, guitarists call the top-most strings low, while the bottommost string is referred to as the highest string.
>>Also Read: How Long Do Guitar Strings Last?
The 7-String guitar
While an overwhelming number of guitars will feature six strings, the next most common configuration in terms of the number of strings is seven strings. Even though the six-string guitar is adequate enough for almost every type of guitar music out there, the popularity and growth of music with heavier guitar sounds, such as the various types of metal music, has led to a rise in the popularity of the seven-string guitar.
Drop-D tuning, in which the top-most string would be tuned down an entire step, can be thought of as the precursor to the 7-string guitar. This enabled guitarists to get interesting new tones out of the guitar while also making it easier to play certain parts like arpeggios. The disadvantage, though, was that it was inconvenient to keep changing the tuning. The 7-string guitar solved this problem by introducing a new string that could stay drop-tuned permanently.
Do you really need a 7-string guitar to play metal music, though? It certainly helps, and there are some songs that would be incredibly difficult to play on a regular 6-string guitar. Having said that, the 6-string has more than sufficed for some of the greatest metal guitarists.
The 8 and 8+ String Guitars
Now we are into the really rarefied section of guitars. While you will still find more than a few options when it comes to 7-string guitars, the number of options drastically reduces when you go looking for 8-string guitars. Anything more than 8 strings, and you are totally into custom guitar territory.
The big question is, who would need a guitar with eight or more strings? It does have its advantages, such as:
- Increases the musical range of the guitar
- Accomplished players can play the bass, rhythm, and lead parts all by themselves
- Looks cool and unique
- Opens up a whole new world of unique techniques and playing styles
While all these advantages might make these guitars seem very attractive, they also have their fair share of disadvantages
- Very difficult to procure
- Prices can be quite exorbitant as these guitars often have to be custom made by luthiers
- Spare parts can be difficult or even impossible to procure
- These guitars will be heavier, and reaching all the frets can be quite difficult
- A high level of proficiency in music theory and advanced guitar technique is needed to justify owning these guitars
- Not easy to find lessons and tutorials specifically for such guitars
To put it simply, if you find yourself asking if you need a guitar with eight or more strings, then you probably don’t need it. It is only for those people who find themselves constrained on a seven-string guitar. There is no harm in trying one out but invest in one only if you are absolutely sure that you need so many strings.
One Exception – The 12-String Acoustic Guitar
We do have to give the 12-string acoustic guitar a mention here. This is no crazy guitar with 12 strings spread out over a massive fretboard. Instead, it is pretty much sized like a regular 6-string guitar with sets of two strings in place of each string on a 6-string. This form of the guitar has been around for a long time and is instantly recognizable because of the abnormally long headstock that has to accommodate 12 tuning pegs.
Technically, it isn’t that different compared to a 6-string guitar. It just sounds busier because of all the extra harmonics you get, and that helps create a very lush sound without the need for effects. However, this sound is very easy to recreate with a 6-string and some effect pedals.
What Is The Maximum Number Of Strings On A Guitar?
As alluded to earlier, anything beyond 8 strings is usually the work of a luthier either to fulfill custom orders or to make a statement. The guitars with astounding numbers of strings generally fall in the latter category. YouTuber Steve Terreberry had the 20-string Djentar made specifically for a few videos. It had a fretboard that was wider than most guitars would be. Anything beyond that often features multiple necks. Some examples of such guitars include the 30-string Emerald Chimaera Triocha double-neck, the 36-string Hamer 5-neck guitar, and a 49-string guitar invented by Carlos Roberto Michelutti.
Do You Need More Than Six Strings On A Guitar?
There is a very strong case that can be made for an extra string or two over the standard six strings. It can expand your playability and push you to go deeper into the theory behind how music works. A few extra strings can reinvigorate your guitar playing. However, this only really comes into the picture if you have reached a very high level of proficiency on the standard guitar already.
>>Also Read: Are Fender Guitars Good?
Can You Play Music On Guitar With Fewer Than 6 Strings?
The bass guitar only has four strings, and music meant for a bass guitar can be played on just the top four strings of a guitar. Other versions of the guitar exist that only have three strings, such as some variants of the oil-can guitar.
Can You Play Music On Guitar With Missing Strings?
This depends on which strings are missing and how many. If it is one or two of the strings at the extremities that are missing, you could still play music. If it is one or more of the strings in the middle that are missing, then playing music can be a lot more challenging.
How Many Strings Do Guitars Have? – Final Thoughts
Guitars are versatile, and the huge variance in the number of strings just proves that. It adds a whole new dimension to what is possible with the guitar. Just make sure to always put what you need first before what you want, as a guitar with more strings won’t make you a great guitarist all by itself. Just remember, some of the greatest guitarists only ever needed a 6-string guitar to create history.
Leave a Reply